The Clock Is Ticking As Liverpool Pride Arrives Next Weekend

The Clock Is Ticking As Liverpool Pride Arrives Next Weekend

The final countdown is well and truly on as Liverpool transforms into a Fairy Tale kingdom in preparation for 2014’s Liverpool Pride event on Saturday 2nd August.  Princes, Princesses, White Knights and Fairy Godmothers from the LGBT community and beyond will come together for a day of music, fun and community spirit where Pride revellers will be treated to a whole host of top performances across the Waterfront, Stanley Street and Garlands and G-Bar stages

Headlining the Waterfront Stage is the fabulous Katy B who will be performing at 1.30pm. After bursting onto the scene in 2010 with ‘Katy on a Mission’ and a career that’s growing from strength to strength with hit singles ‘5AM’ and ‘Crying For No Reason’ Katy B makes her way to Liverpool for her first Pride performance. Gates to the Waterfront stage will open at 11am so get there early to see Katy B live on stage! Katy will be joined on the Waterfront Stage by Heather Small of M People, Radio City 96.7’s Claire Simmo, House of Suarez, Watchtower, Audio Zero, Sam Cottrell, Ukebox and Doodah Farm.

There will also be fantastic performances from ABBA GOLD, Kylie-a-like and Sam Fox alongside DJ Ellie Phillips, Killa Sista, Jes Stretton Edge of Eden, DJ Lee Butler, My Forever and MiC Lowry. Finally, adding to the Fairytale magic on the Waterfront Stage will be a glittering performance from the cast of WICKED, singing a selection of hit numbers from one of the most popular and longest running West-End musicals of all time.

This year’s Stanley Street Stage will be hosted by Paul German, Calvin Fox, Baby Jai, Leanne Campbell and Pete Price with fabulous performances from 80’s Scouse Songstress Sonia, Navy Bar, Pink, Heaven, House of Suarez, Masqurade, Superstar Boudoir’s Vivienne and Sista Luv.

Joining these Liverpool Pride favourites will be DJ Danny Kay, Lisbon, Flick/Jupiters, DJ Lee Butler, Cindy Crystelle, Danielle & Jonathan Graham and Carly Grimes/Kev McGowan. There will also be performances from S’Evere, Toni Nesbitt, Boutique, Nikki Belle and DJ Mark Armstrong to keep the party going!

Finally, the Garlands and G-Bar Stage will host back to back DJ sets from Garlands and G-Bar’s biggest and best resident DJs, keeping the party vibe going from 2pm until 11pm! Garlands and G-Bar legends Andy Mac, Anthony Armstrong, Dave Bennett, Dave Booth, John Hooper, Les Calvert, Lil Jon and Mr. X will perform on this non-stop stage of music, entertaining crowds with the biggest and freshest tunes and keep the magical party spirits going till late into the night!

As always the day’s events will kick off with the free Pride March and organisers want to make 2014's the biggest yet; be sure to join the celebration of Liverpool's LGBT culture and community and support the campaign for equality, acceptance and freedom. 

To participate in this year’s march, register at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk/march. Organisers ask those wanting to take part in the march to meet at St George’s Plateau from 11am on Saturday 2nd August. From here the muster will include speeches from the Lord Mayor Erica Kemp and Liverpool Pride board members along with some great entertainment to start the celebratory proceedings. Merseyside police are requesting that participants respect the right for others to protest without recourse.

After leaving St Georges Plateau, the march will proceed along Lime Street before taking in Queen Square Bus Station and Whitechapel, then making its way along Lord Street and North John Street, turning down James Street, crossing The Strand over Mann Island and landing in front of the Waterfront Stage at the Pier Head, where the afternoon’s entertainment will begin.

As always, Liverpool Pride will remain a family friendly event with all ages encouraged to attend. There will be a free, community area at the festival in association with Movema, with entertainment for those not wishing to pay to visit the main stages but that still want to enjoy and remain part of the festivities.  There will be a wealth of entertainment and activities including music from the LGBT Choir, a market with stalls to stock up on souvenirs, gifts and mementos, food and drink stalls, information stalls, adrenaline-pumping fairground rides, a dance and active zone and a Trans friendly area for the Trans community and their allies.

Tickets for the main staged areas are priced at £8 advanced and can be exchanged for wristbands at the entrances to both the Pier Head site and Stanley Street Quarter sites on the day. For those that haven't got tickets, there will be a ticket booth on the plateau to purchase them on the day for £11.

Liverpool Pride have also introduced a new Golden Circle VIP ticket, priced at £20 each (additional £12 to upgrade if already purchased) - Golden Circle tickets are strictly limited to provide the very best Pride experience and jumping all the queues.   You will get the best access and views of the Main Stage area and access to your very own washrooms and Golden Circle bar. 

