Programme of events announced for Liverpool Pride Festival 2016

Liverpool Pride Festival 2016 was launched this week at the Epstein Theatre and it looks set to be the biggest Pride to date. Combining entertainment for the whole family, social events and workshops, this important and incredible week will culminate in a spectacular two day celebration.

Announcing the programme of entertainment were Pride Trustees Zoran Blackie and Joan Burnett and DC Tracy O’ Hara (Chair of Merseyside Police LGBT Network). Revealing the fantastic events taking place this year, we were even given a glimpse at some of this year’s highly anticipated performers, including Phoenix and Destiny from the Ruby Slippers and singer Eleanor Nelly. They will join a phenomenal line-up of entertainers and musicians across three stages at Pride 2016, including Sonia on the Main Festival stage and former X Factor Contestants Lucy Spraggan and Mason Noise.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Pride, including Sing Me Merseyside, Emma McGann and the Snazzy Swing Band on the Plateau Stage. There’ll also be Rupaul’s Drag Race UK Ambassador and music from Batala Mersey, Samba Reggae Drumming Band and the Ukulele Club at St George’s Quarter from 1pm-9pm. From comedy, to dance, to choirs and more, this is a festival for the whole family.

Lucy Day, Chair of Liverpool Pride Festival, said: “We’re delighted to be working with a wide range of cultural partners and sponsors who have helped us to put together an exciting and different programme of entertainment for this year’s festival. It is now two days and absolutely free. This year’s Liverpool Pride festival has something for everyone. It is looking to be the best Pride to date and we look forward to entertaining the crowds”.

Alongside the entertainment, Liverpool Pride Festival 2016 is the very first time, supported by Award for All, who are hosting the ‘Find your Pride Youth Zone’. Pride has partnered with GRYO, Brook Wirral and Action Youth Trans Project to provide a day of support and activities for people under 25. There will also be workshops and social events at the YPAS Building by GYRO and Action Youth throughout the weekend. Other new intitiatives include the “We are Family” day on Sunday 31st July and a collaboration with Writing on the Wall called ‘Dress with Pride’, which encourages customer facing businesses to dress up during the week of Pride to help raise funds for the Liverpool Pride Charity.

The festival coincides with Michael Causer's anniversary, who tragically lost his life on 2nd August 2008. The Liverpool Pride festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and to empower LGBT communities.

To find out more about Liverpool Pride Festival 2016, please visit:

www.liverpoolpride.co.uk

By Sarah O' Hara