BRADFORD is gearing up for its 15th Pride event with its first online festival which is set to be a celebration of the district’s LGBTQ+ community.

Expect a virtual extravaganza of musicians, drag queens, poets and campaigners on Saturday, May 9th from 5pm-10pm via the Bradford Pride social media platforms.

Expect a wide spectrum of performers including musicians Izak Wilkinson, Nathan Anthony, Issimo, Waiting for Wednesday and popular recording artist Conleth Kane.

Local poets Sharena Lee Satti and Steve Williams will take part whilst hosting duties will be led by international Pride performer Soraya and local popular drag queens Marigold Addams and Nadine Bear.

The Festival will also include messages of solidarity from prominent LGBTQ+ campaigners and activists from the world of sport, politics and the arts.

Speaking about the upcoming virtual Bradford Pride event, Leon Fleming (Chair of the Pride Committee) said:

“We are really excited to be one of the first places in the UK to be hosting a virtual Pride event.

“As well as showcasing the talent amongst the LGBTQ+ community and its allies across Bradford it will also be an opportunity for people who are isolated to have fun, dance and be inspired to see change.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bradford Council for all its support and Ayre Event Solutions as our broadcast partner and sponsor for the event.

“We want everyone, no matter where in the world you are to come and celebrate what will be a great event.”

Leader of Bradford Council, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “I am delighted to be speaking at Bradford’s first ever virtual Pride event. I want to thank all the organisers for the great job they have done in pulling this together at such short notice.

“Bradford Council recognises the invaluable contribution the LGBTQ+ community makes to the cultural fabric of this city and we would like to wish everyone a happy Pride for what I know will be a fabulous event.”

Cllr Richard Dunbar, LGBTQ+ Champion for Bradford Council, said: “Bradford has a growing reputation as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the UK.

“As well as being a celebration we always pride ourselves in ensuring we remember pride is a protest, is about empowering the community and campaigning against the injustices we and others experience on a daily basis.

“Coronavirus has presented us with many challenges but Pride is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and campaign for the type of world we want to create. Happy pride everyone!”

You can join the main event on Saturday 9th May 5pm-10pm on the Bradford Pride Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

The Bradford Pride Committee is also setting up a fundraising campaign to raise £5000 towards Bradford Pride 2021. If you would like to support these efforts then please go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/bradford-pride-2021