This year marks the 5th anniversary for Liverpool Pride, which was established in 2010 and takes place each year to coincide with the date of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer 6 years ago. This year Liverpool Pride falls on the exact date of Michael’s death, making the march particularly poignant as we celebrate his life. Last year’s Pride event was a huge success with around 65,000 people enjoying the day including 6,000 marching in the parade and 20,000 spectators lining the city centre streets to cheer them on. This year organisers are hoping for the biggest turn out to date in support and celebration of LGBT culture.

Ticket Prices: Advanced tickets £8 and £11 on the day. (No booking Fees, a handling charge may apply of £2.25 per transaction)

Golden Circle VIP tickets are £20 each (additional £12 to upgrade if already purchased)

For tickets book online or call the Liverpool Pride Ticket Hotline on 0844 8000 509. Tickets also available in person at TicketQuarter, Queen Square, Liverpool.

Make sure you check out www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, @LiverpoolPride on Twitter and facebook.com/LiverpoolPride to have your say and for all of the latest pride news.

First wave of acts announced for Liverpool Pride 2014 with Katy B and Sonia

Liverpool Pride are delighted to announce the first wave of acts confirmed for this year’s event. The newly ticketed sites for Liverpool Pride 2014 which include the Waterfront Stage, Stanley Street Stage and the Garlands and G-Bar Stage will play host to some great entertainment at this year’s ‘Glam Fairy Tales’ themed Pride event on Saturday 2nd August. The first confirmed acts include Katy B, and Sonia, with many more acts announced soon.

Headline act Katy B burst onto the music scene in 2010 with her debut single ‘Katy on a Mission’, after charting at no. 5 in the UK top 40 Katy B continued her success collaborating with artists such as Ms Dynamite, Mark Ronson and has recently contributed to England’s 2014 world cup song with Gary Barlow and others. She returned with her second album Little Red this year which topped the charts, reaching the number 1 spot on the UK album chart. She will be performing on the Waterfront stage.

Sonia, famous for her 1989 number 1 single You’ll never stop me from loving you, is confirmed to perform on the Stanley Street stage. Her career launched right here in Liverpool as she sang on the club circuit in the 1980s, where she was discovered by pop producer Pete Waterman. 25 years after the release of her debut single, Sonia will return to where it all started on 2nd August for Liverpool Pride’s biggest event so far.

Liverpool Pride are excited to be teaming up with media partner Radio City 96.7, the number one radio station for Liverpool. A whole host of Radio City DJ’s and presenters will be appearing at both the Waterfront and Stanley Street stages entertaining the crowds and keeping up the party atmosphere throughout the whole day.

The North West’s House of Suarez makes a welcome return to Pride this year. After being part of the opening event last year, House of Suarez are set to choreograph this year’s performances. This innovative dance-theatre company explore new forms of dance interpretations, fusing dance styles with expressive and amazing performances. 

Last year’s Liverpool Pride was the most successful event to date, with around 65,000 people in total enjoying the superhero themed festivities, including 6,000 marching in the parade and 20,000 spectators lining the City Centre streets to cheer them on. Across the two main festival sites, the Waterfront Stage and Stanley Street Stage, 65,000 revelers of all ages soaked up the music and atmosphere, with visitors travelling from as far as Germany, Dubai and even Australia to join in the fun. Pride organisers are certain that with these acts confirmed, and lots more to follow, 2014 will be the biggest and best pride to date.

Ticket Prices: Limited 3000 early bird tickets at £5, advanced tickets £8 and £11 on the day. (No booking Fees, a handling charge may apply of £2.25 per transaction)

For tickets book online or call the Liverpool Pride Ticket Hotline on 0844 8000 509. Tickets also available in person at TicketQuarter, Queen Square, Liverpool.

Make sure you check out www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, @LiverpoolPride on Twitter and facebook.com/LiverpoolPride to have your say and for all of the latest pride news.

Liverpool Pride Returns For 2014

Liverpool Pride organisers are delighted to announce that one of the city’s most popular events will return on Saturday 2 August 2014.

This year marks the 5th anniversary for Liverpool Pride, which was established in 2010 and takes place each year to coincide with the date of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer 6 years ago.

After a poll, the public have spoken and the theme for this year’s Liverpool Pride is Glam Fairy Tales, with those attending encouraged to come dressed in their most wild and wonderful interpretations of the theme.

Liverpool Pride organisers are still in talks and yet to finalise the exact locations of this year’s event but can confirm that the Liverpool Gay Quarter will remain a main festival site focusing around the Stanley Street and Dales Street areas.

