Visitors to this year’s Leicester Pride will be given a military salute of celebration as a vintage RAF Lancaster plane will perform a commemorative Fly By during free Pride events taking place on Saturday, August 31.
The vintage aircraft, which was first flown in 1945 and is one of only two Lancasters remaining in airworthy condition, is part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight collection which commemorates all those who have lost their lives serving in the RAF, many of whom would have been gay.
Add in the government’s landmark apology for the ban on LGBTQ+ service personnel, this special RAF Fly By, combined with the city of Leicester being awash with rainbow colours and joyful celebrations, will be a powerful message of inclusivity and equality.
An annual celebration of the LGBTQ community, embracing diversity and fostering unity, this year’s family-friendly event promises to be bigger and better than ever, is free to attend and celebrates equality and diversity in our community.
The event starts at 12pm with a parade through the city centre starting at a new location on Humberstone Gate and leading to the festival site on Abbey Park.
Hosted by Lea Martin and Marty Smith and out pro-footballer, Zander Murray, this year’s theme for the main stage is a tribute to some of the greatest performers of all time with headliners Absolute Britney, The Dolly Show, Queen tribute, Now I’m Here and Jax inspired by Adele as well as Jack Draper, Nicole Faraday, the LGBT Choir and DJ Robbie Lewis.
Curve Theatre’s future hit musical and TikTok sensation, SuperYou, will also take to the stage with its own blend of powerful, anthemic songs – sung by Six The Musical’s Vicki Manser – and is sure to leave you feeling uplifted.
The Helsinki DJ Arena showcases the best local DJs that are guaranteed to get you moving including Just Soriah, Charlie Adams, Andy Smith, Chris Blackmore, Gareth Hazard, The Saturnos, Fanny Burns Bingo and Kirk Fowkes Goodwin.
Drag afficionados are gonna be slayed as Lady Imelda, Lola Lasagne and Fanny Burns complete a Dover Castle Drag Marathon.
But it’s not all about the entertainment; Leicester Pride organisers are keen to promote inclusivity and acceptance and will see/hear pro-footballer, Zander Murray, who is one of only a handful of out, pro-footballers in the world share his inspirational story on the main stage, as well as Zimbabwean radio presenter Kevin Ncube and local trans ambassador and founder of Cool2BTrans, Katie Neeves.
Martyn Parker, Chairman of Leicester Pride, shares his excitement: “We’re so excited that this year our celebration of love, acceptance and the beauty of diversity will be taking to the skies! Leicester Pride has always been about bringing people together and we’re thrilled to present an event that not only entertains but also empowers and inspires. We invite everyone to join us in making this year’s Pride the most memorable yet.”
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food and drink options and explore numerous market stalls and Billy Bates & Sons‘ fun fair will be extending their stay in Abbey Park for the celebrations, even adding some extra rides to enjoy. The celebrations will close at 9pm.
The event is expected to be attended by more than 20,000, with more than 2,000 taking part in the parade through the city. Since 2009, Leicester Pride has grown from a small event based in the city to a full-scale festival at Abbey Park – with special support from Leicester City Council, and other sponsors – and is now one of the UK’s biggest, free-to-attend, single day Pride festivals.
Organisers add: “Join us as we count down to a day of celebration, empowerment, and unity. Leicester Pride 2024 is not just an event; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and loving world.”
More info HERE
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