MARCUS Collins is to headline Liverpool Pride 2012, in a sailor-themed gig on the waterfront, on Saturday 4 August.
Collins, who worked as a hairdresser in Waterloo, shot to fame when he came second in the X-Factor 2011. Since then, he has gone on to release a top 10 hit, Seven Nation Army, and an eponymous album which ao 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.”
Collins will perform on the Nautical but Nice themed waterfront main stage. A boatload of other local, national and international artists will be announced within the coming weeks, say organisers.
Zoran Blackie, chairman 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 Pride festival outside of London and last year drew 44,000 people.
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. It 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 the Pier Head and throughout the Stanley Street Gay Quarter. Organisers say 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.
Applications are still open for the Liverpool Pride March. Individuals, groups and organisations are invited to take part by registering online here before 31st July.
