Sophie Ellis-Bextor to headline first ever Poole Pride

The 'Murder on the Dancefloor' star will perform at the June event

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 26th Jan 2024
Last updated 29th Jan 2024

Sophie Ellis-Bextor has been announced as the headline act for the first ever Poole Pride event this summer.

The event takes place at Lighthouse on Saturday 8th June.

As well as an evening concert, they'll also be family friendly programme of day time entertainment.

Sophie's having a surge in popularity once again, after her song 'Murder on the Dancefloor' appeared on movie Saltburn - causing the tune to rise back up the charts.

She last visited Poole with her 'Kitchen Disco' tour in 2022.

Tim Colegate, Head of Programming at Lighthouse., said:

“We’re thrilled that Sophie will headline Poole’s first ever Pride this summer – she’s the perfect artist to top the bill on a day that is all about inclusivity.

“We want to create an amazing day, an event that all the people of Poole can be proud of. Poole Pride will be a safe space for everyone where people can be themselves, come as they are, and crucially, enjoy some first-class entertainment – something that Lighthouse is very used to.”

Planned in consultation with a community steering group that includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, Poole Pride will include performances and activities throughout Lighthouse, including the outdoor theatre.

A Queer film festival will run in the week leading up to Pride as well as a month-long exhibition, presented in partnership with AUB, honouring influential gay activist John Chesterman who was closely involved in the formation of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970 and whose ideas underpin the modern Pride movement.

Tim said: “We’re also working on a family-friendly daytime programme with performances, talks, educational sessions and signposting to LGBTQ+ support charities and groups, and we’re thankful for the support of Bourne Free, Bournemouth’s annual pride festival, to pull this off.

“Poole is a major conurbation and, as a much-cherished part of life in the town, Lighthouse is perfectly placed to host its first ever Pride event… and we’re going all out to make it a day we'll never forget!”

Tickets for Poole Pride are now on sale to Lighthouse Friends, before going on general sale next Thursday, 1st February.

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