Blackpool Pride Festival reveals headline acts for 20th anniversary including Heather Small and Cheeky Girls
Blackpool Pride Festival will return this summer with a three-day celebration marking its 20th anniversary, featuring a major line-up of headline acts and events across the town.
The festival, the longest-running and largest Pride event in Lancashire, will take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the Blackpool Tower Festival Headland.
Organisers say this year’s milestone event will be one of the biggest yet, celebrating two decades of championing equality, diversity and inclusion in the resort.
This year’s theme has been confirmed as “One Love, One Pride”, chosen by the public.
Friday: Dance night launch
The weekend will begin with a 90s vs 00s dance night on Friday evening.
Headlining are dance favourites Ultrabeat, known for hits including Pretty Green Eyes, and K-Klass, behind tracks such as Rhythm Is a Mystery and Let Me Show You.
They will be joined by:
- Romina Johnson, the voice of Moving Too Fast with Artful Dodger
- Blu James, featured on Red Alert by Basement Jaxx
- Local DJ Jason Fubar
The event runs from 6pm to 10pm.
Saturday: Parade and headline acts
Saturday will see the return of the Pride parade along the Promenade from 11am, with thousands expected to take part.
Celebrations will then continue on the main stage at the Comedy Carpet, with gates opening at 12pm and entertainment running until 7pm.
Headlining this year’s event is Heather Small, the iconic voice of M People, in what organisers say is the biggest headline booking Blackpool Pride has ever secured.
Known for hits including Moving On Up, Search for the Hero and One Night in Heaven, her performance is expected to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
She will be joined by 90s boyband 911, famous for songs such as Bodyshakin’ and A Little Bit More, and The Cheeky Girls, known for The Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum), who return 20 years after appearing at the very first Blackpool Pride in 2006.
Also appearing is Blackpool favourite Betty Legs Diamond, who will bring her own show to the main stage alongside her dancers.
She will be joined by youth performers Just the Brave from Glasgow, Passmore, and a range of local acts including Shelia Diamond, Chloe Byrnes and Johnny Wright.
Sunday: Community celebration and wedding
The festival will conclude on Sunday with a free community day from 12pm to 6pm, with attendees asked to register for tickets in advance.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, organisers are offering one couple the chance to take part in a bespoke wedding or blessing ceremony live on stage.
The ceremony will be delivered in partnership with wedding celebrant Tracy Jayne, with couples invited to submit their love stories for a chance to be selected.
Entries must be submitted by April 4, with a shortlist invited to take part in interviews before the winning couple is announced.
Performers confirmed so far include:
- The Sabinelles
- Jared Lee
- Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company
A headline act for Sunday is still to be announced.
Events across the town
Alongside the main stage, a range of additional events will take place across Blackpool throughout the weekend.
These include a dedicated Youth Pride area delivered in partnership with The United Youth Alliance, as well as fringe events, activities at local venues including the library and Showtown, and a musical at Central Pier.
Organisers say the event remains a family-friendly celebration, welcoming people of all ages.
Tickets
Tickets are available via www.blackpoolpride.org