Sugababes and Beth Ditto to headline Liverpool Pride opening party at M&S Bank Arena

Sahir House has announced the first artists for Liverpool Pride's Official Opening Party, to be held at the M&S Bank Arena, which will launch Pride 2026 in the city.

Sugababes will headline with a full greatest hits set.

They will be joined by LGBTQ+ icon Beth Ditto, playing her first solo show in Liverpool. As singer with Gossip she recorded anthems that took themes of identity, freedom and activism to a mainstream audience, and became a global symbol of self-expression.

The bill also includes drag performer Bimini and Tia Kofi, winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, who is also making her Liverpool debut.

Harrsn will appear with the House Gospel Choir, making their first Liverpool appearance since they headlined the city's Eurovision fan festival on the Pier Head in 2023.

Glitterbox regulars and local favourites Horse Meat Disco return with a Pride disco set before the headliners take the stage.

Liverpool's Tyler DeClaire will host, alongside Scouse drag queens Pam Sandwich and Debbie Darling, both of whom will present and perform.

Opening ceremony

The evening opens with a Liverpool Pride Opening Ceremony curated by Debbie Darling, putting dozens of the city's LGBTQ+ performers and voices on the arena stage. More details of the ceremony line-up will follow in the coming weeks.

The party marks the official start of a weekend that will include the Liverpool Pride March, community events and a city-wide cultural programme, all due to be announced shortly.

Liverpool's Pride 2026 is organised jointly by Sahir House and the LCR Pride Foundation, which share a commitment to an inclusive, representative Pride rooted in the community.

The partners say the arrangement will ensure the event continues to champion LGBTQ+ voices, celebrate diversity and give communities across the Liverpool City Region meaningful opportunities to come together.

Mark Christopherson, trustee of Sahir House, said: “Liverpool Pride 2026 aims to build on last year’s powerful celebration by strengthening partnerships and securing sustainable support, ensuring the event continues to grow as an inclusive and impactful moment for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.”

“This year, we’re proud to launch our first-ever Opening Night in partnership with the M&S Bank Arena – a landmark moment celebrating LGBTQ+ culture on a scale it truly deserves. The night opens with a big party led by local LGBTQ+ artists appearing throughout, before Sugababes top the bill for a special headline moment, reflecting our ambition to grow Pride in Liverpool in bold and meaningful ways for the future.”

Ben Williams, commercial and business development director at M&S Bank Arena, said: “M&S Bank Arena is where Liverpool comes together for its biggest moments, and we’re incredibly proud to host the Opening Party for Liverpool’s Pride. Working in partnership with Sahir House and the LCR Pride Foundation reflects our commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, celebrated and represented.”

“Pride is driven by the creativity and strength of our LGBTQ+ communities and bringing both global icons and local performers onto our stage is something truly special. We’re honoured to help launch a weekend that embodies unity, joy and inclusion.”

Money raised by the Opening Party will go towards Sahir House's work for the LGBTQ+ community and towards Liverpool's Pride Saturday programme, a community-led celebration across the city involving organisations, performers and audiences from around the region.

Further announcements, including details of the 2026 Pride March, more events and artists, and the wider city programme, will follow in the coming weeks.