Celebrate Pride this weekend!

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

St George's Hall to be illuminated in a glorious coloured rainbow of lights

Liverpool Pride returns this weekend for its sixth consecutive year with a full weekend of flamboyant and vibrant activity taking place across the city celebrating the LGBT community.

One of the host venues, St George’s Hall, has just announced that they will be showing their support to Gay Pride by illuminating the columns on the front of the Grade II listed building; lighting up the hall in a spectacular rainbow of colour to represent the colours of the Pride flag. This will take place on the evenings of Friday July 31 and Saturday August 1.

Alan Smith, manager of St George’s Hall, commented: “St George’s Hall is delighted to support Pride for its celebrations. The East Portico columns at the top of the Plateau will be lit up in a brilliant spectacle of Rainbow lights on Friday and Saturday evening which will be a grand way to start the weekend, and the family-friendly event in St John’s Gardens brings further celebration and light into the heart of the city and reaffirms the halls commitments to be truly multicultural, inclusive, and embracing all of the community.”

As ever, the Liverpool Pride March will kick off the celebrations on Saturday August 1 which will then be followed by a free events programme held in the prestigious backdrop of the St George’s Quarter and within St John’s Gardens.

Those marching are asked to gather at the muster point at Liverpool’s iconic St. George’s Plateau from 10.30, with the march starting at 12.00.

There will be extended muster time activity hosted by celebrated Drag Queen, The Vivienne and Paul St German, which includes performances from LIPA, Royal Court Community Choir, Empire Youth Theatre performing songs from Legally Blonde, Encore Productions and poems by Liverpool poet Gerry Potter.

There will be speeches from Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Tony Concepcion, Natalie Bennett MP (leader of Green Party), Labour MP Stephen Twigg, Councillor Gary Millar and other LGBT patrons and activists.

They will also be announcing the winner of the school competitions to design a t-shirt (judged by Stone Wall Chief Exec Ruth Hunt) and the poetry competition (judged by CEO of Diversity Role Models Suran Dickson).

The Liverpool Pride March will then commence through the streets of Liverpool which this year for the first time ever will go through the Stanley Street Gay Quarter.

Once back at the plateau, there will be further speeches and performances as well as a special Balloon Release. This will launch a full afternoon of events scheduled in St John’s Gardens.

St Johns Gardens and St Georges Quarter will remain an alcohol-free zone.

Bring your picnic baskets and pitch a spot and relax on the comfy pink bean bags in St John’s Gardens to enjoy pink lemonade and afternoon tea with The Pride Pink Picnic. Food and soft drinks will also be available for purchase.

Check out the Community Zone which includes an Education Area sponsored by After Adoption, a Kids Game Area, and Market.

The Education Area offers a varied programme throughout the day for all ages which includes: a video from the Michael Causer Foundation which outlines why the Foundation was set up; DWF present facts and advice for same-sex couples wanting to start a family; Diversity Role Models present workshops which give an insight in to life in the school classroom; Sahir House present some of their latest work; Purple Tie Promotions present a Trans panel discussion about life before and after the ban was lifted on LGBT serving members of the Armed Forces; various Q+A sessions including Liverpool Trans and LGSM; Kreative Kaos will present an exciting performance of children’s story The Pirate Princess; Story time corner with readings of LGBT children’s books throughout the day.

Acoustic Music will be provided in the education area with a host of local artists performing throughout the day, including Out on Stage contestants Eleanor Nelly and Joseph Lofthouse.

Kids of all ages will be entertained for hours in the Kids Game Area which will include giant versions of Jenga, Connect Four, Coyts, Pick up Sticks, Snakes and Ladders, hula hooping, skipping, limbo, table tennis, space hoppers, nought and crosses and parachutes.

There will also be a market which will include a wealth of stalls to stock up on souvenirs, gifts and mementos as well and food and drink stalls and information stalls including various LGBT services plus stalls which offer links to local and national groups for teens to get information and resources for teachers and education providers to use in their classrooms.

The Incredible Moving Picturehouse will also be driving into the city for a special programme of movies supported by Unison North West LGBT Group and Thinking Film. Four LGBT feature films will be screened: Hairspray, Pride, Soft Lad and Dressed as a Girl, running from 14.00 to 22.30; tickets are £6.00 per screening and are now on sale.

Dance the night away at The Ball and Chain Fundraiser, a special event at city centre venue Amanzi on Water Street from 19:30. The event which is being organised in partnership with Soul Inspired Events will include a host of Liverpool’s hottest and freshest talent including the 2015 Out On Stage finalists Skylights and Jess Kemp plus this year’s winner Shamona plus performances from Jes Stretton, Court Royal and Amique.

Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased in advance for £10 via email to tickets@liverpoolpride.co.uk or in person at The Lisbon on Victoria Street, or can be purchased on the door at Amanzi for £12.

Stanley Street Quarter will also be hosting a wide range of entertainment and events throughout the weekend. Please visit www.stanleystqtr.co.uk for more details.

GYRO Youth Space, a service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans* Young People aged 13-25 will also be celebrating Pride with a selection of games, music, trans*zone, art, photo booth and food from 1pm-5pm at YPAS Bolton Street, Liverpool, L3 5LX.

The programme continues on Sunday August 2 with Breaking Our Chains: Health and Creativity at the Bluecoat from 14.00 which offers an afternoon of health, healing and creativity featuring: Big Luv Sista Choir and Circle, First steps in Pride & Confidence building from The Armistead Project; creative activities with POM POM and FREE hand and arm massage from Kiehl's of Liverpool One alongside Wishes & Prayers bunting making with Liverpool Pride.

The weekend then comes to a poignant close with the Michael Causer Foundation Vigil taking place at 17.00 at Temple Square, with the date of Liverpool Pride always coinciding with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life. Michael died on August 2 2008, and the festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities. This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place a week before what would have also been Michael’s 26th birthday. The Michael Causer Vigil will be held on Sunday August 2 at 17.00 at Temple Square, off Dale Street.

Liverpool Pride 2015 is being supported by main sponsors Homes For Everyone and Liverpool City Council. Supporters also include After Adoption, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Baird College, Unison North West LGBT, and Barefoot Wine.

Anyone wishing to participate in the march should pre-register at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk/liverpool-pride-march-registration.

Keep up to date with Pride Liverpool announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

March with Pride this weekend

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

New March route to include Stanley Street Quarter; Muster activity hosted by drag queen The Vivienne

Liverpool Pride returns to the city this weekend for its sixth consecutive year, and as ever it commences with the colourful and vibrant Liverpool Pride March through the streets of Liverpool city centre on Saturday August 1.

With this year’s theme set as Love is No Crime, stand tall and celebrate the LGBT community by taking part in the March, which for the first time ever will this year go through the Stanley Street Gay Quarter.

Anyone wishing to participate in the march should pre-register at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk/liverpool-pride-march-registration.

Those marching are asked to gather at the muster point at Liverpool’s iconic St. George’s Plateau from 10.30, with the March starting at 12.00.

There will be extended muster time activity leading up to the increasingly popular and poignant march, with a programed schedule of speakers and entertainment hosted by The Vivienne and Paul St German, this includes performances from LIPA, Royal Court Community Choir and Empire Youth Theatre and poems by Liverpool poet Gerry Potter.

There will be speeches from Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Tony Concepcion, Natalie Bennett MP (leader of Green Party), and Labour MP Angela Eagle, Councillor Gary Millar as well as other LGBT patrons and activists.

They will also be announcing the winner of the school competitions to design a t-shirt (judged by Stone Wall Chief Exec Ruth Hunt) and the poetry competition (judged by CEO of Diversity Role Models Suran Dickson).

The Muster at St George's Hall is an important part of the Pride day, where participants, spectators and organisers all join together to appreciate what Liverpool Pride represents and the importance of continuing this outstanding event each year.

After leaving St George’s Plateau, the March route will proceed along Lime Street before taking in Queen Square Bus Station and Whitechapel, then making its way on to Lord Street to the Victoria Monument, right on to Castle Street, right on to Dale Street, left on to North John Street, right on to Victoria Street before turning left up Stanley Street and continue along Dale Street, over the Churchill Way Flyover before arriving back at St George’s Plateau.

Once back at the Plateau, there will be further speeches and performances as well as a special Balloon Release.

This will launch a full afternoon of events scheduled in the St George’s Quarter and within St John’s Gardens.

The programme will include The Pink Picnic; An Education and Community Zone; A Market Area; Food and Drink Stalls; Picturehouse Travelling Cinema; Acoustic Music; Workshops; Family Zone and Speakers Corner with special guest in attendance.

Please note that St Johns Gardens and St George's Quarter will remain an alcohol-free zone.

The date of Liverpool Pride always coincides with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life.

Michael died on August 2 2008, and the festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities.

This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place a week before what would have also been Michael’s 26th birthday.

The Michael Causer Vigil will be held on Sunday August 2 at 17.00 at Temple Square, off Dale Street.

Liverpool Pride 2015 is being supported by main sponsors Homes For Everyone and Liverpool City Council.

Supporters also include After Adoption, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Baird College, Unison North West LGBT, and Barefoot Wine.