Also returning will be the free Liverpool Pride March through the city centre streets which kicks off the day in celebratory style at 12pm from St George’s Plateau. Organisers encourage as many groups, organisations and individuals to participate, entertainment and activities are also planned for the muster at St Georges Hall.

For the first time, part of Liverpool Pride 2014 is to be a paid event, ticketholders will gain entry into the zones which contain the main performance areas. Ticket prices have been kept to a minimum and cost as little as £5 for early bird bookers and will go on public sale in the near future. The decision to ticket the event was not taken lightly, first and foremost it is to ensure the event will take place this year as well as safeguarding sustainability, the organisers aim to attract bigger name artists and performers, and also to improve safety and facilities at what will become the largest single-day Pride event in the UK.

As always, Liverpool Pride will remain a family friendly event with all ages encouraged to attend, there will be a free zone at the festival with entertainment for those not wishing to pay to visit the main stages but that still want to enjoy and remain part of the festivities. 

Lucy Day, Chair of Liverpool Pride Charity said: “Liverpool Pride is a campaign for LGBT equality and to raise awareness of hate crime which many members of the LGBT community face on a daily basis. The free march through Liverpool City Centre will be followed up by a big celebration of LGBT culture in the heart of the LGBT Liverpool community. Whilst increased costs and scarcity of funding have meant that we’re unable to offer a totally free event this year, we are working hard to ensure it will be an affordable and sustainable event, we are also planning sections of the site plan to be free and we encourage everyone to take part in and enjoy”.

The performance line up for Liverpool Pride 2014 will be announced in the coming months, as will a programme of film and fringe events.

Last year’s Liverpool Pride was the most successful event to date, with around 65,000 people in total enjoying the superhero themed festivities, including 6,000 marching in the parade and 20,000 spectators lining the city centre streets to cheer them on. Across the two main festival sites, the Pier Head (Main Stage) and Stanley Street, 65,000 revellers of all ages soaked up the music and atmosphere, with visitors travelling from as far as Germany, Dubai and even Australia to join in the fun.

With the changes ahead, expect Liverpool Pride 2014 to be an even more popular hit!

Wet Paint returns to the O2 Academy Liverpool this September

WET PAINT
O2 Academy Liverpool
“A no-rules trash-up for queers, straights, and everyone in between”

Saturday 1st September 2012
Saturday 6th September 2012
O2 Academy Liverpool
Doors 11.00pm - 4.00am (over 18s only)
Tickets £4.00 adv + STBF
Tickets available from ticketweb.co.uk or 0844 477 2000 or venue box office


Thursday 9th August 2012: Brand new for 2012, Wet Paint returns to O2 Academy Liverpool in September, a ‘no rules trash- up for queers, straights and everyone in between’, Wet paint is the ultimate new club night in the heart of the birthplace of The Beatles and one of Europe’s most exciting Cities.

Launching recently with the Liverpool Pride 2012 Celebrations in August, attracting people from across the country looking to experience the diverse culture on offer; Wet Paint will once again be playing the most eclectic mix of tracks, showcasing all musical genres and breaking free from the somewhat tiresome ‘indie’ and ‘gay’ club nights currently on offer.

O2 Academy Liverpool’s resident DJ’s will once again be taking to the stage recently owned by ‘glam squad’ Scissor Sisters, blasting tracks from the likes of Dr Dre, Prince, Nirvana, Aaliyah and Sonic Youth until 4am; we did say ‘no rules’ didn’t we?

Perhaps there is just one, ‘throw some glitter on it Honey and go dancing!’ If you missed it during Pride 2012 Weekend, get yourself down to the only night in Liverpool that could follow a Spice Girls hit with Animal Collective!

New Club Night Wet Paint at O2 Academy Liverpool Saturday 4th August 2012

Saturday 4th August 2012
O2 Academy Liverpool
Doors 11.00pm - 4.00am
Tickets £4.00 Advance + STBF
Tickets available from ticketweb.co.uk or 0844 477 2000 or venue box office

Friday 3rd August 2012: Brand new for 2012, Wet Paint will be taking over Liverpool on Saturday 4th August at O2 Academy Liverpool, a ‘no rules trash- up for queers, straights and everyone in between’, Wet paint is the ultimate new club night in the heart of the birthplace of The Beatles and one of Europe’s most exciting Cities.

Joining forces with Liverpool Pride Fringe Festival, a month long mix of sporting, arts, cultural and spiritual events taking place from Friday July 27th – Sunday, August 26th; The Festival offers anyone and everyone the chance to immerse themself in Liverpool’s LGBT scene.

Coinciding with the Liverpool Pride 2012 Celebrations on 4th August,attracting people from across the country looking to experience the diverse culture on offer; Wet Paint will play the most eclectic mix of tracks, showcasingall musical genres and breaking free from the somewhat tiresome ‘indie’ and ‘gay’ club nights currently on offer.

