LOVE is No Crime is the theme of this year's Liverpool Pride which returns this weekend for its sixth consecutive year.
As usual it's all about the march through town which you may be surprised to learn will this year go through the Stanley Street Gay Quarter for the very first time.
But you can't just turn up for the ride. Anyone wishing to participate in the Saturday (August 1) march has to pre-register here. Other than that, you're good to go.
Those marching are asked to gather at the muster point at St. George’s Plateau from 10.30am with the march starting at noon.
There they will find speakers and entertainment hosted by The Vivienne and Paul St German, this includes performances from LIPA, Royal Court Community Choir and Empire Youth Theatre and poems by Liverpool poet Gerry Potter.
There will also be speeches from Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Tony Concepcion, Natalie Bennett MP (leader of Green Party), and Labour MP Angela Eagle, Councillor Gary Millar as well as other LGBT patrons and activists.
Liverpool Confidential learns that Jeremy Corbyn, in town later that day for his own wheeze, will be sending a message of support.
After leaving St George’s Plateau at noon, the march route will proceed along Lime Street before taking in Queen Square Bus Station andWhitechapel, then making its way on to Lord Street to the Victoria Monument, right on to Castle Street, right on to Dale Street left on to North John Street, right on to Victoria Street before turning left up Stanley Street and continue along Dale Street, over the Churchill Way Flyover before arriving back at St George’s Plateau.
Michael CauserOnce back at the plateau there will be further speeches and performances as well as a special balloon release. This will launch a full afternoon of events scheduled in the St George’s Quarter and within St John’s Gardens.
The programme will include The Pink Picnic; An Education and Community Zone; A Market Area; Food and Drink Stalls; Picturehouse Travelling Cinema; Acoustic Music; Workshops; Family Zone and Speakers Corner with special guest in attendance.
No alcoholic beverages allowed.
Liverpool Pride was specifically created in memory of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer who died onAugust 2, 2008 and the event is always held on or very near to the anniversaty.
This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place a week before what would have also been Michael’s 26th birthday. The Michael Causer Vigil will be held on Sunday 2 August, 5pm at Temple Square, off Dale Street.