Keep up to date with Pride Liverpool announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

St George saves the day

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

A free Pride programme to be held in the St George's Quarter

Liverpool Pride organisers are delighted to announce that there will be a free events programme on Saturday August 1 and will be held in the prestigious backdrop of the St George’s Quarter and within St John’s Gardens.

The programme will include the Pride Muster and March; The Pink Picnic; An Education and Community Zone; A Market Area; Food and Drink Stalls; Picturehouse Travelling Cinema; Acoustic Music; Workshops; Family Zone and Speakers Corner with special guest in attendance.  St Johns Gardens and St Georges Quarter will remain an alcohol free zone.

Liverpool Pride will commence with an extended muster time on St George’s Plateau from 10.30 with a programme of entertainment and speakers on St Georges Plateau including popular Liverpool Poet Gerry Potter. This will lead up to the increasingly popular and poignant Liverpool Pride March starting from St George’s Hall, which remains a highlight of the day. This year, the March route will loop around the city beginning and ending at St George’s Plateau and for the first time ever will pass through Liverpool’s Stanley Street Quarter

When the March has returned, bring your picnic baskets and pitch a spot in St John’s Gardens to enjoy pink lemonade and afternoon tea with The Pride Pink Picnic and enjoy a family fun day, packed with an array of activities on offer. Food and soft drinks will also be available for purchase.

The Education Zone will offer LGBT talks, workshops and activities for all ages, and attendees already confirmed include After Adoption; Association of Teachers and Lecturers; Broken Rainbow; Brook; CARE Fertility; Chalice Media Group; Diversity Role Models; DWF LLP Law Firm; Educate and Celebrate; Homotopia; LGSM; Liverpool Bi Group; Liverpool Trans; Mermaids; Michael Causer Foundation; New Beginnings; Purple Tie Promotions; Sahir House and The Whitechapel Centre.

Highlights of events taking place in the education zone include a video from the Michael Causer Foundation which outlines why the Foundation was set up, DWF present facts and advice for same-sex couples wanting to start a family, Diversity Role Models present workshops which give an insight in to life in the school classroom, Kreative Kaos will present an exciting performance of children’s story The Pirate Princess and there will be various Q+A sessions including Liverpool Trans and LGSM.

Children and parents alike will be able to take advantage of Story Time Corner with books available to enjoy which focus on gender identity and different family set-ups, as well as a host of Celebrity Guest readers throughout the day including professional comedian Bethany Black who recently featured in the hugely successful and popular multi-channel shows Banana, Cucumber and Tofu where she was the first trans actress to play a lead role, plus rising soulful R&B artist Jes Stretton who returns after performing on Liverpool Pride’s main stage in 2014.

Music will be provided in the education zone with a host of local artists performing throughout the day, including Out on Stage contestants Eleanor Nelly and Joseph Lofthouse entertaining the crowds with a fantastic selection of acoustic tracks.

The Incredible Moving Picturehouse will also be driving into the city for a special programme of movies supported by Unison North West LGBT Group and Thinking Film. They will be screening four LGBT feature films: Hairspray, Pride, Soft Lad and Dressed as a Girl, running from 14.00-22.30; tickets are £6.00 per screening and are now on sale.

There will also be a market which will include a wealth of stalls to stock up on souvenirs, gifts and mementos as well and food and drink stalls and information stalls including various LGBT services plus stalls which offer links to local and national groups for teens to get information and resources for teachers and education providers to use in their classrooms.

After previously announcing a downsize in scale to this year’s festival, organisers have been working tirelessly to put together as full a programme as possible and are delighted to have secured the remarkable setting of St John’s Garden to hold this year’s day time events.

Joan Burnett, Trustee of Liverpool Pride Charity, commented: "We want to thank Liverpool City Council and Homes4Everyone and our other supporters for their unwavering belief in Liverpool Pride; they have made our day possible!

“St John's Gardens is a beautiful setting for the day, so near the Stanley Street Quarter and having been the site of a Pansy Project intervention before now. We hope to both entertain and educate in equal measure and our emphasis will be on young people and their experiences. We'll have great speakers on stage, a vibrant market area and plenty for everyone to do and see! Whilst we do remind everyone that this is an alcohol free zone, we encourage you to join us for the perfect summer picnic and enjoy Liverpool Pride to the max.”

Alan Smith, Manager of St George’s Hall, added: “St George’s Hall is delighted to support Pride for their March and celebrations in St John’s Gardens. The family friendly event in St John’s gardens brings further celebration and light into the heart of the city and reaffirms the halls commitments to be truly multicultural, inclusive, and embracing all of the community.”

