READING'S gay community will make a big noise tomorrow when it stages its annual celebration of equality and diversity.

Reading Pride will bring together the town's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities (LGBT), who will stand side by side before setting off from the Civic Centre at around 11.30am and winding through Broad Street, Market Square and Forbury Gardens to reach the festival site at Kings Meadow in Napier Road.

The event, in its ninth year, will then burst into a party, with performances from Angie Brown, X Factor finalist Kitty Brucknell, Tight Fit, Stevie Moore, Greymatter, L Project, Hazell Dean and Kelly Wilde.

Reading Pride trustee Jamie Wake said: "There have been huge advancements in equality for LGBT people in the UK since the first Reading Pride in 2004, and public attitudes have started to change but every year the same question is asked - why do we need a pride festival and why isn't there a heterosexual pride?

"Most people in society believe that we have full equality but we do not, gay men cannot donate blood unless they do not have sex for a year or get married, yet full marriage is still not available to same sex couples.

"There is still very much a need for pride, which is not just a party in the park but is a visual reminder that all is not yet equal in society.

"Pride have invited our local elected politicians, from all parties, to join us on the day and we look forward to them showing their support for the LGBT community and sharing their views on the equal marriage campaign.

"Reading Pride's aim is to help educate people and eliminate discrimination, the parade and festival showcase the work that we and other LGBT charities in Reading do to enable this; we strive to celebrate our achievements whilst remembering those who have been persecuted so that we can all celebrate in public today."

For more information, visit www.readingpride.co.uk