Jake Shears to headline Pride Classical at Liverpool’s Pier Head

Pride Classical will take place at Liverpool’s Pier Head on Friday, 26 July, marking the eve of Pride in Liverpool.

Today, 2 July, critically acclaimed LGBTQ+ icon Jake Shears has been announced as the headline act for the event, which will feature a world-class 32-piece orchestra performing the greatest Pride anthems of the past 50 years.

Jake Shears, the dynamic lead singer of the Grammy-nominated and Brit Award-winning Scissor Sisters, is renowned for chart-topping hits like “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” and “Take Your Mama.”

Since embarking on his solo career, Shears has released two albums, co-written music for the musical “Tammy Faye” with Elton John, starred in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway, and portrayed the legendary Emcee in “Cabaret” in the West End. His last performance in Liverpool was a standout part of the Eurovision Village festivities last year.

Joining Shears on stage will be actor and musician Ashford Campbell, celebrated for his roles in West End productions such as “Dreamgirls,” “9 to 5 the Musical,” and “The Drifters Girl.” Ashford first gained national attention as a member of the boyband The Risk on the 2011 live shows of “The X Factor.”

Shears and Campbell will be performing alongside an already stellar lineup, including RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 4 winner Danny Beard and West End sensation Alison Jiear.

The event, which kicks off the Pride in Liverpool celebrations, is a collaboration between the Liverpool City Region’s LGBTQ+ charity LCR Pride Foundation and the multi-award-winning orchestral production company, Carrot Productions. In 2023, Pride Classical captivated sold-out audiences in Blackpool and Manchester.

Final-release tickets for Pride Classical are now available, starting at £30 plus booking fees. Tickets can be purchased via prideinliverpool.co.uk. All proceeds from ticket sales will support Pride in Liverpool on Saturday, 27 July, ensuring that the community-led festival remains free and accessible for all attendees.

Jake Shears said:

“I’m delighted to be returning to Liverpool for what will be a memorable night of love, joy, and unity. Pride Classical is the perfect way to start your Pride in Liverpool weekend, and I can’t wait to see everyone.”

Andi Herring, CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, added:

“Jake Shears and Ashford Campbell are the icing on the cake for what is already a spectacular lineup. We’re pulling out all the stops to make this a show that people will talk about for years to come, and most importantly, to ensure that Pride in Liverpool remains free and accessible to all.”