Published 17 May 2023
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 LQBTQIA+ community - welcoming local people in unity and solidarity, enjoying the day in love and friendship.
The event. which has been produced in collaboration with members of the borough’s LGBTQIA+ community, Bracknell Forest Council and The Lexicon, and will run between 12.00 noon to 7.00 pm in Bond Square.
Hosted by local personality Brad Clapson, the day will see acts and performers from the LGBTQIA+ community take to the stage, including musicians, dancers and drag queens!
Entertainment will be suitable for adults and children alike with free glitter stations for over eights and free face painting for all (terms apply).
You can find Qs & As about Bracknell Forest Pride here
| Artemis College
a leading vocational college in Bracknell, Berkshire, offering professional full time training, gap year courses at level 3 and 4 & holiday intensives to ambitious young performers aged 16 and 19+ in South Hill Park Arts Centre. | 12noon |
| Steph Willis
a writer and performer from the UK. Being a co-writer and singer for other artists for many years, Steph is now co-writing and releasing music through Uniq Recording Artists. Take each song as an individual snapshot of music. Because you don't have to just fit in a box anymore! | 12:45pm |
| The Dani Harmer Academy
is for children and young adults who want to develop their skills, or those who are just shy and looking to gain in confidence. A safe, friendly and fun environment to learn and explore the performing arts, from drama classes and singing lessons to dance workshops and much more. | 1:30pm |
| Abi Powell
a local musician and singer from Bracknell who plays a variety of music from 60s to present day including writing her own music. | 2:15pm |
| BARTA Theatre Academy
a performing arts academy that delivers the highest level of dance, vocal and drama training in 2 and 3 hour sessions for our students from the age of 6 to 21. | 3pm |
| That Joe Payne and Band
demonstrating an impressive 5-octave range and flamboyant showmanship, award-winning progressive rock vocalist That Joe Payne and his band make their first visit to Bracknell, performing fan-favourites such as 'What is the World Coming To', ‘Live the Dream’ and ‘Falling in Love is Easy’. | 3:45pm |
| EJ: A Tribute to Elton John
a musical project by husband and wife team Kayleigh and Ted Robinson, celebrating the music of Elton John. Performing previously at Reading Pride, Surrey Winter Pride and Bracknell Festival of Food and Music | 4:35pm |
| Kinky Boots
a sassy, feel-good musical based on the Tony award-winning show that was a Broadway sensation. Based on true events, this huge-hearted hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common. Produced by South Hill Park, this show features a cast of local talent and fabulous score, with original music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, this is a dazzling and uplifting show sure to make pride sparkle. | 5:25pm |
| LM Live, a tribute to Little Mix
a combined experience in the tribute world of over 20 years and although this is a new tribute, we have all performed together in other tributes (including Spice Girls & Little Mix) for many years. | 6:20pm |
Also appearing as part of Bracknell Forest Pride will include
Bunny Galore (appearing between 5pm and 7pm)
BGT semi finalist with Dame Nation, host of cult movie show Movie Nightmares on Sky TV, and podcast Horror Motel & Bunny and the Beast; plus
Big Jay the drag artist (appearing between 2pm and 4pm)
A local drag monarch running Iota Events in Reading. They are the drag parent of "House of Big" and known for the most colourful, most queer chaos!
Pride month is about acceptance, equality and celebrating the work of LGBTQIA+ people. It is also about increasing education of LGBTQIA+ history and raising awareness of issues affecting the wider community. We know that it’s not simply a time of celebration, it’s also a chance for people to find the support they need in a helpful and inclusive environment.
At Bracknell Forest Pride, visitors will have a chance to visit an information marquee and speak to people from supportive organisations like MyUmbrella, Support U, and the NHS. You can speak to people about how you're feeling, where to go for support or who to approach for advice. There will also be an area to chill out and maybe even take a selfie.
You can find out all the details about who will be there on the BFC website.
The times above are approximate and may differ on the day.
Please note there will be photographers and/or videographers in town for Bracknell Forest Pride. Images taken will be used by The Lexicon and Bracknell Forest Council for publicity and marketing purposes.
