Liverpool’s Pride to kick off with powerful opening ceremony at M&S Bank Arena

Liverpool’s Pride has revealed full details of its opening ceremony, which will launch this year’s Pride weekend with a celebration of the city’s LGBTQ+ community at the M&S Bank Arena.

Taking place during the official Opening Party on Friday 24 July, the ceremony is expected to welcome thousands of people to Liverpool’s waterfront for an evening of live performances, tributes and community celebration.

Created in partnership with Sahir House and the LCR Pride Foundation, the event will celebrate Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community through the theme “Liverpool Through the Ages”.

The immersive production will honour those who helped pave the way for LGBTQ+ rights in the city, celebrate the voices creating change today and spotlight the next generation shaping the future.

The opening ceremony has been curated by Liverpool creatives Debbie Darling and Jester Boy, with a focus on showcasing homegrown talent from across the city region.

Performers announced for the event include:

• Debbie Darling
• Lady Sian
• Jester Boy
• Regina McQueen
• Ketona Madrave
• Shania Pain
• Kiki Pain
• Minnie
• Proud Marys
• Rare Studio
• GHF featuring MD Productions

The evening will begin with a high energy opening performance featuring Liverpool drag artists and dancers, before highlighting emerging LGBTQ+ talent from across the region.

One of the most emotional moments of the night will be a special tribute to Liverpool LGBTQ+ icon Lady Sian, recognising her decades of support and advocacy for the community. The tribute will also include a moment of reflection for those who are no longer with us but whose impact continues to be felt.

Speaking about the event, Debbie Darling said: “Liverpool’s local queer community has always been full of amazing talent, and we want to give them a platform at Liverpool’s Pride opening ceremony, highlighting the past, present and future of our fabulous community.

“We also wanted to remember those who have had such an incredible impact on our community who are sadly no longer with us, as we should never forget our history.

“From the Queen of the scene, Lady Sian, to the future of the community with up and coming drag artists, it’s going to be a rollercoaster of emotion and energy.”

Mark Christopherson, Trustee at Sahir House, added: “Liverpool’s Pride is about more than a weekend. It’s about celebrating our community, our culture and our shared future. The Opening Ceremony brings that story to life, showcasing the incredible talent we have right here in our city.”

The ceremony will conclude with a powerful finale bringing together performers and community figures in a celebration of Pride, unity and visibility.

Liverpool’s Pride 2026 programme

Opening Party and Opening Ceremony
Friday 24 July from 6pm
M&S Bank Arena

Community Event
Saturday 25 July from 12pm
Liverpool Experience Campus

Pride Expo
Saturday 25 July from 12pm
Liverpool Experience Campus

Liverpool’s Pride March
Saturday 25 July

Get your tickets for the Opening Ceremony here.

Check out Liverpool’s Pride returning for 2026 with biggest ever festival programme.

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