We’re so excited to announce that Scissor Sisters’ Frontman, Jake Shears will be headlining the Mainstage on Saturday 8 July as the annual event returns to The Downs this summer.
With an incredible catalogue of hits including Scissor Sisters tracks such as ‘I don’t feel like dancin’, ‘Take Your Mama’, and ‘Laura’, Jake Shears is set to raise the roof and close the show with a bang. Jake has recently released new disco tracks ‘Too Much Music’ and ‘Devil Came Down the Dance Floor’ ahead of his new album release this June, which features a collaboration with Kylie Minogue. A career spanning multi-million global album sales, Brits, Ivor Novellos, Grammy award nominations, global arena tours and Broadway performances, Jake Shears is the ultimate performer and will be bringing something very exciting to Bristol Pride.
Alongside Jake Shears, we’ve announced our first wave of Mainstage artists including Girls Aloud Star Nadine Coyle, 90s dance sensation Alison Limerick, ‘Hypnotized’ singer Sophie and the Giants and Brit award nominee Ladyhawke will also be performing as part of her European Tour. We’ve also announced over 35 performers on our star studded Cabaret stage with headline performances from Rupaul’s Drag Race Winner, Ra’jah O’Hara alongside Drag Race UK fan favourite Tia Kofi and a special guest appearance from The Traitors UK star Amanda.
Winning ‘Best Event’ in the Bristol Pride Life Awards, 40,000 people attended Pride Day in 2022 with an incredible line up of performers alongside area favourites such as bustling Community Area, which is home to over 60 community, social and support groups. The festival will also feature dedicated Youth and Family areas and 5 performance stages including circus, local dance groups and a showcase of new and emerging talent.
The full festival line up for 2023 including their Afternoon Legends slot will be revealed over the coming months.
We’re so excited to finally start announcing our 2023 lineup and to have the incredible Jake Shears headlining the festival this year. Pride is a very special event and is about creating a space where the community can all come together, be their authentic selves and to maintain and further LGBT+ rights. Every year it’s an incredible atmosphere of joy, celebration and protest and Jake’s music speaks to being confident in yourself which will really resonate with so many people attending Pride, it’s going to be a truly special show” – Daryn Carter, Director of Programming and Partnerships
Pride Day begins with the Parade March across the city, which saw 20,000 people take part in 2022, and is the chance for the community to come together in joyful celebration of identity but also to march for visibility and make a stand against hate and prejudice.
“The Pride Parade March will be returning this year, louder and prouder than ever. The march is an integral part of what pride is, we’re excited to be filling the city with colour once again. We have a new 50m long pride flag which is one of the largest in the UK which we cannot wait to unveil. The march is a chance to be visible and, importantly, it serves as a reminder that the LGBT+ community continues to fight for equality.” – Eve Russell, Festival Director
Pride Day remains a donation entry, ensuring that it remains financially accessible for everyone who wants to attend Pride, however, Supporter Wristbands for this year’s festival are already available from just £7. Not only do they support Pride to happen and help enable future events, they offer great rewards including free bus travel on Pride Day with First Bus and free access to our dedicated shuttle service to The Downs, they also offer dedicated quick access entry to the festival and discounts at the festival with food traders and the onsite bars on Pride Day.
Advance tickets for The Official Pride Afterparty are also available now as we take over the Bristol O2 Academy for 3 rooms in incredible international and local DJs.The Shapeshifters headline the main arena, from their global anthem ‘Lola’s Theme’, through to his 2020 showstopper ‘Finally Ready’ featuring the incomparable Billy Porter, they continue to make waves and will perform a very special set for Pride. They will be joined on the night by party makers Guilty Pleasures, R&She playing the queens of Hip Hop and RnB.
