Liverpool Pride Festival returns for its eighth consecutive year in July, with a line-up to ensure the 2017 free event is a colourful celebration of all things LGBT+.

The team behind Liverpool Pride officially launched the festival last week at Signature Living’s Shankly Hotel on Victoria Street.

The festival is taking place across two days – July 29 and 30 – and is returning to the St George’s Quarter for a second year.

The region’s annual festival celebrates all things LGBT+, and in the past has attracted more than 25,000 people.

The theme of this year’s festival is International Love, complementing the city’s wider 50 Summers of Love festival, which celebrates 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

As in previous years, the two-day free spectacular officially begins with the Liverpool Pride March, which is open for everyone to participate, leaving from St George’s Plateau and through the city centre.

Liverpool pop group Atomic Kitten will be headlining the main stage on the Saturday, with singer-songwriter Kym Mazelle, Eurodance group Livin’ Joy performing ‘Don’t Stop Movin’ and reality TV star Austin Armacost.

Manchester Airport sponsors The World On One Stage, which will feature cultural organisations from across the city showcasing international music and culture, including Batala Mersey, Liverpool Irish Festival, Reham Al-Hakimi of Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival, Pagoda Arts Orchestra, DaDa Fest, Louis Jay and the Soul Collective, Threshold Festival, and Africa Oyé.

After a successful addition to the Liverpool Pride programme in 2016, We Are Family returns with entertainment and activities throughout the Sunday, alongside a full programme and performances taking place on the steps of St George’s Hall.

Barclays sponsor the We Are Family programme on the Sunday, which will include a headline performance from Liverpool singer and 2011 X Factor star Marcus Collins.

Winners of TV show Let it Shine, 5 To 5, make their Liverpool debut ahead of The Band musical coming to the Liverpool Empire Theatre this Autumn. They will give an exclusive performance with a medley of songs from the show.

The Sunday line-up also includes and singer and vocal expert Jennifer John, who will return with choirs from across Merseyside to perform number themed International Love.

Liverpool Pride Festival Chair Lucy Day commented: “With just over a month to go until the Liverpool Pride Festival 2017 – it’s safe to say we are extremely excited. We’re delighted that we can now reveal the full festival programme, which I strongly believe is one of our best yet.”

The Liverpool Pride Festival began as a community response to the death of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer, who tragically lost his life on August 2 2008.

The festival was specifically created in 2010 in Michael’s memory as a way to celebrate his life and to empower the LGBT communities.

Liverpool ONE will be hosting an LGBT+ exhibition with a bright and prominent display of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans + and Straight Ally information, photos and imagery, supported by Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, the High Sheriff’s Fund and Stop Hate UK.

Art and creativity play a big part in spreading the Liverpool Pride message.

The festival will also feature written word, photography and artworks supported by Arts Council England at various venues across the city, as well as at the festival itself.

These include the Marc Almond Exhibition at The Gallery; Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender and Identity at Walker Art Gallery; and Writing on the Wall: What’s Your Pride Story on the Garden Stage on Saturday 29 July.

Liverpool Pride Film Festival also runs along the main theme of International Love, with screenings taking place at venues across the city.