Who's on?

Kicking off the Big Weekend on Friday 24th August, is legendary rock performer Belinda Carlisle with unforgettable classics such as "Circle in the Sand" and "Heaven is a Place On Earth" followed by Sankey’s resident DJ and former Big Brother winner Kate Lawler.  On Saturday 25th, DJs from Gaydar Radio will be taking over the main stage and then on Sunday 26th Indie rock/alternative band The Gossip will be headlining with front woman Beth Ditto.

National radio DJ, Scott Mills, will also be on hand on the day to get the crowd into the party spirit. Performances from Jonathan Ross’s Four Poofs and a Piano, Stuart Avery, Amanda Palmer and acoustic punk pop/rock group Axe Girls, fronted by Esther Barton, the star of Channel 4 reality show will also be made.  Locals acts Karima Francis and Geek Girl add to the line-up.

For Monday’s finale on 27th August a number of artists are promised on stage including Gareth Gates, disco diva Angie Brown and chart-topper Nicki French. Add to that: the girls from the Sheila’s Wheels advert, Amanda from The Dresden Dolls and the cast of Never Forget, the new musical featuring the songs of Take That. X-Factor star Rowetta, Hazel Dean, and the loveable Betty Boo will also be taking to the stage. Sackville Park will host the alternative stage entertainments, with everything from a classical wind orchestra and big band to traditional cabaret, comedy and the Manchester Gay Choir.

Andrew Stokes, chairman of Manchester Pride, said:“The acts that perform on the main stage during the Big Weekend have to cater for a wide variety of ages and tastes. The line up we’ve got for this year’s event certainly does that and I’m sure will be a big hit with the crowd.

“And there’s more to come.  The team at Manchester Pride HQ are still working hard to get even more well known faces and artists to appear on stage. In true Manchester style, we’ll be working right up to the last minute to make sure everyone has an amazing time. If we can fit another few acts in, believe it, we will!”