Liverpool Pride 2015 is being supported by main sponsors Homes For Everyone and Liverpool City Council. Supporters also include After Adoption, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Baird College, Unison North West LGBT, and Barefoot Wine.

Keep up to date with Pride Liverpool announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

The Incredible Moving Picturehouse rolling into town to debut at Liverpool Pride

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

Liverpool Pride is proud to announce the Incredible Moving Picturehouse is driving into the city on Saturday August 1 as part of the official Pride programme. The transforming cinema lorry will manoeuvre into Liverpool for its premiere visit, parking for the day on St George's Plateau (St George's Hall) where the March muster takes place, for a special programme of movies supported by Unison North West LGBT Group.

Roll up, roll up! Picturehouse puts the show on the road – literally. The UK’s only HGV-based mobile cinema screen, equipped with DCI digital projection, temperature control and 100 comfortable seats. The impressive 36 and a half tonnes of truck extends out to 55ft long, 22ft wide and 15ft tall and sits on 18 wheels.

The Incredible Moving Picturehouse can be seen transforming from an unassuming lorry to a spectacular one-of-a-kind mobile cinema by clicking here.

The truck will screen four LGBT feature films: Hairspray, Pride, Soft Lad and Dressed as a Girl, running from 14.00-22.30, tickets are £6 per screening and are now on sale. There will also be some very special guests in attendance.

Setting the tempo to start the day is cult film Hairspray (1988 - Cert 12) at 14.00. The musical with a civil rights heart stars household favourites Divine, Rikki Lake and Debbie Harry. The punchy film is about pleasantly plump teenager, Tracy Turnblad, who goes from TV dance contestant to teen hero when she takes on her rivals and their dodgy attitudes. Teaching 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration.

At 16.00 is the inspirational true story, Pride (2014 – Cert 15), a film based on true events tells the touching story about U.K. gay activists who worked to help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984. With very special guests, LGSM co-founder Mike Jackson and fellow original member Gethin Roberts, the real people whose stories are told in the script, will be travelling from South Wales to introduce the film as well as doing a Q&A in the education area.

Next is the Liverpool Premiere of a new LGBT film set and made in Liverpool Soft Lad (2015 – Cert 15) at 18:30. A film about a young man involved in a love affair that changes his life forever, whilst his lover wrestles his demons on a journey that will force him to come to terms with his sexuality, leaving lives destroyed in the wake. Love, lust, sexuality and betrayal all play arts in this coming of age story. Special guest, Leon Lopez, in his directorial debut, will be introducing the film and taking a Q&A afterwards with cast members including Suzanne Collins.

Finally at 20:30, closing the Travelling Cinema is the new motion picture, Dressed as a Girl (2014 - Cert 18). Filmmaker Colin Rothbart pulls off the wigs, wipes off the mascara to unveil the real people behind the much hyped and talked about East London's alternative drag scene. Filmed over five years, the film covers not only the rise and fall of this hugely popular gay club scene but also offers some personal, emotionally honest portraits of six individuals at the heart it. The movie will also be shown with short film Don't Forget the Drag Queens by Jonathan Larkin and Ben Youdan, shot in Liverpool!

Soft Lad and Dressed As A Girl are part of Peccadillo's POUT Summer Tour, Peccadillo Pictures is an award-winning* UK film distributor of Art House, Gay & Lesbian and World Cinema titles with an impressive collection of films from across the world. Launched in 2000, Peccadillo nurtures new and upcoming talent alongside established directors. In addition, Peccadillo Pictures also distributes short films and rereleases of classic titles.

Keep up to date with Liverpool Pride announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, you can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship and funding opportunities.

Liverpool Pride needs you!

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

Liverpool Pride calling for support from local community and businesses via new initiatives

Since previously announcing a downsize in scale to this year’s festival, Liverpool Pride is now launching new campaigns for the local and business communities to gain financial support to sustain future Pride events in the city.

At a time when the UK is celebrating the USA’s decision on legalisation of gay marriage by turning their social media images rainbow colours, the organisers of Liverpool Pride charity has faced difficulties in attracting additional sponsors to help fund the format that attenders have come to expect in recent years.

In response to this, businesses are encouraged to sign up to become a Friend of Liverpool Pride where they are able to make a donation to the charity, helping to sustain ongoing work and to secure funding for 2016 and beyond.

By making an annual pledge of £250 towards the charity, Friends of Liverpool Pride businesses will be listed on the Liverpool Pride website on a dedicated page, which will include links to their own web pages, as well as social media support to Liverpool Pride’s 28,000 combined Twitter and Facebook followers.

