York Gay Pride event gets the X Factor

Organisers say the event at Bustardthorpe on July 21, which follows York’s first Gay Pride march through the city, has attracted an exciting line-up of quality acts.

Dan Sidley, chair of York Pride, said: “Craig Colton rose to fame through last year’s X Factor finals and will headline York ‘Northern’ Pride 2012.

“The 22-year-old was coached by Gary Barlow and won admirers across the UK. He is now producing his first album, with help from Robbie Williams.

“Scooch, the UK Eurovision entrant in 2007, will be performing their top five hit Flying the Flag plus a range of other hits and a tribute to the hit TV series Glee.

“Joining the line up is Rosie Wilby – described by Diva magazine as ‘a lesbian Eddie Izzard’ – who is both a comedian and a musician. Rosie has performed at Glastonbury, Sydney Mardi Gras and Latitude Festival and is an award winning performer at the Edinburgh Fringe.”

Dan said Paul Thomas, a new British R&B star who has performed alongside Scouting for Girls, Joe McEldery, Diana Vickers and Olly Murs, will also appear, along with Maltese artist Sophie, the Dame Shirley Bassey Experience, who appeared at last year’s event, Scarlet Rhymes, an urban duo, with raw soulful vocals and melodies infused with street beats and rhymes, and Neill Ryan, singer and guitarist.

“A local flavour comes in the form of Bradley Denton, the Selby-based dancer, and Alexenia Farraday, winner at the Leeds Drag Idol contest,” said Dan.

“We are thrilled to secure such a wide range of quality entertainment.”

The parade leaves the Minster at 12pm and the afternoon of entertainment will begin at 1.30pm.

“Although the event is free, all attendees are asked to buy a York Northern Pride 2012 wristband for £5 from the Yorkshire Hussar pub in North Street, which gives free entry into the Pride Pre-Party at Vanity on New Street on July 20 and to the After-Party in central York on July 21.”