Thousands are expected to turn out for the Birmingham pride parade and festivities this bank Holiday weekend (Photograph: Arron Dobbins)
Tens of thousands of party revellers are set to descend on Birmingham Gay Pride this weekend, with organisers announcing record-breaking advance tickets sales for the UK’s biggest two-day gay festival.
Birmingham Gay Pride kicks off on Saturday 23rd May with a Carnival Parade through the city centre. The parade, which sets off from Victoria Square at 12 noon, is this year taking the theme of ‘#FREEDOM – Together United’.
Featuring over fifty floats and walking groups, the parade will wind its way through the city centre streets to the heart of the Birmingham Pride festival, taking place in the city’s vibrant and colourful gay village.
Samba band Someone At The Door on the carnival parade during Birmingham Pride
Pride Festival Director Lawrence Barton commented: “The entire Birmingham Pride team are absolutely buzzing about this year’s festival. It’s incredible to have achieved record ticket sales for an event that’s set to attract tens of thousands of people. We set out to build on the success of last year’s festival, and with such a fantastic line-up we’re certain it’s going to be an amazing weekend!”
Boasting its biggest artist and DJ line-up to date, this year’s event features an array of high-profile performers, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Headline acts include Jess Glynne – whose hit single Hold My Hand smashed its way to No.1 – popular rapper Example – whose performance will include No.1 singles Changed The Way You Kiss Me and Stay Awake – former JLS member Marvin Humes – performing with his new band, LuvBug – and X Factor artists Union J, Stereo Kicks and Only The Young. Gay Gogglebox stars Stephen Webb and Chris Steed will also be on hand to host the festival’s popular Main Stage.
>> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT AT BIRMINGHAM PRIDE <<
The theme for this year’s Birmingham Pride is ‘Freedom – Together United’
Other performers confirmed to appear across the two-day festival include ’70s group Boney M, ’80s superstar Jimmy Somerville and ’90s favourites Heather Small and Atomic Kitten, together with a host of current headline artists.
The Birmingham Gay Pride event, which last year attracted over 50,000 party-loving revellers, also features a dance arena, cabaret marquee, funfair and women’s area, in addition to a host of free community events at the Birmingham LGBT Centre. Stalls and refreshment outlets will also be on site.
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Tickets for the two-day festival, which is located in Birmingham’s Gay Village in the Southside area of the city, are available at a cost of £20 for day tickets and £30 for weekend tickets.
Children under five get free admission when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available from www.birminghampride.com.
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