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 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 and will be suitable for adults and children alike.
As well as the free entertainment, there will be a marquee full of friendly and helpful advice from partners such as SupportU, MyUmbrella, and Involve.
Plus, students from Bracknell and Wokingham College will be creating a rainbow paperchain 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 and 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 but 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 LQBTQIA+ 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 said:
“We’re honoured to host the first ever Bracknell Forest Pride at The Lexicon. After the success of the coronation, we are honoured to make our own little bit of history this year and I hope it is just the first of many Pride events hosted here. I can’t wait to see what Brad and the acts have for us this June.”
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”.
