Blackpool Pride Festival
Saturday/Sunday, 13th/14th June
Nearly everything is ready for this year’s Blackpool Pride Festival in the Winter Gardens and we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from all around the country.
Organisers have now announced this year’s main stage line up, including massive X-Factor stars Jedward and Jake Quickenden, last year’s runner up from I’m a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here. Also appearing are Britain’s Got Talent Bailey McConall and Harry Mondryk.
Making a welcome return to this year’s event are 80s party duo Black Lace and the ever popular Krankies. Two acts that have also become Pride favourites, not only in Blackpool but throughout the UK, are Allan Jay and Ryan Jagger. There will also be an over 18’s area with many adult performers and also a Youth and Family area, sponsored by the Sandcastle Waterpark, which also includes this year’s Pride’s Got Talent!
Additionally, local Blackpool female 4 piece group The Divas are making their first appearance and there will also be a wealth of local artists performing on our various stages.
Additionally, there are over 20 commercial stalls and 30 community and charity stalls, all providing a wide range of LGBT merchandise and information.
The Parade starts at the Sandcastle Waterpark on the Promenade near the Pleasure Beach at 11.00 am on the Saturday. This vehicle and walking Parade will make its way along the Promenade before heading up towards St. John’s Square in front of the Winter Gardens where the opening ceremony will take place. It should be really colourful and exciting and will be seen by thousands of people.
Blackpool Pride Festival chairman Shaun Pickup says, “I am delighted with the support we have received from so many companies and community organisations, including Blackpool Council. We anticipate large numbers this year and, because it is a free event, we advise people to come early! We have fantastic entertainment and there really is something for everyone. I also urge as many as possible to join in the Parade and help us give Blackpool the best Parade ever before going straight into the Winter Gardens and enjoying the entire weekend with us.”
Blackpool Pride Festival is not only in the Winter Gardens! In the evenings, our Partner bars will provide entertainment all through the night, from the Friday through to the Monday! These bars all support Blackpool Pride Festival and we work together to make this a very special weekend in Blackpool for the LGB&T community visiting from across the country.
Hotel and Guest houses are filling up very quickly, so please go to our Accommodation Partner, BAGs Blackpool, to look for any vacancies.
Our Festivities start with The Pride Ball on Sunday 7th June at the Sands Venue and you can buy your tickets from chair@blackpoolpridefest.com
Have a look and see what is happening and please do come along and support us.