Line-up revealed for Leeds Pride's 20th anniversary

Grace ShawYorkshire
News imageBBC/Guy Levy A performer on Strictly is wearing a red dress, has red hair and is sitting on a pink unicorn.BBC/Guy Levy
RuPaul's Drag Race UK and Strictly star La Voix is among the acts on the bill for the 20th anniversary event

Leeds Pride will have "more acts than ever before" to celebrate the city centre event's 20th anniversary, organisers say.

RuPaul's Drag Race UK and Strictly star La Voix and UK garage act Sweet Female Attitude, best known for dancefloor hit Flowers, have been announced as headliners of the two-day celebration on 18-19 July.

The vibrant annual festival, which celebrates LGBTQ+ life, held its first Pride event in the city in 2006.

"The milestone event will see the city come alive with its biggest and boldest Pride to date," a Leeds Pride spokesperson said.

Tomara Thomas, Livin' Joy ft. Luzahnn and Baga Chipz will also perform at the event, with Leeds Pride presented by Bradley Riches and Soraya Vivian, Mamma Bear and St Sordid Secret.

Wet weather caused slightly lower crowd numbers last year, according to organisers.

It is hoped numbers will "rebound" back to the 75,000 people who attended in 2024.

"The weekend promises to be the most diverse and inclusive in the festival's history, with a major focus on supporting emerging and local talent across multiple stages," the spokesperson added.

News imageLeeds Pride Leeds Pride parade with orange and rainbow banners, signs, floats, musicians, and bubbles watched on by people lining the streetsLeeds Pride
In July, Leeds Pride will be celebrating two decades of the event in the city

Saturday will bring a new ticketed event, called The Freedom Party, to "help secure the festival's future for years to come".

A new VIP area is planned for Lower Briggate, with fringe events including a fundraising ball ahead of the festival.

"Celebrating 20 years of Leeds Pride is a huge moment for the city and the community," said the event.

"What we have in Leeds is genuinely rare, and that's a Pride celebration that takes place right in the heart of the city.

"We're proud to keep Leeds Pride woven into the fabric of the city. It creates an incredible atmosphere and means the celebration is shared across Leeds."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.