CHART-topping electro pop star Katy B is to join Will Young, X Factor runner-up Fleur East and Judge Jules as headliners at this year’s Manchester Pride Big Weekender, with Heather Peace, Ben Pearce and DJ Paulette also confirmed.
In recent years the parade has been led by some of the most prominent faces in the LGBT world, including Sir Ian McKellan
The annual LGBT celebration - which has seen the likes of Atomic Kitten, Dannii Minogue and Anastacia perform in recent years - will burst into action on Friday 26 August for four days of knees-up entertainment, concerts and lots of vivacious revelry.
Of course, the return of The Big Weekender means welcoming back the famous city centre pride parade - this year's theme being ‘Once Upon A Time.’
In recent years the parade has been led by some of the most prominent faces in the LGBT world, including Sir Ian McKellan, who last year came complete with a rainbow feather boa and a ‘Some People Are Gay. Get Over It’ t-shirt.
Whilst that's a tough act to follow, this year’s parade will see up to 115 organisations and over 3,000 people come together to march in front of tens of thousands of spectators as the parade snakes it way through the streets of Manchester city centre.
Sir Ian McKellen at last year's Manchester Pride parade
The parade - which takes place over the August bank holiday weekend - starts on Liverpool Road, passing by the Town Hall and The Village before finishing on Whitworth Street.
A firm favourite is the cast and crew of Coronation Street, who have played a huge part in The Big Weekend celebrations for six years. 2014 saw new recruit Les Dennis take to the show’s float in a pink tabard, curly wig and pearls as legendary character Mavis Wilton.
Mark Fletcher, Chief Executive for Manchester Pride, said: “As we reflect on years gone by in our wonderful city, we recognise many stories, moments, events and occasions that have occurred in order to allow us to reach the level of freedom that our LGBT communities enjoy today. Once Upon A Time allows us to look back, reflect and plan the next steps for the advancement of LGBT equality.”
To buy tickets and find out more, visit Manchester Pride's website.
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