Who would have thought TEN years ago Wigan Pride would grow to be such a HUGE event?
This year, Wigan Pride promises to be even bigger and better with a fabulous main stage line-up and thousands of people expected in the town centre.
This year’s headliners are RuPaul’s Drag Race and Celebrity Big Brother star, Danny Beard, along with 80’s pop star Sonia.
They will be supported by a range of local acts and performances at the borough’s annual celebration of diversity on Saturday, 16 August,which all kicks off with the traditional parade.
It all starts at 11am when the parade leaves King Street and travels to Mesnes Park before heading back to Believe Square.
Acts on The Unity Stage will begin around midday and will feature artists and singers from across the region.
They will include The Voice UK’s Lauren Hope, vocals from Hayley Kent, popular local drag artist, Gypsy Darling, young musician and singer, El, and soul singer Romario Bryan.
Also, we’ll get to see tribute acts Pink Pony Club Live (Chappell Roan tribute) and Sarah as Sabrina (Sabrina Carpenter tribute).
Rising pop artist, Patrick Saint James, and Elite Finalist of Drag Idol UK 2025, Danny Diamond, will complete the professional line-up on the Unity Stage.
Also for 2025, The Old Courts and their WERK LGBTQ+ Artist Network, will sponsor a series of short slots on the main stage, including alt drag artist, Glitter King, up and coming singer- songwriter Brooke Ellen, fresh Wigan indie-punk band, Catwheeze, guitarist and singer-songwriter, Beth Warburton, vocalist, Ruth Welch, indie-folk artist, Gab Gee, and The Chubby Northerner; original sensitive and comic poetry from Tom Stocks.
You may have already seen some of Tom’s work. He is the man responsible for the ‘Pavement Poetry’ dotted all around Wigan. Check out the video below!
Council-led LGBTQ+ youth group BYOU, will manage the Believe Stage on Believe Square, from 12.15 to 5pm, where visitors will be able to appreciate acoustic sets from up-and-coming local artists and enjoy family-friendly entertainment and sample the new food and drink zone.
A Quiet Zone, for anyone who needs a break from the day’s excitement, will be in Rebuild with Hope, upstairs in The Grand Arcade from midday to 5pm, led by Wigan’s Autism Friends.
I’m so proud that we’ve been a supporter of Wigan Pride since day one. Pride events are an important part of our calendar, bringing thousands of visitors together in joy and celebration. We can’t wait to see you there for this fantastic, free, family-friendly day out.”
Wigan Pride is backed by Wigan Council, and led by volunteers, Without the support of local businesses and organisations it could not go ahead, so it’s only right we give them all a shoutout:
Calisen, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, United Utilities, Wigan and Leigh College, Speedy Hire, The Old Courts, Wigan Youth Zone, Everyday Pride Grants, Feast at the Mill, Rebuild with Hope, Subway, Stephenson’s Solicitors, Starbucks, and Capital&Centric.
See you all in Wigan on the 16th! Please come say hello if you see me!
Also, if you have a story, or want to get involved, please get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.
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