News

Liverpool's First Ever Pride Festival This Weekend

• 3rd Aug 2010

Get ready to wave those rainbow flags and paint the town pink boys and girls! The finishing touches are being put to Liverpool’s first official Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender [LGB&T] Pride Festival, which takes place this weekend, on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th August.

A full line up for the whole weekend has now been announced and for the first time, we can reveal the time and place that each act is on stage.

On Saturday 7th August, for one day only, the city will transform into a Rainbow Circus with a massive FREE celebration taking place around Liverpool’s gay quarter. Following a march around the city centre, the Dale Street area will be closed off all day for the glittering Pride street party, with three exciting stage line ups featuring cabaret, acoustic and headliner performances. The line up includes big names such as Robin S, Adam Rickitt, Natasha Hamilton, Rozalla, Rowetta, Cocabelle, Connie Lush, Ian McNabb, Lady Sian, MD Productions and House of Suarez in addition to a wealth of local, unsigned and up and coming talent.

Aside from all of the action on stage, a wide range of live entertainment will illuminate the city’s gay quarter throughout the day. The 20,000 expected visitors can enjoy a fantastic selection of market and refreshment stalls, which will all embrace the rainbow circus theme, before a dramatic balloon release and big finish featuring Queen of Pride Carol Jiani supported by the drag queens of Liverpool, who have helped to run and keep Liverpool’s gay scene together since it began.

Marie Causer, mother of Michael Causer said “It's fantastic that Liverpool Pride is happening. This gives LGBT people the chance to stand up and stand proud, to say that 'We are no different, we're not going anywhere, so people need to learn to live and let live'. There's no room for hatred in this city, so I hope everyone, gay or straight will come together to show their support.”
The fun doesn’t stop at sunset… far from it! As day turns to night, Liverpool’s thriving gay scene gears into action with a large number of venues holding exciting Pride events especially for the night including official after parties at Sakura, with Robin S whilst Chew Disco takes over Puzzle Bar, Stanley St and massive club nights are to take place in Garlands and Gbar with a fabulous DJ line up are set to take revellers well into the early hours.

Councillor Wendy Simon, cabinet member for culture and tourism said ’This is a landmark event in the history of Liverpool’s gay community and will be a highly welcome addition to the city’s cultural calendar. Liverpool will be awash with colour this weekend thanks to Liverpool Pride giving everyone the chance to party and a sample of fantastic International and home gown art and culture, for free.

Following the excitement of Sat 7th, Chill Out Sunday swings into action on Sunday 8th August featuring Liverpool’s first ‘Pride Sports’ event at Lifestyles Wavertree. The day will also feature a wealth of arts activities including talks, exhibitions and cinema, taking place at the city’s cultural venues such as Tate Liverpool, The Bluecoat, FACT, The Walker Art Gallery and the Maritime Museum. Now, for the first time and in celebration of a finding by the Entomologist, Sidney W Dunkle (1991), “80% of male dragonflies have been observed mating with other males”. we can reveal that Bug World, Albert Dock is offering 2 for 1 entry to those quoting Liverpool Pride across the weekend. A fabulous opportunity to see Rosie Webster in her new Liverpool home!

Sheena Ramsey, Chief Executive at Knowsley Council said “Liverpool Pride is a great way to celebrate, recognise and respect the diversity of our residents, as well as providing a range of activities for everyone to enjoy. I’m really pleased that this successful event is taking place in Merseyside for the first time.”

Before 2010, Liverpool was the largest city in the country that hasn’t had its own official pride festival. At the launch of the LGB&T Network the public voted for a pride festival to engage, empower and involve the LGB&T communities within the city and this was fully endorsed by Liverpool City Council in January 2009. Liverpool Pride 2010 will celebrate the diverse community of one of Europe’s leading cultural cities.

Well boys and girls, only 5 more sleeps to go until Liverpool’s first ever official LGB & T Pride event takes place! This event is the culmination of months of preparation and hard work from the festival organisers. We hope that you all have a wonderful and memorable Liverpool Pride.

20,000 visitors, 70 Acts, 50 stall holders 3 Stages, 2 days, 1 Liverpool Pride.

Make sure you check out liverpoolpride.co.uk to have your say and for all of the latest pride news.

Liverpool Pride Main Stage
Location – Dale St
Sat 7th August 2010
1pm – Dave Whelan
2pm – Natasha Hamilton
2.13pm – MD Productions
2.30pm – Tyler Menser
2.40 pm – Darren Edge
Singing Hands Choir
Hope and Harmony Choir
3pm – Rowetta
AJ Dance Productions
3.20pm – Cubstars
3.35pm – Chelcee Grimes
3.45pm – MD Productions
4.00pm – Beauty
4.20pm – Rozalla
4.40pm – Gemma Oshea
4.50pm – Almost Pink
5.10pm – Jay Evans
5.15pm – Craig Pendezgast
5.20pm – Darren Suarez and The House of Suarez Dance Group
5.55pm – Adam Rickitt, with special guest Robin S
5.50pm – Nicki Belle
AJ Dance Productions Liverpool
6.10pm – Liverpool Carnival Sampa Band
Republic of Samba

6.20pm – Gary Potter
6.25pm – Balloon Release
6.35pm – Carol Jiani
6.50pm – Liverpool Drag Artists Finale
6.55pm – DJ Dave Booth
7.30pm – DJ Ian Longo
8pm – Finish