City pop trio Atomic Kitten will headline this year’s Liverpool Pride festival when it takes place next month.
The Noughties girl group has replaced originally billed headliner Marc Almond after the Soft Cell singer pulled out due to a scheduling conflict.
Marc, who is originally from Southport and turns 60 this summer, was due to be the top act on the Barclays Main Stage on 29 July in the St George’s Quarter.
However, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the singer’s commitment to TV and radio appearances have left him in a difficult position, ultimately having to cancel his performance at Liverpool Pride 2017.
Marc says: “I was so looking forward to playing Liverpool Pride this year but an unexpected TV and radio performance to mark the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK has meant that I am unable to make an appearance.
“We tried to make both events work but it has proved impossible. I wish Liverpool Pride every success on the day and I really do hope that I will return to perform in Liverpool for Pride next year – a city very close to my heart.”
Marc Almond fans in Liverpool will still be able to see the star this summer through art, as The Marc Almond Exhibition brings a new collection of images and ephemera celebrating his career to the city, and also includes work created by the man himself. A specially commissioned portrait by artist Mark Wardell will feature in the display too.
The exhibition will run at The Gallery on Stanhope Street between 15 July and 13 August and entry is free.
The original line-up of Liverpool’s favourite girl group Atomic Kitten, which includes Natasha Hamilton, Kerry Katona and Liz McClarnon, has now stepped in and will perform the headline slot.
The Kittens shot to fame with a string of hits including Number One single ‘Whole Again’, which remains one of the biggest UK hits of the past decade, reaching the top chart spot in 19 countries.
Atomic Kitten says: “We are so excited to be playing Liverpool Pride 2017. Liverpool is where it all began for us.
“The city is so close to our hearts and, no matter where we go, it will always be home. Liverpool crowds really are the best, the atmosphere is always amazing – and we really cannot wait to be part of such a fantastic festival.”
