Pride in Leeds

MORE than 20,000 people will on the streets this Sunday for the sixth Leeds Pride which has grown to be one of the largest and colourful events in the city's calender. 

As well as classic anthems pride supporters can visit 20 plus bars, a funfair, market stalls and more international cabaret acts than you can shake a feather boa on three outdoor stages.

As well as celebrating the rich diversity of Leeds' LGBT communities the festivities are estimated to bring £1.5 million into the city’s economy.

The fun kicks off at 12 noon with the opening of the Real Radio Main Stage on Millennium Square and with a rainbow of talent including top 10 chart sensation and the hottest girl band around, ‘ Parade’, and the boys from Eli Prime. Joining them are some of the country’s most amazing divas namely Novena, Tameka and, queen of the Yorkshire Gay scene, Kira.

As the Leeds Town Hall clock strikes 3pm the centrepiece of Leeds Pride, the Parade takes to the street. Revelers can expect the usual glitz and glam, outrageous costumes, and people showing their love for each other and support for the LGB&T community.

This year will see the Lord Mayor of Leeds joining the parade helping to carry the huge rainbow flag – the univeral symbol of LGBT Pride. 

 "Pride is a celebration of the diversity of Leeds LGBT communities and a statement of solidarity with and by our families, friend and allies, it’s a great day out for everyone," says Tom Doyle, Leeds Pride Chair. 

The Pride Parade will wend its way through the city centre to the pedestrianised Call Lane and Lower Briggate part of town, where the party of parties is waiting for the huge crowds. Top DJs on the bill include DJ Maximoss, DJ Simon Goulding, DJ Nicki Myers, DJ PJ DJ Linsey Barron, and DJ Mark Holliday.

As well as classic anthems pride supporters can visit 20 plus bars, a funfair, market stalls and more international cabaret acts than you can shake a feather boa on three outdoor stages.  Live acts include:

Georgie Boy –Boy George Tribute,

Cherry Pops – Drag Idol winner 2010,

The Viaduct Showgirls – Stars of the Award winning Viaduct Showbar,

Miss Sordid – Cabaret from the Bridge Bar’s resident DJ & Host

Dame Shirley Bassey Experience –The UK’s top Shirley Bassey tribute

Bears Aloud – Hot pawing it from their Blayds Bar den, its the original big bears in frocks.

Miss Orry – The sensational Queens Court’s Miss Orry

Cheryl Hole – Cabaret from Leeds’s very own Cheryl Hole.

The entire showcase section is hosted by the international Peggy Wessex.

It doesn’t end there, expect a high octane mix of high energy and cheese from the oldest LGBT venue in Leeds, the New Penny, while next door at the Bridge, it's time to dance yourself dizzy with camp chart tunes.

Queens Court, Fibre and Mission will present ‘Meat in the Street’, the biggest and best courtyard party of the year. For those of you with an endless supply of energy and Monday off work Homo and the Back Door Disco are hosting the official after Pride party keeping the revellers up until 4am.

For more details about Leeds Pride, including a parade pack visit www.leedspride.com like Pride on Facebook and follow Pride on Twitter: @LeedsPride