Main Stage 2023

In a career that has spanned multi-million global album sales, Brits, Ivor Novellos, Grammy award nominations and arena tours, Jake Shears has become a trusted friend to his audience. Just last year, Scissor Sisters’ debut album was named the UK’s twelfth biggest-selling debut LP of all time, whilst Shears himself has continued to shape-shift: he has not only written an acclaimed memoir (‘Boys Keep Swinging’), performed on Broadway (Kinky Boots), but also recently opened ‘Tammy Faye’ in London alongside Elton John to rave reviews and winning an Olivier Award.

That pull towards the dancefloor, however, has remained a constant throughout Jake Shears’ unorthodox career, resulting in a new album that feels as much of a blast of escapism as it is a spiritual homecoming for the self-confessed Last Man Dancing. We are so excited for this very special performance with Pride.

She ‘electrified’ the stage at Mighty Hoopla and we are so excited to welcome the incredible Lisa Scott-Lee to Bristol Pride. One fifth of the almighty Steps, selling over 20 million albums, Lisa will be performing both Steps and solo hits including Lately which this year marks the 20th Anniversary release.

With over 100 Million global streams, Sophie and the Giants are practitioners of innovative, left-leaning pop: a raw fusion of collective influences, which range from the likes of Siouxsie Sioux to Blondie and Jamie T. The band was formed while all four of them were still at college. Shortly after, they moved to their adoptive hometown of Sheffield where they’ve been refining their intense, life-affirming sound and rapidly expanding set of songs which have since taken them on tour with the likes of Tom Grennan, Yonaka and Reverend and The Makers. They also performed as part of the Eurovision 2022 half time show and have scored No.1s across Europe with their multi platinum selling collaborations with Purple Disco Machine.

The UK’s no.1 live 90s dance anthems band! With their infectious energy, incredible musicianship, and nostalgia-filled set, Rhythm of the 90s have managed to uncover the sweet spot of combining the best electronic dance music of the 90s with all of the benefits of a live band and gig experience.

With sold-out shows across the UK expect to hear classic hits from Darude, The Prodigy, Sash, Faithless, Haddaway, Robin S, Corona, Baby D, N-Trance, plus many more, all performed by a fully live 7 piece band.

As one fifth of chart-mauling, award-winning, expectation-shattering girl band Girls Aloud, Nadine Coyle has already played her part in helping redefine pop. Girls Aloud racked up an incredible twenty-one UK Top Ten singles, twenty of those consecutively, with each one more crazy than the one before. If each member of the band – who sashayed their way through a ten-year career racking up an incredible twenty-one UK Top Ten singles, four No.1s and five incredible albums – had a role, then Nadine’s was the voice.

Performing in our new Afternoon Legends slot is one of Australia’s most loved pop artists, she first stole our hearts with her chart-topping smash hit Torn, the most played song on Australian radio since 1990! With follow up tracks Shiver, Big Mistake, Wrong Impressions to name just a few, she has released six studio albums, and in 2021 made a triumphant return with her critically acclaimed, Top 10 album, ‘Firebird’.  Natalie has won 8 Aria’s, 2 Brit Awards, one Billboard Music Award and received three Grammy Nominations!

Most recently, Natalie had a cameo in the final ever episode of Neighbours where she played Beth Brennan through the 90’s and won the third series of The Masked Singer UK.

Nonbinary and deafblind Ro is a BSL user and adores music. First performed with us when they were just 19 this year they’ll be shaking things up a little on the Main Stage, bringing songs to life through sign language.

Endorsed by Dolly herself, the incredible Sarah Jayne has all the glitz, glam and charisma to present a unique tribute to the Queen of Country!

Performing all the hits, join us on a journey from her Tennessee mountain home to the well-known red-headed woman that nearly got Dolly’s man; Jolene!

British singer-songwriter, Alison Limerick is known for her powerful and soulful voice that has captivated audiences around the world. Her music style blends elements of house, soul, and dance, creating a unique sound that saw her rise to success through the 90s scene. With hit songs like “Where Love Lives” and “Make It On My Own,” Alison has become an established jewel in the UK house and soul scene.

Lead vocalist with the chart topping 5Star, Denise is a Grammy award winning singer/songwriter with unprecedented chart run of over 20 top thirty UK singles including Rain or Shine, System Addict and The Slightest Touch.

Recently she’s been on stage in the West End, toured with The Jacksons, performed with Sigala and at festivals across the UK.

Hailing from West London and here to deliver his sermon. ‘Music to mek the mandem wan’ cyatch vibe wit dem menzes’ Newtion brings a conversation to his Father, siblings and all the future children about what Black masculinity and sexuality mean through the many facets of my highly queer, highly melinated vessel.

Debut single ‘PsychoPath’ is available alongside its music video on all platforms; and his EP: The Father, The Son & The Holy Black is due for release later this year. 

Founder of Thorny, Órla Bligh debuted her original music in 2022 and this year releases her debut EP, writing about her experiences as a trans woman finding her community in an unequal society. Using her music to spread a message of unity, collectivism and love to anyone who has been through hard times.

This Bristol institution has grown into the largest LGBT+ organisation in the South West, with over 150 members.

As well as weekly rehearsals and regular performances, they hold monthly social events and outreach work. Visit their stall in the community area tent to find out more.

Radio, TV presenter and local institution, long serving broadcaster, Downsy joins us as our afternoon host for the Main Stage.

Our evening host for the Main Stage is a multi award winning comedian, actress and Strictly Come Dancing star! Jayde’s critically acclaimed special was released on Amazon Prime to worldwide applause, was longlisted for an Emmy and has amassed over 156 million views. She’s just finished an incredible sold out UK tour and is ready to party with you.

KEZIAH is Bristol-based, queer female DJ who learned to mix with the infamous Saffron Music. Since then she has continued to blend bassy belters, tech-house and remixed classics (90s, rnb, pop, floor fillers) to create seamless sets, taking audiences on rich, dynamic journeys through sound.

She’s played for local Bristol radio shows (Noods, 1020, BBC Radio Bristol), and events including the Alice Project at The Full Moon, Dolce Vita LBGT+ electronic nights, and DV online Pride, as a resident for House’D at Basement 45, and multiple events at The Plough.

She’s DJ’d Love Saves The Day and this year will be joining us to open Main Stage and warm you up and keep you hot throughout the day.