Pop group S Club to headline Wolves Pride

Members of former pop group S Club 7 are set to bring a touch of nostalgia to Wolves Pride when it makes its highly-anticipated return this Saturday.

It comes as Wolverhampton Council revealed more than 6,000 revellers have now grabbed their spot in the festivities, which will shine a light on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other groups within the city.

Councillor Paula Brookfield, the council's member champion for equalities, said: “We are delighted to be supporting what is looking like being the biggest Pride event the city has ever seen.

"The rich diversity of the city of Wolverhampton is a real strength and it is important we celebrate it through this event in the calendar.

"Not only does it raise awareness of LGBT equality messages, but it provides the platform for a great family day out in the city centre.”

A rainbow of colours will be splashed across the city during the festival, which is set to be the biggest event of its kind staged in Wolverhampton.

Toe-tapping music will bring festival-goers to their feet, as well as performers who will dazzle audiences with their live entertainment between noon and 9pm.

Tipples and street food treats will also be on offer, while volunteers will be on hand to offer information of services and merchandise, alongside a dedicated family zone.

The newly-formed Wolverhampton LGBT Alliance will host the celebrations, with support from the council, University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Homes.

University Vice Chancellor Professor Geoff Layer said: “As the ‘University of Opportunity’ we are always keen to work with our partners and neighbours for the betterment of the local community.

"We believe that by supporting Wolves Pride we can ensure that everyone enjoys a fun event, which also affirms the importance that the city and the university places on LGBT Equality.

"We are especially pleased that this event will fall within our Welcome to Wolves induction programme, and so it will be a unique opportunity to bring together students from across our campuses to celebrate the diversity of our community.”

The festival will take place in Wulfruna Street, the Civic Centre Ceremonial car park, St Peter’s car park and the pedestrian area outside the university’s Ambika Paul building.

Other headline acts include soul sensation Jaki Graham, while a dance tent hosted by Gorgeous Nightclub will feature performers ILL PHIL, Lisa Sharred, Wayne H, James Ball b2b Mark Chapman, plus the club's resident DJs James Levett and Jonny Chapman.

A host of talks will also take place within the Harrison Learning Centre at the Ambika Paul building from 1pm to 7pm.

Wolverhampton Homes chief executive Lesley Roberts said: "Wolverhampton Homes has supported Wolverhampton Pride since the first event five years ago and this year we are proud to support it as part of the newly formed Wolverhampton LGBT Alliance.

"Pride gives us a wonderful opportunity to show how organisations can work together to improve services to the LGBT+ community in Wolverhampton.

Tickets are free in advance or £2 at the gate on festival day, with £1 going to charity.

For more information see skiddle.com/e/13027620tringent cutbacks. Tickets will be free if booked in advance, or £2 on the day.