Liverpool Pride also invite local businesses to get involved in a fundraising day they are launching, called Dress to Impress. This year’s theme is Love is No Crime and on Friday July 31 the charity are encouraging businesses and their staff to raise money by dressing in their most wild and wonderful interpretations of the theme as well as the trademark rainbow colours. Companies can then share their flamboyant and colourful outfits by posting their selfies on Facebook and Twitter using #loveisnocrime. This will help launch the Liverpool Pride programme of events on Saturday August 1 and Sunday August 2.

The Liverpool public will also be able to show their support by making donations from as little as £2.50 to the charity via a donation button on the Liverpool Pride website at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk.

Despite the changes to this year’s Pride, the event will go ahead for the sixth consecutive year on Saturday August 1, with event highlight the Pride March and the Michael Causer Vigil remaining the key focus of the event.

A programme of activities will also take place across the city, including market, education and community zone, workshops, guest speakers, acoustic music, a mobile cinema, and a family zone, with locations including Stanley Street Quarter.

The date of Liverpool Pride always coincides with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life. Michael died on August 2 2008, and the festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities. This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place a week before what would have also been Michael’s 26th birthday.

Liverpool Pride 2015 is being supported by main sponsors Homes For Everyone and Liverpool City Council. Supporters also include After Adoption, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Baird College, Unison North West LGBT, and Barefoot Wine.

The dedicated team at Liverpool Pride, which is run entirely by volunteers, work tirelessly to deliver an event which will make LGBT community and city of Liverpool proud and are calling out to local businesses and the community to get behind them and show their support.

Businesses interested in becoming a Friend of Liverpool Pride should get in touch via the Liverpool Pride website.

Those interested in holding a Dress to Impress day should contact Michael Carey at michael.carey@liverpoolpride.co.uk to discuss any details and to arrange funds to be paid to the charity.

Keep up-to-date with Pride Liverpool announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

Liverpool Pride returns for 2015

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

Public vote "Love Is No Crime" as the chosen theme

The organisers of Liverpool Pride are delighted to announce that one of the city’s most popular events will return on Saturday August 1 2015.

Established in 2010, Liverpool Pride returns for its sixth consecutive year and continues to be one of the city’s most visual and flamboyant events of the Summer.

The date always coincides with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life. Michael died on August 2 2008, and the festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities. This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place a week before what would have also been Michael’s 26th birthday.

Each year, the Liverpool Pride team invite the public to vote for the year’s chosen theme, and previous years these have included Superheroes, Nautical But Nice and Glam Fairytales. The theme with the most votes for 2015 is Love Is No Crime, and festival-goers are encouraged to go along dressed in their most wild and wonderful interpretations of the theme.

The iconic backdrop of the Pier Head, part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be transformed into a colourful festival site bursting with activities for all.

The Pier Head is the prime festival site, and will feature ticketed zones such as the main stage, and new additions including a dance tent and a 100-seater cinema lorry. There will also be free community zones with entertainment, family activities and speakers. Liverpool Pride will remain a family-friendly event with all ages encouraged to attend.

The increasingly popular and poignant Liverpool Pride March remains a major part of the day’s activity. The march will make its way through the streets of the city centre in celebratory style.

Organisers are again encouraging as many groups, organisations and individuals to participate as possible. The march will also feature guest speakers representing the LGBT communities.

Lucy Day, Chair of Liverpool Pride Charity, commented: “It is with great excitement that we can announce the date and theme for Liverpool Pride 2015. The event returns for its sixth consecutive year, and it continues to grow in popularity year-on-year, which is extremely encouraging as a way to remember and celebrate Michael’s life.

“We are delighted with this year’s theme being Love Is No Crime. We have come a long way from the underground era of love, but unfortunately we do live in an age where being LGBT is still illegal in some countries, and this is important to remember. We want to empower our festivalgoers to interpret the theme to create their costumes in a fun and imaginative way.

“We look forward to seeing friends who have become familiar festival faces over the years, but also to welcoming new visitors who will be experiencing the very diverse Liverpool Pride for the very first time.”

The full line-up of headline acts performing on the Pier Head stage will be announced in the coming months, along with a programme of film and fringe events, and ticket information.

The Out On Stage competition will also continue this year, organised by The Michael Causer Foundation. The unprecedented music prize includes the chance for Liverpool’s best unsigned music stars to perform in front of tens of thousands this summer with a headline slot on Liverpool Pride's main stage, amongst others.

To keep up-to-date with Liverpool Pride announcements, visit www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities. You can also follow Liverpool Pride on Twitter @LiverpoolPride and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/liverpoolpride.