Pop starlets the Sugababes, now known as MKS, Big Brother star Rylan Clark and X Factor powerhouse Misha B are just some of the acts performing at Manchester Pride 2013.
Brit Award-nominated group The Feeling will launch the eagerly-anticipated event which takes place from August 23 to 26.
This year’s parade theme is Acceptable in the 80s? a recognition of the impact the decade had on the LGBT community, HIV activism and outrageous fashions, giving people plenty of scope to don outrageous costumes.
Manchester Pride Chief Executive, John Stewart said: “We have a great mix of talent for this year’s Big Weekend, ensuring that there is broad appeal.
“Manchester has a fantastic music history and we are proud to host chart artists Misha B, Ren Harvieu and Rowetta, while also being able to showcase local up-and-coming talent to the Manchester Pride audience.”
Manchester’s Pride Fringe features more than 40 musical, drama, film and sporting events.
They include a 9 to 5 musical comedy, based on Dolly Parton’s U.S. number one single 9 to 5 about three office workers who stand up to their sexist boss.
Underground disco operators Horse Meat Disco, Karnival’s resident DJ Tacet and DJ act F__KDUST will spin the decks at the Gaydio Dance Arena.
Shayne Ward, crowned X Factor winner back in 2005, will headline the final day of the Big Weekend event on August 26 in the main arena and will be joined by X Factor BFFs Lucy Spraggan and Rylan Clark.
Sackville Gardens will host to the ever-popular Proms in the Park in the afternoon of August 24 while Pride Patron and former Waterloo Road actress Heather Peace will headline a themed Women’s Stage in the evening.
The culmination of the Big Weekend celebrations is on August 26 at 9.15pm during the poignant George House Trust candlelit vigil in Sackville Gardens.
The spiritual heart of the festival sees the area transformed into a sea of flickering candles where people can take a moment to remember those who have succumbed to the HIV virus.
For more information about Manchester Pride visit http://www.manchesterpride.com/
Image courtesy of The X Factor UK via YouTube, with thanks
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