A festival created to celebrate the lesbian, gay and trans community in Reading is facing a boycott over its main sponsor Doritos.

Around 15,000 people are expected to take to the streets on Saturday for Reading Pride which is now in its 20th year. 

But the free day-long event, an annual fixture in the town's calendar since 2004, has been clouded by controversy in recent weeks after a board member resigned and complaints over the event's headline sponsors.

Crisp brand Doritos, owned by PepsiCo, has been criticised for allegedly having links to human rights violations in Israel.

Sandy Dhaliwal, a charity volunteer for Safer Gigs, said she feels Reading Pride shouldn't be associated with the event. 

Speaking about how she feels as a member of the Black Queer community, Ms Dhaliwal said: "I question the sponsors about their involvement and they didn't really have much of an answer.

"They kept saying that they support and they want to be allies, but what are they actually doing to act as allies?"

She said the subject of controversial sponsors raises concerns about whether companies are using Pride events for marketing purposes - rather than embodying the festival's values within their operations.

These concerns have not been confined to Reading Pride alone.

Performers have reportedly pulled out of Manchester Pride due to similar ethical issues surrounding sponsorships.

Such situations illustrate how activism against companies with 'dubious' ethical standards is becoming more noteworthy and impactful.

Ms Dhaliwal said she has gone to Doritos, PepsiCo and some other sponsors to ask what they are doing to support LGBT people.

She added she had written to Reading Pride and asked them to cut off Doritos as a sponsor, adding: "By taking a stance and saying no, I don't accept this, we can make a difference.”

A spokesperson for Reading Pride said they are aware of groups and individuals making their voices heard and they support the right and importance of protest. 

In a statement issued to the Chronicle, a spokesperson said: "The power of protest is evident.

"We see counter-protests happening, individuals and groups making a stand.

"Reading Pride stands resolutely against war, discrimination, and injustice."

They said they are promise to continue raising their voices against hate and inequality until love unites us all.

Time will tell if Reading Pride, and other similar events, can navigate these complexities and emerge more inclusive and considerate in their actions and alliances.

For now, all eyes are on Reading as the Pride weekend unfolds.