O2 Academy Liverpool’s resident DJ’s will be taking to the stage recently owned by ‘glam squad’ Scissor Sisters, blasting tracks from the likes of Dr Dre, Prince, Nirvana, Aaliyah and Sonic Youth until 4am; we did say ‘no rules’ didn’t we?

Perhaps there is just one, ‘throw some glitter on it Honey and go dancing!’Get yourself down to the only night in Liverpool that could follow a Spice Girls hit with Animal Collective!

Liverpool Pride announces full artist line up

THE ONLY WAY IS LIVERPOOL…PRIDE

TOWIE STAR JESSICA WRIGHT, 2 SHOES and LIZ MCCLARNON JOIN MARCUS COLLINS IN LIVERPOOL PRIDE LINEUP

At an exciting launch event, held aboard a Mersey Ferry river cruise this evening Liverpool Pride organisers announced that TOWIE star Jessica Wright, Essex Girls 2 Shoes and Liverpool’s own Liz McClarnon will also perform on the festival’s Waterfront Stage on Saturday 4 August.

The acts join Marcus Collins on the bill in addition to a river pageant load of other fabulous acts who will all perform when the UK’s biggest FREE LGBT Pride festival outside of London returns for its third voyage later this summer. 

Liz McClarnon, who attended the launch celebrations, was one third of Britain’s biggest girl band; Atomic Kitten. Liz travelled the world with the band on sell out tours, performed for the Queen at Buckingham Palace and has countless awards and number 1 singles and albums under her belt, sold 10 million records globally as well as bringing pop music back to the masses in 2001 when the band released “Whole Again” which spent 4 weeks at number 1 in the UK chart, 6 weeks at number 1 in Germany, and was number 1 in 17 other Countries. Since then, she’s gone on to launch a successful solo career and won Celebrity Masterchef. Now, she comes home to Liverpool Pride to perform some of hers and Atomic Kitten’s biggest hits.

Liz said:  "I'm so excited to be performing at this year's Liverpool Pride festival. The festival is doing a lot to raise awareness of Homophobia and break down any barriers that may exist in our city, It's such a worthwhile event. I always love coming home to sing in front of a home crowd and I'm sure that this time will be extra special – Bring it on!"

Jessica Wright shot to fame as part of ITV’s BAFTA winning series The Only Way is Essex. Since then the aspiring pop princess has landed a record deal and having written her debut album in Liverpool is now ready to share her exciting new venture with the world. She’ll be performing her debut single ‘Dance With Me All Night’ at Liverpool Pride. Who knows, maybe even Nanny Pat might join her…

Totes Amaze X-Factor duo 2 Shoes will also take to the stage to perform on the day. The bubbly Brentwood ladies made it through to the live show stages of X-Factor 2011 before being sent home by mentor Tulisa. Since then one of the pair; Charley, has gone on to have a baby named Beaux and they’ve signed a record deal! 2 Shoes are now ready to tear up the UK one step at a time including what is bound to be a fabulous Liverpool Prideperformance. 

This year’s Liverpool Pride line up also includes girlbands The Bon Bonz, a Yorkshire based rock-pop group and Concrete Rose;managed by Lee Latchford-Evans of Steps fame.  Single ladies getting in on the act include Maltese teen pop sensation Sophie and beautiful singer/songwriter Katrina Heenan.

Boybands feature heavily in the line up with sets from Wigan boys On The Line, who have supported multi platinum selling artists including Texas, Ronan Keating, Westlife and Lemar to name only a few. Rewind, who have worked with producers such as Pete Kirtley, Tim Hawes, Ian Curnow and LA super writer Andrew Lane.  Retro/acoustic boyband Concept, who take their influences from the Beatles, Motown, Ed Sheeran, Duran Duran and Labringth and Forbidden Juice, who are based at the same production house as Mcfly, Busted and George Michael. Rounding off the boyband line up is Future Kicks who BBC Radio 1 described the band as “the next kings of pop” after they played the stations Big Weekend festival in Carlisle.

Also taking to the Waterfront Stage is Jnay (John Adeleye), a MOBO award winner and 2010 X Factor finalist, currently working on his forthcoming EP ‘POLAROID’, drawing inspiration from Prince, Stevie Wonder, Tom Vek and Nirvana. Also hailing from reality TV, Sarah Whatmore rose to fame in the first series of the British television show Pop Idol. Simon Fuller signed her to RCA Records including a worldwide management deal with 19 Entertainment. But manufactured pop is the antithesis of Sarah’s soulful creative expression. Now a singer/songwriter, Sarah has collaborated with various artists around the world, experimenting with eclectic styles and sounds, and ultimately developing a rich and unique territory beyond genre.

