Bristol Pride 2023 has confirmed Natalie Imbruglia will be performing in the festival's first-ever ‘Afternoon Legends’ slot. The Australian singer and actress joins a star-studded line-up for this year's annual Pride Festival returning to the Downs on Saturday, July 8.
Imbruglia, who starred in Neighbours in the 1990s, left the show to embark on a solo music career and shot to fame with her debut album Left of the Middle, which sold seven million copies worldwide. Her chart-topping cover of Ednaswap's song 'Torn' catapulted her to global fame and six albums later, she's still one of Australia's most loved pop artists.
In 2021 she made a triumphant return with her critically acclaimed top ten album, Firebird. She's won countless awards over the years and more recently dazzled UK viewers by winning the third season of The Masked Singer.
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Bristol Pride 2023 has also announced a second wave of acts for the festival's main stage which will join Nadine Coyle, Alison Limerick, Sophie and the Giants and Scissor Sister's Jake Shears as headliner. The expanded roster now includes 5Star lead singer Denise Pearson, live dance band Rhythm of the 90s, the incredible Dolly Parton Experience, uplifting local choir Sing Out Bristol, and art-pop performer Newtion.
Daryn Carter MBE, Director of Programming and Partnerships of Bristol Pride, said: “We’re so excited to reveal our 2023 Mainstage lineup and I'm so proud of all the acts performing at this year’s event. Having an international icon such as Natalie Imbruglia is going to be a very special and unifying moment for the crowds, and along with Jake Shears, we have a host of incredible performances planned for this year across 5 stages as we also champion incredible local talent for the festival on The Downs.”
The Festival has already announced over 30 performers on it Cabaret stage with headline performances from RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner, Ra’jah O’Hara alongside Drag Race UK fan favourite Tia Kofi and a special guest appearance from The Traitors UK star Amanda.
Winning ‘Best Event’ in this year’s Bristol Pride Life Awards, Pride Day also hosts a bustling Community Area, home to over 60 community, social and support groups, dedicated Youth and Family areas and five performance stages including circus, local dance groups and a showcase of new and emerging talent.
Pride Day begins with the Parade March across the city on July 8, which saw 20,000 people take part in 2022, and is a chance for the community to come together and march for visibility to make a stand against hate and prejudice. Last year was the organisation's biggest ever Pride Day on record.
Bristol Pride Day remains a donation entry festival to ensure it continues to be financially accessible for everyone who wants to attend Pride. However, organisers are asking all those who are able to pay a small donation to pick up a Supporter Wristbands for this year’s event.
Starting at £7, the wristbands offer rewards throughout Pride Day including free bus travel, free access to Pride’s dedicated shuttle service to The Downs and discounted food and bar at the festival. A £20 Day+Night pass is also available and includes entry to The Official Afterparty at the Bristol O2 Academy, featuring three rooms of DJs and headlined The Shapeshifters.
Bristol Pride will start a huge programme of events around the city on June 24 leading up to Pride Day on July 8. Head to Bristol Pride's website for more information and to purchase Supporter Wristbands.
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