Pride in Liverpool has added an extra date for 2024 as Pride Classical is announced

A world-class 32-piece orchestra will take to the Liverpool Waterfront adding an additional day to the Pride festival.

A new dazzling event, Pride Classical will see an ensemble of star LGBT+ artists and an orchestra take to the stage to perform the best Pride anthems of the last 50 years on Friday, 26 July. The ticketed event, which has never been performed on a Pride stage, is part of efforts keeping the Saturday’s Pride in Liverpool march and festival free.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 4 Winner and Liverpool-born drag artist Danny Beard is set to host the spectacle. Blending their hilarious Scouse wit with superstar talent and a powerhouse voice, Danny adds an extra layer of class – and camp – to the event.

Danny will be supported by Jerry Springer The Musical’s Alison Jiear. With numerous West End credits including her current appearances in Sister Act, Alison is a regular soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Halle Orchestra. One further star performer is yet to be announced.

Event organisers LCR Pride Foundation have confirmed that Pride in Liverpool’s main stage will return to the city’s waterfront site after a year hiatus and will not only play host to the free Saturday community-led festival, but also Pride Classical’s world-class orchestra and talent for a specially commissioned show.

Pride Classical comes in collaboration between LCR Pride Foundation and multi award-winning orchestral production company, Carrot Productions. In 2023, Pride Classical performed to sellout crowds in Blackpool and Manchester.

The limited first-release tickets for Pride Classical begins today (Wednesday 24th April) priced at £25 plus booking fee. VIP experiences are also on sale. Tickets and more details about the VIP experiences will be available via prideinliverpool.co.uk

All proceeds from ticket sales for Pride Classical will go towards funding Pride in Liverpool on the following day, Saturday, 27 July, and ensure that the community-led festival remains free for all to attend.

Pride Classical Host Danny Beard said:

“I can’t wait to bring Pride Classical to my home city of Liverpool! You can expect classic queer anthems delivered with big beard energy – it’s going to be an incredible night and I’m just so excited!”

Andi Herring, CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, said:

“We are thrilled to bring Pride Classical to the city as part of the Pride in Liverpool festival this year. It is a truly spectacular event that showcases the best of LGBT+ talent whilst uplifting our community’s voice.

“Buying a ticket to Pride Classical not only promises you an unforgettable night, but it also supports us in delivering Pride in Liverpool and keeping the event free for everyone – something that remains a top priority for us at LCR Pride Foundation.”

Pride Classical co-creator Ben Hudson said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be joining Pride in Liverpool 2024 to kick off the opening night of the celebrations! The singers are beyond incredible, and we have designed DJ-style sets so we can build the energy, keep the party going and also to move you. It’s going to be incredibly special for so many of us LGBTQI+ musicians being able to perform together for you, sharing the same energy, passion and connection to the music with you all”.

Further announcements about Pride in Liverpool are to follow in coming weeks.