Labour leadership hopeful Diane Abbott MP also made an appearance as she was appointed as Reading Pride's first patron.
"I am absolutely thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to become a Patron of Reading Pride. So many towns and cities across the country see local pride events as an important part of their summer calendar – and for the first time this year, my own constituency of Hackney North and Stoke Newington will host its first Pride event in its history."
"It wasn't easy being a gay rights champion in the 80's but I'm pleased to have backed the rights of LGBT people whenever and wherever I had the opportunity. I hope that the next few years brings us greater equality – gay marriage, greater protection for trans people, blood service reform and gay families being seen as as equal and important has heterosexual families. And I hope that by working with Reading Pride we can do our bit to make this a reality.
Chairwoman Lorna McArdle said: "It was absolutely brilliant.
"There definitely seemed to be more people here than last year, but it is a bit early to know exact figures, but I believe it is the biggest ever.
"Each year it grows and grows and goes from strength to strength.
"I even managed to get my picture taken with Scooch."
The family festival is aimed at celebrating diversity in the Thames Valley
They marched from the Civic Centre along Broad Street and through Forbury Gardens to the site of the seventh Reading Pride event.
