Pop star singer Alexandra Burke is set to headline Chester Pride.
The X-factor winner will be entertaining the crowd at what is to be the 10th anniversary of the event. Joining her will be the likes of vocal harmony group, The Overtones, It Feels So Good singer, Sonique and Denise Pearson of Five star. The event will be the first of its kind for Chester in two years after having to celebrate digitally as a result of Covid-19. As it is a milestone year, the event will run over two days, instead of its normal one, on the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August.
Others who are to be in attendance include RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Kitty Scott Claus and former X-factor contestant Lloyd Daniels. The Pride parade on Saturday will take a new route and will be followed by the M&S Bank mainstage event at Castle Square, where Alexandra will be performing.
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The event will also feature a just ask health and wellbeing zone, a glitter lounge cabaret tent for 18s and over and a special vigil dedicated to all those the LGBT+ community have lost will draw the family focused day to a close. The organisers previously told the ECHO they were “buzzing buzzing to see thousands of people being empowered to be their authentic selves, building friendships and having fun” at this year's event.
A spokesperson for Chester Pride said: “It's really important for some people, coming across a Pride parade might be the first contact they have with the LGBTQ+ community. After years of negative messages about us it's important to show everyone that we're just ordinary people who have found the courage to be open about who they are and who they love.
"For people who are LGBTQ+ but haven't yet felt able to be open about it, Pride is an opportunity to see that they're part of a vibrant rainbow community where they can find a place where they can be accepted just as they are. The first Pride march was a protest, and it's also important to remember all the people across the world who haven't got the same rights and acceptance that we have in Britain, so when we march in the parade we're always thinking of them too."
On Sunday, a smaller event will take place in the lower car park at Castle Square with a focus on celebrating children and young people. With British Sign Language signing and a raised viewing area for those with mobility needs, Chester Pride is set to be an accessible all-day event for all to enjoy. Both days are free to enter.
