Shoppers and locals are turning out for Wokingham Pride on Elms Field, and one standout act is Bracknell singer Phelim Mader , charming, playful and keen to make the afternoon a singalong. The free, family-friendly event on July 11 promises covers, originals and community spirit that matters.

Essential takeaways

  • Local favourite: Phelim Mader, from Bracknell, will play the Elms Field stage at Wokingham Pride on July 11 and is known for humour and charm.
  • Singalong set: His performances mix classic covers, Disney singalongs and occasional originals , expect crowd-pleasing moments.
  • Inclusive message: Mader is performing to celebrate LGBTQ+ family and allies and sees music as a unifying force.
  • Community event: Wokingham Pride returns as a free, family-friendly festival with multiple live acts throughout the day.

A performer who thrives on crowd energy

Phelim Mader arrives on stage with a knack for turning strangers into a chorus, and you can almost hear the room warming before he plays the first chord. He told local reporters he's a proud parent to LGBTQ+ children and wants Pride to be a space where everyone can be themselves. That personal stake gives his set a warm, uncomplicated sincerity that audiences respond to.

Wokingham Pride is built around those human moments. Organisers have lined up returning favourites and new performers to keep the afternoon lively, so Mader’s mix of humour and singalongs fits neatly into a programme designed to be accessible and upbeat.

Covers first, originals sometimes , and that’s fine

Mader admits he still writes and occasionally performs his own material, but his live shows now lean heavily on well-loved covers. He jokes that there's nothing quite like hearing a crowd belt out "Hit Me Baby One More Time" back at you, and frankly, neither is there much that beats it at a community festival. Expect a set that swings between nostalgic pop, a sprinkling of Disney magic and a few surprise, more obscure picks.

If you prefer originality, here's a tip: catch him early or listen closely between songs , that's when he slips in his own tracks. For families and casual festival-goers, though, the singalong approach keeps the vibe inclusive and joyful.

Why music still matters at Pride

Mader frames his appearance as more than entertainment; it's a statement about belonging. He’s blunt about the noise of division in public life and optimistic about music’s bridge-building power. That's a message organisers echo , Wokingham Pride is explicitly pitched as an event for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, with a family-friendly atmosphere and performances throughout the day.

Community festivals like this are as much about visibility as they are about fun. Local officials have supported Pride initiatives in recent years, and the return of lively, free events like this one signals ongoing commitment to celebration and inclusion.

Practical tips for attending Wokingham Pride

Arrive early to get a good spot on Elms Field, especially if you want to be near the stage for those communal singalongs. Bring a picnic blanket, sun hat and a voice , you’ll want to join in. If you have young children, Disney numbers and upbeat covers make the setlist particularly child-friendly.

Keep an eye on the schedule for set times if you’re hoping to hear Mader’s originals, which he tends to sprinkle in rather than make the centrepiece of the show.

The mood and the takeaway

Expect laughter, a few theatrical key changes and plenty of audience participation. Mader’s presence underlines the informal, celebratory tenor of Wokingham Pride this year: music that invites everyone in, not just to watch but to sing along.

It’s a small, musical reminder that inclusion sounds like harmony.

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