Atomic Kitten replaces Marc Almond at Liverpool Pride

Atomic Kitten are stepping in to make Liverpool Pride go with a swing after Marc Almond had to step down from headlining the main stage next month.

The Southport-born Soft Cell singer, who is marking his 60th birthday this year, was due to perform at the festival on July 29.

But TV and radio commitments mean he has had to cancel his performance in the city – although he will still have a presence at the festival with an exhibition of images and memorabilia charting his career, including work created by the man himself, going on show at The Gallery in Stanhope Street.

Almond said: “I was so looking forward to playing Liverpool Pride this year but an unexpected TV and radio performance to mark the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK has meant that I’m unable to make an appearance.

“We tried to make both events work but it’s proved impossible. I wish Liverpool Pride every success on the day and I really do hope that I will return to perform in Liverpool for Pride next year – a city very close to my heart."

Original Kittens Natasha Hamilton, Liz McClarnon and Kerry Katona will now headline the Barclays Main Stage in the St George’s Quarter.

This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 29-30. The theme of this year’s Pride is International Love, complementing the city’s wider 50 Summers of Love festival, which marks 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality as well as other golden anniversaries including Sgt Pepper and the opening of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

The event will include the annual Pride March through Liverpool city centre.

The Marc Almond Exhibition is at The Gallery in Stanhope Street from July 15 to August 13 and is free.