Liverpool’s own LGBT Choir will take to the stage to perform a wealth of songs both old and new before Dance Dynamix, who famously made it to the finals of Sky One’s Got To Dance in 2011 tear up the stage with their electrifying routines.

Other performances come from Neighbours heartthrob Sam Clark, whose debut single ‘Devastated’ went in at No1 in 6 countries,Thomas Teago who signed a major deal with Fierce Management at the end of 2011 and is currently working on his debut album. They’re joined by Liverpool ʻbad boyʼ turned ʻgoodʼ Bradley Johnson who gave the judges quite a shock at his first X Factor audition with his performance of ‘A Team’ by Ed Sheeran and Armstrong who has worked with many artists and producers over the years, from the likes of The Honeyz, JLS, Babyface, Soulshock  & many more.

Rounding off the line up is Click 22 An urban duo with a shared passion for music and an incredible talent for song writing and performing.  They’ll be taking to the stage to perform alongside club diva Nikki Belle.

There will also be DJ sets from Desperate Scousewives’ Danny Latimer and Ste Cocky.  The Stanley Street stage line

Jen Corrigan and Karl Connor of Fierce Management who programmed the line upsaid: "This is our first year programming Liverpool Pride and we're really excited about the line up! There's something for everyone and we hope everyone will enjoy the party! We've worked on some big events across the country but nothing beats working on something so important in your home city. We're so happy and proud to be part of Pride and working on such an amazing event. We've worked hard to give Liverpool the biggest line up it's had to date and we're looking forward to seeing the festival grow and be even bigger next year!"

Zoran Blackie, Chair at Liverpool Pride said ‘‘We set the programming team with a challenge to bring some of the best of Liverpool talent and up and coming acts to appeal to our broad range of tastes for our incredibly diverse audience. I am made up with what we’ve got - three stages of entertainment, all for free, allowing the gay community and the rest of Liverpool to have a brilliant day together… let’s hope we can book the sunshine too’’

Liverpool Pride is the UK’s biggest FREE Gay Pride festival outside of London. In just two years, Liverpool Pride has established itself as one of the major highlights in the city and the wider LGB and T community’s summer calendar. Bursting onto the scene in 2010, the inaugural Liverpool Pride festival attracted over 20,000people, which was doubled to over 44,000 in 2011.

For 2012 Festival organisers are promising the best event yet, a festival which Liverpool’s LGB andT community is proud of, attracting people from across the country to experience the diverse culture of one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

The festival came about following the launch of the LGB&T Network, at which the public voted for a Pride festival to engage, empower and involve the LGB&T communities within the city. This was fully endorsed by Liverpool City Council in January 2009. Following a number of high profile attacks in the city, the event was established in 2010 and now takes place each year to coincide with the anniversary of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer.

Liverpool Pride 2012 will take place at Liverpool’s iconic pier-head and throughout the Stanley Street Gay Quarter. In addition to this, there will be a weekend of cultural events taking place at some of Liverpool’s most influential arts and cultural establishments. The festival’s ‘Nautical but Nice’ theme, chosen in a ballot by 700 members of the local LGBT community, gives a nod to the city’s commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, whilst at the same time, celebrating the city’s rich maritime history and taking advantage of the main festival site, which sits on the banks of the River Mersey.

Applications are still open for the Liverpool Pride March. Individuals, groups and organisations are invited to take part by registering online at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk/march before 31st July. 

Make sure you check out liverpoolpride.co.uk, @LiverpoolPride on Twitter and search Liverpool Pride on Facebook to have your say and for all of the latest pride news.

Article posted by Musicmafia

Marcus Collins to headline Liverpool Pride

MARCUS COLLINS isset to headline Liverpool Pride 2012, to be held at the city’s iconic Pier-Head and in the Stanley Street Gay Quarter on Saturday 4 August.

Collins shot to fame when he came second in the X-Factor 2011. Since then, he has gone on to release his debut single and top 10 hit ‘Seven Nation Army’ and his self titled debut album, which also reached the top 10 in the UK album charts. At Liverpool Pride, Marcus will perform a mixture of his album tracks including his new single ‘Mercy’ and songs he performed on the X-Factor.

Marcus said: ‘I'm so excited to be involved with Liverpool Pride, it's such an amazing event and in such a vibrant city it's bound to be an incredible celebration!’ I love the gay community and I love that I can be a big part of it, even if it’s only by keeping the bars open! The awareness of the gay community that Liverpool Pride generates in the city makes it safer and more fun for everyone, and every year the event gets bigger and more fun. I'm honoured to be a part of it.’

