The Knowsley Social, a nine-week festival featuring big name music, is partnering with LCR Pride Foundation for a one-off LGBT+ summer celebration this June. Tony McDonough reports

S Club, Amelia Lily and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star Cheryl Hole will headline the major LGBT+ event at the Knowsley Estate this June.

The Knowsley Social, a nine-week festival featuring big name music and family events taking place at the Knowsley Estate this spring and summer, has announced a partnership with LCR Pride Foundation for a one-off LGBT+ summer celebration this June.

90s pop sensations S Club (formerly S Club 7) will perform their greatest hits including Bring It All Back, Reach and Don’t Stop Movin at the extravaganza on Saturday, June 5, which will be the first major LGBT+ event to take place in the UK this year as lockdown restrictions are eased.

X Factor star Ameila Lily will also be performing with S Club and comedy queen Cheryl Hole, star of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, will take to the stage to provide some hilarious entertainment. More performers are also set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The exclusive event will support the work of LCR Pride Foundation and will take place inside The Knowsley Social’s big top tent, which has been built to hold 1,000 people only, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Families and friends can purchase tickets for VIP pods at the event, which will help raise money for LCR Pride Foundation, the Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ charity. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, April 16, at 10am at www.theknowsleysocial.co.uk

Andi Herring, chief executive and co-founder of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “We are incredibly excited for the LGBT+ Social – what a fantastic line-up.

“While nothing can replace Pride in Liverpool and the many other Prides that have been forced to cancel for a second time due to the pandemic, this event gives the LGBT+ community an opportunity to come together and celebrate safely.”

The Knowsley Social will take place in the grounds of the Knowsley Estate this spring and summer starting in May. M People’s Heather Small, The Shapeshifters, FIVE and The Ibiza Philharmonic Orchestra are among some of the other headline shows taking place.

Danny Thompson, co-founder of The Knowsley Social, added: “The LGBT+ Social really is going to give everyone something to look forward to as we head out of lockdown and most importantly, it will raise money for LCR Pride Foundation.