Hundreds of people gathered in Wokingham on Saturday as the town celebrated its annual Pride event.
The celebration brought together residents, families and visitors for a day of live entertainment, community activities and performances, with warm sunshine providing the backdrop throughout the event.
Organisers thanked everyone who attended, describing it as a successful day of celebrations.
In a message shared on social media after the event, Wokingham Pride said: “Thanks to everyone who came to Wokingham Pride today. Great day, great acts and glorious weather.”
The celebrations continued into the evening with an official after-party at The Duke’s Head pub.
Wokingham Pride is held annually to celebrate the borough’s LGBTQ+ community while promoting equality, inclusion and diversity. The event also provides an opportunity for local organisations and community groups to engage with residents.
Saturday’s event marked another successful year for the celebration, with organisers praising both those who attended and the performers who took part.
Describing Wokingham Pride as his favourite event of the year, the town mayor of Wokingham, Cllr Alwyn Jones, said: “Pride does not happen overnight. Hundreds of hours have been spent on monthly committee meetings, fundraising and reaching out to businesses and the wider community.
“I would also like to thank Strange the Jewellers and other sponsors for their invaluable support.
“This is my fourth Wokingham Pride.I was thinking about what progress has been made for us to live in a diverse, inclusive society where difference is not questioned.
“Let me give you my thoughts and let us enter the world of Noa-Lynn Van Leuven.
“She is the first transgender person to play in the women’s darts series. Good start. Groundbreaking.
“What happens next?
“Her fellow Dutch players pull out of tournaments in which she is playing. Other players refuse to play her.
“In April 2026, the darts governing body banned trans women from competing in women’s events with immediate effect.
“Noa-Lynn said that this decision “effectively retired” her.
“Based on Noa-Lynn’s experiences, we still have a long way to go.
“Wokingham is an inclusive, diverse town and we all are proud of that fact.
We are all different but we are all the same”.
Wokingham MP Clive Jones, who was also part of the event, said: “Wokingham’s diversity is one of our town’s many assets, and it was an honour to celebrate that at this year’s Wokingham Pride.
“Standing alongside dignitaries, charities and members of our LGBTQIA+ community made it a truly special day of celebration.”
A spokesperson for Wokingham Pride told Wokingham Today: “The day began in Market Place, where people gathered for the Pride Parade through the town centre before making their way to Elms Field for an afternoon of live music, entertainment, community stalls and family friendly-fun
“All Saints Church hosted a lively Youth Zone while The Pride Tombola proved a huge hit with an incredible selection of prizes generously donated by local businesses.
“Visitors also enjoyed browsing the marketplace, meeting local charities and community groups and supporting local businesses taking part across the town
“The stage was at the heart of the celebration, with performances from talented local acts from Wokingham and Bracknell together with headline act Small Town Boy fresh from performing at Cologne Pride, Germany’s largest Pride celebration.
“Wokingham Pride was delighted to welcome the town and borough mayors, and is grateful to the local MPs who joined the event and showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community and the wider Wokingham community.
“The event would not have been possible without the generous support of local sponsors, including Strange the Jewellers, Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow, Fiona Parry Boutique, Giftology, The Salty Olive, Rococo Jewellery and Honesty Café, along with the many businesses that donated prizes, services and time.
“A huge thank you also goes to the performers, volunteers, marshals, stallholders, community organisations, suppliers and everyone who attended and helped create such a warm, positive and welcoming atmosphere
“After a brief and well-deserved rest, the committee will begin planning Wokingham Pride 2027.
“Local businesses interested in sponsoring or supporting next year’s event are invited to get involved and help make it even bigger and better.
For more information, contact business@wokinghampride.com