Collins is the first artist that festival organisers have announced will perform on the ‘Nautical but Nice’ themed waterfront main stage. A boatload of other local, national and international artists is to be announced within the coming weeks.

Zoran Blackie, Chair of Liverpool Pride said: We’re delighted that Marcus will be headlining Liverpool Pride 2012. As a gay man from the city, it seemed like the perfect choice to get him on board for this year’s festival. Part of our core values are championing local acts and Marcus is certainly one of our brightest new talents. He’s doing a lot for the LGB&T community across the UK and is proving to be somewhat of a role model for younger gay people. I can’t wait to hear him perform, and for free, on our Pier-Head main stage!’

Liverpool Pride is the biggest FREE gay Pride festival outside of London, in the UK. In just two years, Liverpool Pride has established itself as one of the major highlights in the city and the wider LGBandT community’s summer calendar. Bursting onto the scene in 2010, the inaugural Liverpool Pride festival attracted over 20,000 people, which was doubled to over 44,000 in 2011.

For 2012 Festival organisers are promising the best event yet, a festival whichLiverpool’s LGBandT community is proud of, attracting people from across the country to experience the diverse culture of one of Europe’s most exciting cities. With Collins topping the bill, allowing his hometown fans to see him for free, this seems something which is ever more certain.

The festival came about following the launch of the LGBandT Network, at which the public voted for a Pride festival to engage, empower and involve the LGBandT communities within the city. This was fully endorsed by Liverpool City Council in January 2009. Following a number of high profile attacks in the city, the event was established in 2010 and now takes place each year to coincide with the anniversary of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer.

Liverpool Pride 2012 will take place at Liverpool’s iconic pier-head and throughout the Stanley Street Gay Quarter. In addition to this, there will be a weekend of cultural events taking place at some of Liverpool’s most influential arts and cultural establishments. The festival’s ‘Nautical but Nice’ theme, chosen in a ballot by 700 members of the local LGBT community, gives a nod to the city’s commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, whilst at the same time, celebrating the city’s rich maritime history and taking advantage of the main festival site, which sits on the banks of the River Mersey.

Applications are still open for the Liverpool Pride March. Individuals, groups and organisations are invited to take part by registering online at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk/march before 31st July. 

Make sure you check out liverpoolpride.co.uk, @LiverpoolPride on Twitter and search Liverpool Pride on Facebook to have your say and for all of the latest pride news.

Article posted by Musicmafia

40,000 attend Liverpool Pride 2011

PROUD MERSEY

OVER 40,000 ATTEND LIVERPOOL PRIDE 2011

Over 40,000 people turned out to enjoy Liverpool’s second official Gay Pride festival this Saturday, which was held at the city’s iconic waterfront.

The number of attenders was almost double that of Liverpool’s first Pride Festival, which attracted 21,000 to the city in 2010, with 35,000 attending the main Pier Head festival site and a further 5,000 revellers visiting the Stanley Street fringe events. 

Thousands of people lined the streets as the as the Liverpool Pride march passed through the city centre. The march, lead by members of murdered teenager Michael Causer’s family, saw 2,500 of the LGBT community in addition to their friends and family flow through the city in a blaze of sound and colour. Numerous organisations including Homes for Everyone, Merseytravel, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, UNISON North West and numerous clubs and bars including Superstar Boudoir, The Lisbon, Masquerade and Garlands also took part.  

At the Pier Head, Pride goers were treated to two stages, over fifty stalls, Zumba sessions, caged football matches and a whole host of street entertainment. On the main stage, acts including soul divas Rowetta and Kym Mazelle, accompanied by the Liverpool Pride Dance team from AJ Dance, blew the crowds away with stunning performances, the main stage line up also included House of Suarez, Nikki Belle, Cubstars, Bears Aloud and Diva Bliss, whilst up and coming local artists including Oh My, Alan Cross and Cocabelle entertained the masses on the second ‘Summer of Love’ stage. The day ended at the Pier head with a dramatic balloon release, with hundreds of colourful balloons floating over the River Mersey. The Pride fringe events held in the city’s gay quarter also attracted a large number of revellers, with several bars being packed to capacity well into the early hours of Sunday morning.

A further 2,500 people took part in Chill Out Sunday events, which were held at arts and cultural venues and restaurants across the city. The Big Gay Brunch event, which took place at Franklins @ FACT, The Bluecoat, TATE Liverpool and The Egg Cafe was well attended by pride goers enthusiastic to recover and catch up on the main day’s events. The Gay Gardens at The Bluecoat attracted a large crowd of budding LGBT gardeners and the Costume Drama talk at Sudley House had visitors gasping in both amusement and wonder at the fashions of times past. The afternoon was capped off with a northwest premiere screening of LGBT film, The Cost of Love. The weekend ended on a massive high at the glittering closing party at Homomodo.

