COUNCIL SHOWS SUPPORT AHEAD OF WOKINGAM PRIDE CELEBRATIONS

Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Rob Comber has raised the rainbow flag to celebrate Pride Month.

The flag was raised at Wokingham Borough Council’s civic offices at Shute End on Thursday 9 July, ahead of Saturday’s Wokingham Pride event, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Wokingham Pride begins at the town hall from 11am on 11 July, with photographs and this will be followed by a parade to Elms Field.

There, from 12 noon until 5pm, the community is invited to come and enjoy all of this year’s festivities, with food stalls and live music planned.

Cllr Comber said: “While this is an annual tradition, the significance of it is not lost. It is a symbol of solidarity, inclusion and hope. It reflects our unwavering commitment to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and to continue building communities where everyone belongs.

“Pride is about visibility, acceptance and love. By raising the flag, we reaffirm our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive borough. Our council proudly supports our LGBTQ+ residents and celebrates the richness they bring to the life of our borough.”

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth has been organising Wokingham Pride since it first started in 2020. Originally it started online during Covid-19, but moved to in person from 2021.

The event has continued to grow every year, with town centre businesses decorating their window displays to show support.

Cllr Bishop-Firth, who is also the executive member for resident services, inclusion and fighting poverty, said: “The event started because a young resident asked for Wokingham Town Hall to fly the pride flag.

“It has grown to being an annual event with a parade and hundreds of attendees because of the goodwill and contributions of residents around Wokingham Borough, as well as being supported by Wokingham libraries and many of our local businesses.”

Wokingham Pride is a registered charity dedicated to promoting and celebrating the local community.