Liverpool’s Pride has revealed the full details of its highly anticipated Opening Ceremony, set to launch the city’s Pride weekend in spectacular style at the official Opening Party, at the M&S Bank Arena.

Already set to draw thousands to the waterfront for the official Opening Party on Friday night, the newly announced Opening Ceremony promises to be a moving and high-energy celebration of Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community past, present and future.

Delivered in partnership with Sahir House and LCR Pride Foundation, the ceremony reflects a shared commitment to supporting, uplifting and celebrating LGBTQ+ people across the Liverpool City Region.

At the heart of the ceremony is the theme “Liverpool Through the Ages”, a bold, immersive showcase honouring the trailblazers who paved the way, celebrating the voices making change today, and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Curated by celebrated local creatives Debbie Darling and Jester Boy, the ceremony puts Liverpool’s own talent centre-stage, reinforcing Pride’s commitment to championing the community year-round, not just during Pride weekend.

From the very first moment, audiences can expect an electrifying start as a collective of Liverpool drag royalty and dancers deliver an upbeat, high-energy opening routine designed to “get the party started.”

The ceremony will shine a spotlight on emerging talent, including a special performance from Rare Studio, showcasing the creativity and voices of LGBTQ+ young people in the city, alongside performances from local artists and production groups.

A particularly poignant highlight of the evening will see Liverpool’s Pride honour community legend Lady Sian with a special tribute, recognising decades of advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The moment will include a celebratory performance alongside a reflective segment remembering those the community has lost.

The ceremony will culminate in a powerful finale, bringing together performers and community figures for a rousing celebration of Pride, unity and visibility – a moment designed to capture the spirit of Liverpool itself.

Creative Directors and Community Leaders Reflect on the Showcase

Debbie Darling said: 

“Liverpool’s local queer community has always been full of amazing talent, and we want to give them a platform at Liverpool Pride’s opening ceremony, highlighting the past, present and future of our fabulous community. 

“We also wanted to remember those who have had such an incredible impact on our community, who are sadly no longer with us, as we should never forget our history. 

“From the Queen of the scene, Lady Sian, to the future of the community with up & coming drag artists, it’s going to be a rollercoaster of emotion and energy!”

Mark Christopherson, Trustee at Sahir House, said: 

“Liverpool’s Pride is about more than a weekend, it’s about celebrating our community, our culture and our shared future. 

“We’re celebrating who we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re going. 

“The Opening Ceremony brings that story to life, showcasing the incredible talent we have right here in our city, alongside the vital work of Sahir House and LCR Pride Foundation.”

Official Events Programme and Waterfront Schedule

The weekend celebrations kick off with the official Opening Party on Friday, 24 July, from 6 pm, hosted at the M&S Bank Arena at the Liverpool Experience Campus.

Festivities continue on Saturday, 25 July, from 12 pm with the Pride Community Event and the Pride Expo, both taking place across the campus grounds.

The annual Pride March is also scheduled to take place on Saturday, 25 July, with specific timing and route details to be confirmed by organisers.

READ MORE: Victoria Park Prepared to Host Summer Solstice Southport Music Festival This Weekend