Olly Alexander, Mel C, Anne-Marie, Jess Glynne, MNEK, Sigala, Regard, Ella Henderson and Gok Wan have been announced as guest hosts for new dedicated LGBTQ+ pop-up station Hits Radio Pride. 

In addition to an already fantastic line-up of Hits Radio hosts including Fleur East, Jordan Lee and James Barr and new faces to the station, Stephanie Hirst and Charlie Powell.

The Years & Years frontman will be joining Jordan Lee for the very first show this Friday at 08:00, launching the show on the weekend of what would have been Manchester Pride.

The Manchester-based station will play some of the 21st century’s biggest artists who are much loved by the LGBTQ+ community – including Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Kim Petras, Sam Smith, Harry Styles and Ariana Grande – and exclusive interviews with stars such as Kylie. Olly Alexander, Mel C, Sigala, Regard and Gok Wan will be playing a mix of their favourite Pride party tracks, and MNEK, Anne-Marie, Jess Glynne and Ella Henderson will be hosting unique shows; playing the biggest hits and throwbacks that have helped shaped their lives.

“This time last year I introduced Years and Years to a packed out Manchester Pride Live, a weekend of celebration and love of being your authentic self. One year on, we’re bringing all of those emotions and so much more to the launch of Hits Radio Pride, and who better to have helping me out than the incredible Olly Alexander! We’ve got some extra special shows coming from Mel C, Anne-Marie, MNEK, Gok Wan and so many more but Olly and I kick things off bright and early on Friday – see you then!”

(Jordan Lee, Hits Radio presenter)

Hits Radio Pride will also aim to educate and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and encourage inclusion and tolerance. In partnership with The Co-operative Bank and working with LGBT+ helpline Switchboard, the station will ensure listeners can get access to the right support and advice.

It will also air a series titled ‘Tough Talks’, where contributors from the LGBTQ+ community will discuss the struggles the community often experience in a society which has and can continue to be intolerant. For example, in one of the episodes, Alfie, who is transmasc, and their partner of eight years Rachel reflects on the moment when Alfie told Rachael that they were questioning their gender identity. At the age of 18, Rachael was the first person Alfie told.

“As the original ethical bank, we’re delighted to be partners of this new station that embraces diversity and inclusion, two values that we’re passionate about and that are at the heart of our business.  The incredible line-up of presenters and guests for Hits Radio Pride shows what a great opportunity the launch of this station is to not just celebrate these important values but also raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.”

(Deb Darlington, Brand Director at The Co-operative Bank)

Hits Radio Pride launches on Friday 28th August at 08:00 and is available online, on smart speaker or via the Hits Radio app.

The full line up is available below:

Monday to Friday

  • 07:00-11:00: Jordan Lee
  • 11:00-14:00: Non-Stop Pride Hits and Throwbacks
  • 14:00-19:00: Charlie Powell
  • 19:00: Hits Radio Pride In the Mix
  • 20:00: Non-Stop Pride Hits and Throwbacks

Saturday

  • 09:00-12:00: Saturday Morning with Fleur East
  • 12:00-14:00: Non-Stop Pride Hits and Throwbacks
  • 14:00-19:00: The Hits Radio Pride Residency
  • 19:00: Stephanie Hirst
  • 20:00: Hits Radio Pride in the Mix

Sunday

  • 09:00-12:00: James Barr
  • 12:00-14:00: The Hits Radio Pride Mixtape
  • 14:00-19:00: The Hits Radio Pride Residency
  • 19:00: Non-Stop Pride Hits and Throwbacks

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