Tommy McIlravey, Chair of Liverpool Pride said: ‘It was an absolutely brilliant day, everything went to plan and we were even blessed with good weather. We didn’t think anything could top last year’s event but this surpassed our wildest dreams. We smashed last year’s attendance of 21,000 with 35,000 coming along to enjoy Pride this year, which was incredible, at one point, 20,000 people were on the festival site. The whole of Merseyside was represented, which is what the event is all about, people brought along their children and their grandparents, there was such a great mix of people. Having the festival at the Pier Head in front of the Liver Building proved a huge success and we’ve had fantastic feedback about the festival site and our wonderful programme of events. Rowetta and Kym Mazelle, who was drawn to the event because of the site, really got the crowd going and everyone who came along really enjoyed themselves.’

Pride goer Carol Foley from Liverpool said: “Pride being held at the pier head was a great idea as it meant people could be around longer as there was lots of seating there, which means we could relax and listen to some of the fab talent, they had on the stage’s and there was definitely more of a buzz about the day than last year, a moment i loved was when Pete Price had us all singing, Ferry across the Mersey, to hear it in such voice was heart –warming”

Pride goer Lara Sproson said ‘I had a fabulous day - even the walk between Pier Head and Stanley Street was fun as the crowds flowed backwards and forwards across Liverpool. Will be back next year, bigger and brighter than ever!’

Collections on the day raised over £1000 to go towards the cost of Liverpool Pride 2012 and more fundraising events are due to be held in the coming weeks, with a screening of BREAK MY FALL, an LGBT film at FACT this evening (Monday 8^th) and a Liverpool Pride Zumbathon on Sat 20 August – more info at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk.

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 and Liverpool Pride kick stated into action, following the inaugural event in 2010, Liverpool Pride 2011 celebrated the diverse community of one of Europe’s leading cultural cities in spectacular style, cementing the city’s reputation as THE city to be in for great arts, music and culture.

HERE’S TO NEXT YEAR!

LIVERPOOL PRIDE 2012 HERE WE COME!

Keep up to date at liverpoolpride.co.uk

 

Liverpool Pride 2011 review

This Saturday saw the return of Liverpool Pride for it's 2nd year, with a wide variety of acts, and entertainment spread across the city, there was definitely something for everyone to enjoy. With the Pier Head being the main area for people to congregate, the Radio City stage brought a few big names like soul and 90's dance legend, Kim Mazelle, up and coming talent Sean Rumsey did a great set and X Factor's very own Rowetta and with plenty of local talent across the two stages including Alan Cross, Liverpool's favourite crooner, plus a whole lot of tribute acts, including Bears Aloud and Haus of GaGa, along with the obligatory campness of The Sundaes, who were dressed like, well ice cream sundaes complete with wafers in there ice cream whipped wigs.

At the other end of town we found the Fringe element of the festival, which saw Eberle Street, Stanley Street and Cumberland Street transformed into a rainbow heaven for all those party people. With Juice FM dj'ing throughout the day and various other DJ sets from the variety of clubs in there area, including Pink and The Navy Bar, the atmosphere was definitely one of fun and a wash of bodies moving to the beats blasting over the district.

Only thing that slightly ruined the atmosphere for me was the fact that the festival had to be split into two area's. After last years run away success, it would have nice to have seen the entire festival kept within Liverpool's gay district again, so people had the full benefit of everything on offer in the one site, instead of having to traipse between two different areas and meant missing out on so many things on offer. Hopefully next year, it will be all in the one place again so we can drift merrily from on stage to another to view this entire event at it's full camptastic capacity.

Review by Alison Goggin

The Countdown Begins to Liverpool Pride 2011

With just days to go until Liverpool Pride 2011, organisers of the festival have announced a full line up of events, which will take place across the city when the festival marches into town, this Saturday, 6 August.

Organisers promise a FREE day of family fun for everyone to enjoy and there is now even more fun to be had with the announcement of a second ‘Summer of Love’ stage, which will be situated at the Pier Head festival site. The new stage will host the best in local talent, playing alongside the ‘Radio City Main Stage’, which will also be sited at the waterfront location.

The ‘Summer of Love’ stage will include a wealth of local artists including Parr Street’s singing sensation Steve MacFarlane, talented singer Cocobelle and poptastic princesses Oh My! Local Comedians Random Acts of Wildness’ will compére the day in their unique, hilarious way.  The new Summer of Love stage rocks up at the other end of the Pier Head to the Radio City Main Stage, where Kym Mazelle, SIX-D, Rowetta, Sense of Sound and House of Suarez are just a handful of acts which will appear throughout the day.

