CityLife

Boy George heading for Pride

BOY George is to help Manchester Pride celebrate its 18th birthday in style.

Heather Small, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Alphabeat have already confirmed they will be performing at the festival, which is the celebration of lesbian and gay life in the city.

And, it has just been announced, former Culture Club frontman turned superclub DJ Boy George will be heading to the city for the opening night.

Boy George - whose Culture Club hits included Karma Chameleon and Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? - will perform on Friday, August 22, on a bill that will include Sankey's resident DJ Kate Lawler and house music legend Angie Brown.

During the weekend they will be followed by performances that will include Natasha Hamilton, 4 Poofs & a Piano, K-Klass, Client and Rowetta.

Andrew Stokes, chairman of Manchester Pride, said the festival line-up is one of the strongest yet.

He said: "We're really excited to have such an iconic artist performing at our 18th birthday bash.

"This is one of our strongest line-ups yet and I'm pleased to say there's another great act to announce before the festival opens.

"All will be revealed very soon."

The Big Weekend takes place from Friday 22nd until Monday 25th August.

Tickets are £17.50 and can be booked on-line at: manchesterpride.com . They are also available in many of the bars and restaurants throughout the gay village.