Wigan Pride is about to get a whole lot cheekier as our headline act is announced.
Pop sensations The Cheeky Girls will top the bill at Wigan Pride next month with thousands of visitors expected in Wigan town centre.
Wigan Pride, sponsored by the borough’s hospital trust, also includes a packed schedule of local acts and performers.
The Cheeky Girls, who are identical twins Monica and Gaby Irimia who rose to fame in the early 2000s, said: “We are soooo happy and proud to be part of the massive celebration of the LGBTQ community in Wigan Borough. “As we say in one of our new songs to be released, ‘we’re all born different, but we all love as one’ so we think that should be the motto for the day.
“Thank you, Wigan Pride, for inviting us.”
The Cheeky Girls will be joined on The Unity Stage in Wigan town centre on Saturday, August 13, by a whole host of pop tribute stars that are new to Wigan Pride.
These include Lucy Rose, with a set from her sensational Absolute Britney show, and Beeyonce as Beyonce, who will bring some much-loved power ballads dedicated to the amazing Queen B.
Katy Ellis will add to the feel-good 00’s line up and deliver a double tribute treat for the audience, performing both as Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.
Dan Bonney is one of the founders of Wigan Pride, said: “Pride has a serious message at its heart and there will be opportunities throughout the day to reflect and consider what still needs to change across the world.
“There are still 73 countries where it is illegal to be gay or lesbian and we know from recent events in America, that rights that have been hard won, can easily be lost again.
“But we also know that the last few years have been really hard for people across the borough, so we want to give everyone a chance to enjoy being together again and celebrate being themselves so we hope this year’s exciting line-up will help them to do that!”
Wigan Pride will welcome back some favourite local performers this year; fantastic singer Josh Robinson will deliver a selection of the best 00’s covers to get everyone ready for the day’s celebrations and singer-songwriter, Zha Olu, will bring beautiful lyrics from original songs along with some well-known classics.
Liverpool girl-band, Rival Unit, will bring a change of pace to the action on The Unity Stage, with their popular alt rock set.
Council-led youth group, BYOU, will manage Wigan Pride’s Believe Stage on Believe Square, where visitors will be able to appreciate acoustic sets from up and coming local artists and enjoy some family friendly entertainment.
Local hospital trust, WWL, are the headline sponsors for this year’s event and will be there on the day to offer healthcare support and advice, HIV and STI testing, and information on breast and chest screening to make sure the trans community get the support they need to stay healthy.
There will also be opportunities to find out more about volunteering and working for the trust.
Toria King, WWL’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead (Workforce) said: “WWL’s involvement in and commitment to Wigan Pride grows year-on-year, and it’s something we are keen to see continue, as we form a deeper connection with the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We will be using the day itself to speak to as many people as possible about how we can improve our services for them.
“We know more can be done to address health inequalities for the LGBTQIA+ community, and this gives us an excellent opportunity to do so.
“We want our patients to feel that they can confidently access our services knowing that they will receive the utmost dignity, respect, and care.”
Wigan Pride 22 will begin with a community parade, starting just after 11am. Action will start on the main stage from 12 and run until approximately 5.30pm.
Anyone coming along is invited to dress in rainbow colours or bright yellow, the theme colour for this year from the Pride flag, which represents energy and optimism.
To keep up to date with the latest information on the event please follow Wigan Pride’s social media channels, facebook.com/OfficialWiganPride Twitter @WiganPrideLGBT and Instagram @WiganPride