The Pier Head site will also feature a massive Community Market including 50 stalls where you can find a bargain and find out more about the LGBT community groups working in your area. Stall holders include SEEN Magazine, Wildthang, where you can pick up a special souvenir, Face painting and temporary tattoos.  Pride goers will also be able to pose for a perfect profile picture then get down to The Queer Village and explore the social side of social networking.

Pink Sofa TV will be at Liverpool Pride filming all the festivities, so girls, if you haven’t experienced life on the sofa yet and you want to see if YOU made it onto the TV, why not take us up on our 14 day free trial offer? Simply go to www.pinksofa.com and enter the promotional code ‘UK11’. See you there and have a great day!

For the more active and adventurous, check out Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service who bring their street soccer and climbing wall or go Zorbing!

Pride Fringe events, organised by G-Bar, Garlands and the Liverpool Gay Business Association will take place on Eberle Street, Stanley Street and Cumberland Street. These flowertastic events will feature a host of talented local performers and the best DJs around. Cabaret comes courtesy of Superstar Boudoir, with The Masquerade’s Aunty Marlene also making a special appearance. The Rat Pack comes to life through Matt Martin and classic covers from Anna Lee are sure to have you singing along down Stanley Street.  Lavinia, Carlton Hudson, Whitney Wind-on and John Hooper are just a few of the DJs lining up to play the Gbar and Garlands dance area at Eberle Street.

Tommy McIlravey, Chair of Liverpool Pride said:

‘It’s so exciting to think that the city’s second ever official Liverpool Pride festival is just days away.  I am really glad to see that the challenges we have faced have led to the event growing and diversifying, ensuring that there really will be something for everyone in this year’s festival. It’s incredible to think that we could be in the top 5 biggest Pride’s in the UK in only our second year. I can’t wait to see the Waterfront and the Gay Quarter come to life with colour, music and fun once more. This Saturday is going to be such a special day for the whole community and we want everyone to enjoy it no matter what your sexuality. We wish everyone who comes along safe and happy Liverpool Pride 2011

Cllr Steve Radford, Chairman of the Liverpool Gay Business Association said:

On 6th August everyone is welcome to join Liverpool Pride festivities! The LGBT communities are ourselves diverse and will bring different and contrasting styles to contribute to the day. However one message that we all want to make loud and clear is that prejudice and hatred has no place in our great city.  Liverpool is a city that celebrates diversity and values all our residents and wishes to see everyone aspire to the best of their abilities. Yes we in the LGBT communities have suffered in the past and yes we still no doubt face challenges, but these challenges we face together and with confidence in both ourselves and our city. We hope to see you all on this magnificent day!

A full line up of performers taking part on the Liverpool Pride can now be found at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk

This is going to be a Summer of Love that no-one will forget make sure that you’re there to share the love with Liverpool Pride on Saturday 6 August!

Liverpool Pride – Full Main Stage Line Up

From 2pm

Rowetta

Sean Rumsey

Zara

Adam Lyons

Sense of Sound

From 3pm

Sh-bang

Tameka

Bears Aloud

Ruth Cullen

From 4pm

Andi Fragg

The Sundaes

Alan Cross

Dance Dynamix

Diva

Cubstars

From 5pm

Kym Mazelle

Britt Love

Beauty

Haus of Gaga

From 6pm

AJ

SIX-D

Gemma Irwin

House of Suarez

FTW

Elouise

From 7pm

Chelcee Grimes

Liverpool Pride – Full Summer of Love Stage Line Up
From 2pm
Baby Brave and the Love Bites
Sophie Bellamy
Jem

From 3pm
Jo Bywater
Sam Kearny

From 4pm
Caz and Brit
Karl William Lund
TJ and Murphy

From 5pm
Rachel Kay
Jay Norton

From 6pm
Lonesome Georginas
Steve MacFarlane
Together

From 7pm
Cocabelle
Oh My!
Alan Cross

Liverpool Pride Fringe – Full Stanley Street Stage Line Up

2:15 Cabaret and DJs from Superstar Boudoir
3:00 Philip McGuire
3:15 Lisbon singer Anna Lee
3:45 Aunty Marlene from Masquerade
4:00 Matt Martin

4:15 Secrets, Nicky Nolan – Acoustic set500 CHELSEA O CONNEL/COVERS/MUSICALS
5:00 Chelsea o’Connel
5:15 DJs from Pink and Heaven

6:00 Whitney Wideon’s Drag Act
6:15 Reform DJ Set from Mark Kelly
7:00 Beauty

7:15 Navy Bar DJ Andy Mac
8:00 Juice FM Bazz Todd
9:00 Alan Cross