This Saturday finally saw Liverpool Pride's Rainbow Circus come to the City Centre. Starting off from St George's plateaux, onlookers saw the brightly coloured parade, with samba dancers, stilt walkers, drag artist's and a wide array of people dressed in the colours of the rainbow, weave through the city centre lead by Michael Causer's family holding the Liverpool Pride's banner. This just reiterated one of the many important reason's for this event and recognition of Liverpool's gay quarter has certainly been long overdue. The parade finally ended at the main stage on Dale Street, where Dave Whelan, from 106.7 Juice Fm was on stage to start the events of the day.
The acts on all three stages varied and there was something for everyone, where ever you chose to spend your time. The main stage attracted the largest crowd of all, with a line up including, Natasha Hamilton, who gave a fine performance, with “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Whole Again”, Rowetta, from The Happy Monday's who was joined on stage by her 72 year old mum for a dance to “Mother Love, Rozalla, whose belted out hits like, “Are You Ready To Fly” and “Everybody's Free” with her powerful voice and husky tones and finally Adam Rickett, who was greeted by several screaming girls, who were so young, I’m surprised they knew who he was. Maybe they've just heard of his famous ab's instead. He was joined on stage by Robin S for a remix version of his most famous hit, “Breathe Again”.
The cabaret stage saw Britain's number one burlesque queen, Millie Dollar grace the stage for her routine, and yes feathers were definitely included and Liverpool's very own Alan Cross, whose 1950's style voice treated us to “Mac The Knife” and “Jump In The Line”, which ended up with the crowd doing an impromptu conga around Exchange Flags.
The Acoustic stage was unfortunately overlooked on comparison to the other two stages, maybe as it was tucked neatly away down North John Street, but those who made it there were treated to Cocabelle, clad in a lace all in one and Liverpool legend, Ian McNabb, whose impressive back catalogue speaks for itself.
All in all this was an excellent day, with a fantastic atmosphere throughout the gay quarter of Liverpool and everyone, from the crowd to the people involved in it enjoyed themselves immensely and from what I can gather, people will be eagerly awaiting it's return next year.
Words: Alison Goggin
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