The organisers of Liverpool Pride, the regions annual LGBT festival are delighted to announce that one of the city’s most popular events will be returning for two days on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July 2016, following months in the planning.

Established in 2010, Liverpool Pride will return for a seventh consecutive year and this year will see big changes to how it is organised and presented, it will also return as free to enter.

The event, described as an all new Liverpool Pride, will take a more prominent and visual position in the city, taking over St. George’s Cultural Quarter, including St. George’s Hall, The Plateau, William Brown Street and St. John’s Gardens.

Liverpool Pride has teamed up with Orb Events to deliver this year’s festival programme, the company who created the very first Pride event in 2010. The festival will carry a brand new identity with a new logo and website created. The 2016 event promises to be one of the most visual and flamboyant Pride events ever to have been created.

The date always coincides with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life. Michael died on the 2nd August 2008, and the festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities. This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place the weekend before what would have also been Michael’s 27th birthday.

The majestic backdrop St. George’s Quarter – the thriving cultural sector of the city centre – will be transformed into a colourful festival site bursting with activities over the two days. There will be live music and entertainment, food and drink zones, community and education zones, a market place and family activities and speakers. Liverpool Pride will remain a family friendly event with all ages encouraged to attend. The Sunday will take a more laid-back approach in St. John’s Gardens and a programme of Fringe events are being programmed on the lead up to the main Pride weekend.

The increasingly popular and poignant Liverpool Pride March remains a major part of the activity. The March on Saturday 30th July, will begin and end at the festival site of St. George’s Hall, it will make its way through the streets of the city centre in celebratory style and return to officially launch the opening day. Organisers are encouraging as many groups, organisations and individuals to participate as possible. The March will also feature guest speakers representing the LGBT communities.

Joan Burnett, Trustee of Liverpool Pride Charity said, “In 2015 Liverpool Pride took a very difficult decision to downsize due to financial constraints. Doing that has ensured our stability and we’re bouncing back in 2016 with an extended festival and some great new ideas to get everyone involved – we’ll be more inclusive, more diverse and just as much fun as ever!

Our theme, Liverpool Icons, was suggested to us after Cilla Black’s death, and we thought it such a strong idea, we couldn’t resist and have gone with it without our usual public vote which will be back for 2017. An icon doesn’t have to be a person, as well as famous people, Liverpool has iconic buildings, links with iconic ships and even our food has icon status – Scouse! After all the fun, it should be remembered we’re here to make a stand against Homophobia and Trans*phobia – help us make 2016 an iconic Pride.”

Debbie Boyd, Director of Orb Events said, “The entire Orb Events team are really excited and proud to be part of Liverpool Pride again in 2016. This much-loved feature of the city’s annual, summer event programme is so vital to delivering strong messages around inclusion and diversity for the LGBT community, as well as celebrating the local scene in all its glory!

We were responsible for co-creating the festival in year one and so it’s remained really close to our hearts. We cannot wait to welcome in the all-new Pride to the beautiful location of St George’s Quarter this coming July.”

Keep up to date with Liverpool Pride’s new announcements, the brand new website will launch on 14th February at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk. People can also register to be a volunteer or join The March or find out about a range of sponsorship opportunities.