Bracknell Forest stages its first ever Pride festival

Bracknell Forest’s first ever Pride festival will arrive in the town centre on Saturday 10 June.

The family friendly event will celebrate and support the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. It will be about welcoming local people in unity and solidarity, enjoying the day in love and friendship.

The event has been produced in collaboration with members of the borough’s LGBTQIA+ community, Bracknell Forest Council and The Lexicon. It will run from midday to 7pm in Bond Square.

Hosted by local celebrity Brad Clapson, the day will feature acts and performers from the LGBTQIA+ community. This will include musicians, dancers and drag queens.

As well as the free entertainment, there will be a marquee full of friendly and helpful advice available. These include representatives from SupportU, MyUmbrella, Involve Community Services and the NHS.

Plus, Bracknell and Wokingham College will be creating a rainbow paper chain for people to write their own lovely messages of hope, support and love on. This will be combined to create a fabulous artistic display of solidarity and inclusion.

Additionally, there will be free glitter stations for over eights and free face painting for children and adults.

Cllr Mary Temperton, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said:

“I’m delighted that Bracknell Forest will be hosting its first ever Pride festival on 10 June. I hope as many people as possible come along and take part in this celebration of love, friendship, and unity.

“The event will bring together a range of free family activities and entertainment that reflects and celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community. It will also have a wealth of advice and support available for anyone who has questions or needs more support.

“Thank you to everyone from our LGBTQIA+ community who has been working with us, The Lexicon and other partners to shape the day. We are proud to show our support for Pride. Though we know we have a long way to go, it’s a celebration of how far we have come and of the wider importance of the LGBTQIA+ community to our borough.”

Gavin Vidler, Deputy General Manager at The Lexicon says:

“We are delighted to be holding the first ever Bracknell Forest Pride at The Lexicon. It promises to be a day full of fun and celebration for all the family to enjoy.”

Phillip Bell, Chief Executive Officer of Involve said:

“Involve Community Services is delighted to be part of the planning committee for Bracknell Forest’s first Pride Celebration. We very much look forward to supporting on the day, celebrating the diversity of our vibrant borough”.

The Progress Pride flag will be flown outside Time Square for most of June, in celebration of the whole of Pride month.

You can see the full line up on the The Lexicon website.