Liverpool’s Pride has revealed the full details of its highly anticipated Opening Ceremony, set to launch the city’s Pride weekend in spectacular style at the official Opening Party, at the M&S Bank Arena.
Already set to draw thousands to the waterfront for the official Opening Party on the Friday night, the newly announced Opening Ceremony promises to be a moving and high-energy celebration of Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community past, present and future.
Delivered in partnership with Sahir House and LCR Pride Foundation, the ceremony reflects a shared commitment to supporting, uplifting and celebrating LGBTQ+ people across the Liverpool City Region.
At the heart of the ceremony is the theme “Liverpool Through the Ages”, a bold, immersive showcase honouring the trailblazers who paved the way, celebrating the voices making change today, and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Curated by celebrated local creatives Debbie Darling and Jester Boy, the ceremony puts Liverpool’s own talent centre-stage, reinforcing Pride’s commitment to championing the community year-round, not just during Pride weekend.
The Opening Ceremony will feature a vibrant line-up of performers from across the region, including:
Debbie Darling
Lady Sian
Jester Boy
Regina McQueen
Ketona Madrave
Shania Pain
Kiki Pain
Minnie
Proud Marys
Rare Studio
GHF ft MD Productions
And more
From the very first moment, audiences can expect an electrifying start as a collective of Liverpool drag royalty and dancers deliver an upbeat, high-energy opening routine designed to “get the party started.” The ceremony will shine a spotlight on emerging talent, including a special performance from Rare Studio, showcasing the creativity and voices of LGBTQ+ young people in the city, alongside performances from local artists and production groups.
A particularly poignant highlight of the evening will see Liverpool’s Pride honour community legend Lady Sian with a special tribute, recognising decades of advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The moment will include a celebratory performance alongside a reflective segment remembering those the community has lost. The ceremony will culminate in a powerful finale, bringing together performers and community figures for a rousing celebration of Pride, unity and visibility – a moment designed to capture the spirit of Liverpool itself.
Debbie Darling said:
“Liverpool’s local queer community has always been full of amazing talent, and we want to give them a platform at Liverpool Pride’s opening ceremony - highlighting the past, present and future of our fabulous community.
We also wanted to remember those who have had such an incredible impact on our community, who are sadly no longer with us, as we should never forget our history.
From the Queen of the scene, Lady Sian, to the future of the community with up & coming drag artists - it’s going to be a rollercoaster of emotion and energy!”
Mark Christopherson, Trustee at Sahir House, said:
“Liverpool’s Pride is about more than a weekend, it’s about celebrating our community, our culture and our shared future. We’re celebrating who we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re going. The Opening Ceremony brings that story to life, showcasing the incredible talent we have right here in our city, alongside the vital work of Sahir House and LCR Pride Foundation.”
Tickets for the official Opening Night event at the M&S Bank Arena are on sale now.
Official pride events programme
Liverpool’s Pride Opening Party – including the opening ceremony
Friday 24 July, from 6pm
M&S Bank Arena at Liverpool Experience Campus
Liverpool’s Pride Community Event
Saturday 25 July, from 12pm
Liverpool Experience Campus
On sale Get Tickets!
Liverpool’s Pride Expo
Saturday 25 July, from 12pm
Liverpool Experience Campus
Liverpool’s Pride March
25 July, time tbc