Manchester Pride has announced its final headliners of the 2023 programme – Alison Goldfrapp and Raven Mandella. Joining them as a special guest is the celebrated drag artist and musician, Conchita Wurst.
This completes the line-up for the festival, promising a star-studded weekend of celebrations.
Alison Goldfrapp, hot off the success of her debut solo album, “The Love Invention,” and the electrifying lead single “So Hard So Hot,” is gearing up to perform on Saturday 26 August alongside artists including, Black Peppa, Jodie Harsh and international drag icon Pabllo Vittar.
Festival-goers will know Alison Goldfrapp as the voice behind the chart-topping electronic duo Goldfrapp, whose hits such as “Strict Machine,” “Ooh La La,” “Ride A White Horse,” and “Rocket” have left indelible marks on the global music scene. With seven successful albums, a Mercury Prize nomination, multiple Grammy and Brit Awards nominations, and two Ivor Novello award wins including one for “Strict Machine,” Goldfrapp’s contribution to music is undeniable.
Adding to the excitement, the “unapologetically Black and queer” dancer, drag performer and DJ, Raven Mandella will headline Black Pride MCR on the MancUnity Stage on Saturday 26 August.
As a world-renowned dancer and drag performer, Mandella has ignited stages worldwide for stars like Honey Dijon, Groove Armada, Kelly Rowland, and Nile Rogers. His flamboyant shows at Heaven in London have made him a crowd favourite, as well as his performances with Sink the Pink, Ministry of Sound, and Defected’s Glitterbox.
On Saturday, Austrian drag artist Conchita Wurst, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014 as Austria’s entry with the song “Rise Like a Phoenix,” will join Booking.com in the Parade, before taking to the Village Stage later that evening.
Tom Neuwirth a.k.a. Conchita Wurst became a figurehead of the queer community overnight after the Eurovision win. Since then, he has released three albums, hosted TV shows, performed on stage across the globe and used his platform to support socio-political causes. Conchita is also the Travel Proud Ambassador for Booking.com.
With a world class lineup featuring Jake Shears, Pabllo Vittar, Gok Wan, Danny Beard, Natasha Bedingfield, Lisa Scott-Lee and Jodie Harsh, amongst others, the festival promises a weekend of unforgettable moments.
Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, expressed his excitement about the diverse lineup, saying: “This year, more than ever, we are thrilled to be presenting such a diverse lineup that truly reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our communities.
“Alison Goldfrapp’s powerful performances, Raven Mandella’s unapologetically queer stage presence and Conchita’s inspiring music and message will undoubtedly make this year’s festival an unforgettable celebration.”
Tickets for the Gay Village Party are available to purchase through Ticketmaster, and for each ticket sold, £2.50 will be donated to the Manchester Pride Community Fund, which directly supports LGBTQ+ causes and projects in Greater Manchester via grant distribution. More information about Manchester Pride Festival 2023 and ticket purchasing can be found at www.manchesterpride.com.
