ORGANISERS have released the line-up for what is fast becoming one of the key events in Southampton’s calendar.

Crowds of up to 9,000 LGBT party-goers and their allies are expected to pack out Guildhall Square for the city’s second Pride event.

Now with an added stage inside the 02 Guildhall revellers will be able to see the best of Hampshire’s local acoustic acts – as well as hitting the main stage for a host of fabulous entertainers.

And to bring it all together are some of the city’s most mischievous drag queens – while DJs will take to the decks with after-parties planned in the city’s award-winning gay clubs.

Lili La Scala will be hosting the main stage, introducing 80s pop legend Sinitta play at 12.20 – with a once-in-a-lifetime chance of seeing her perform So Macho live.

And taking the stage at 4.15 is Sonia – Stock Aitken and Waterman’s bubbly red-head who hit the charts in 1989 with You’ll Never Stop Me From Loving You while Rownham’s own Harry Fisher and last year’s The Voice contestant is on at 7.10.

The acoustic stage is on from 3pm-6.30pm – leaving you plenty of time to run back outside for Shannon Baker and Calum Lintott before Reigns and 911 headline the main stage.

But Julianne Watling McCarthy said the highlight for her will be the parade, lead by the Pride committee and followed by official sponsors Cunard, then dozens of local community groups and companies who will march with pride.

Ms McCarthy said: “I’m really excited to see the parade. The burlesque dancers will be great to watch as well, and there’s lots of stalls for dog lovers, with clothes and treats. There’s also a drag make-up stall and a big family area with bouncy castle and a fire engine. And kids can have a go at colouring in a special police Pride car.”

Pride 2017 Main Stage

  • 1100 EVENT OPENS / Satvir Kaur
  • 1105 DJ Darcy Buckland
  • 1145 Electric Storm
  • 1205 Lili La Scala
  • 1220 Sinitta
  • 1245 Katie Rogers
  • 1300 Jack Denton (band)
  • 1320 Simply Kylie
  • 1345 Lili La Scala
  • 1400 DJ Tony/ Parade starts (2pm-3pm)
  • 1445 DJ Neil Sackley
  • 1530 Cherry Liquor
  • 1600 Lili La Scala
  • 1615 Sonia
  • 1645 Charley McCauley
  • 1710 Lili La Scala & Neil
  • 1725 Daz Menzies
  • 1745 Courtney Hadwin
  • 1815 Shannon Baker
  • 1835 Calum Lintott
  • 1850 Becky Lombardi
  • 1910 Harry Fisher
  • 1940 Reigns
  • 2010 911
  • 2055 Lucinda Lashes
  • 2120 MC Angel
  • 2140 Aura Jay
  • 2200 DJ Mikey
  • 2245 Aura Jay
  • 2300 End

Acoustic stage inside the O2 Guildhall

  • 1500 Katie Rogers
  • 1530 Elise Shepherd
  • 1600 Ukelele Jam
  • 1630 Adam Rens
  • 1700 Southampton Gay Mens Chorus
  • 1730 Becky Lombardi
  • 1800 Henry Newbury
  • 1830 Foxes Burlesque Dancers

Visitors are also encouraged to buy a wristband from one of the following venues – The London Hotel, The Edge, The Artisan, The Stage Door, Rogues Cafe, October Books, The Spitfire, The Slug & Lettuce and Bar 104 – with costs going towards the running of the event.

The parade leaves West Marlands Road at 2pm and goes to the Bargate and back.

THIS year the LGBT community says 'adieu' to a very special member. "Life-saver" Dianne set up transgender support group Chrysalis 12 years ago and in that time has helped hundreds of trans people come to terms with their identity.

Running groups in Southampton, Portsmouth and Basingstoke, as well as a smaller one in Bournemouth Dianne and her colleagues have run therapy, advice counselling sessions - extending their support to friends and family of trans people as well.

But now Dianne has decided to step down from the role - and to hand over the reigns to an official CEO who is due to be elected next week. Speaking on behalf of the Chrysalis group, Sheila Elsey said: "Dianne has actually saved lives.

It's incredible what she's done. Everyone who contacts us for help gets at least eight weeks of counselling.

She has set up four incredible groups which have supported hundreds of people and their families since 2005."

Dianne and Chrysalis have been invited to lead the parade in recognition of their work over the years and will go behind the Pride committee.