In just under two months, Wokingham Pride will be celebrated with a march through the town centre from the town hall to Elms Field where the festivities will begin with entertainment, market and refreshment stalls to cover all tastes.
What started as a simple act of raising a Pride flag at the town hall has now blossomed into the celebrations we will see on July 11, with organisers keen to see it grow, year on year.
Wokingham Pride started in 2019 when a teenager, Lizzie Bishop, was elected to Wokingham town council. In her first meeting, she put forward a proposal for the town hall to fly the Pride flag to mark the 50th anniversary of Stonewall.
The community responded to this with huge enthusiasm. The borough council followed by flying the Pride flag at its offices, the library and local businesses joined in by displaying flags, and Wokingham Pride was underway.
Wokingham Pride is a free local event, held in the centre of the town, a chance for residents and visitors to come together and show support to our LGBTQ+ community, celebrate inclusion and belonging across both the town and wider borough.
The organisers are not just looking for support from local businesses, but individuals can assist on the day as well as marshalls both keeping those on the parade safe, and also answering questions on the events field.
Rachel Bishop-Firth, chair and trustee for Wokingham Pride said: “Marshalls are an important part of the Pride event.
“We need people to make sure that cars are moving safely during the set-up and dismantling of the stalls, that the Pride parade stays on the pavement, and that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time during the event itself.
“We are looking for people who are aged 18 or over, and who can dedicate a few hours during the day. You will also have free time to enjoy the event itself.
“We will provide a short training session for all our marshalls ahead of the day.”
To find out about volunteering as a marshall, or for up to date information on Wokingham Pride, check out www.wokinghampride.wixsite.com/Wokingham-pride.
