FAMILIES soaked up the sunshine as they went along to the Wokingham Pride Picnic.

The annual event, in Elms Field, saw many people enjoy dressing up, making new friends and tucking into tasty food from midday on Saturday, July 9.

And the day was rounded off with a special after party drag cabaret at The Station Tap from 8pm to 10.30pm where local artists SemiColon, Tania LeCoq and Dulce Kraving entertained the crowds.

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The council’s new executive member for equalities, inclusion and fighting poverty Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, who organised the event, said: “The picnic was absolutely amazing, there were lots of families who turned up and lots of people making news friends.

"The turnout was really good, we were so lucky with the weather and the after party was also really well attended and it was just a really good day.

"Members of the LGBTQ+ community want to keep the community spirit alive for the rest of the year and there are plans for more regular meet ups."

Cllr Bishop-Firth added they got more than 100 signatures on a petition against abusive conversion therapy being practice on trans and non-binary people.

"There were flags everywhere in the town centre and a special thank you to Tesco who donated treats and Aldi who gave us free ice cream on a baking hot day, as well as Wokingham Town and Borough councils who both helped with funding and publicity, and of course our local online and printed media who helped with publicising the event," she said.

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"It was great to see so many families take part in a safe and fun atmosphere for everyone.  

"There is so much talent within our local LGBTQ+ community and goodwill within the wider community. 

"We want to keep that goodwill and community connection going, and in particular we want those who are coming out in Wokingham know that they have the solid support of a safe and inclusive community behind them."

She added the Wokingham Pride Picnic will take place again on July 8 next year.