Pride Torbay presents Pride in the Park

The organisers of Pride Torbay are thrilled to announce that X Factor winner Joe McElderry will be headlining the main stage at the Pride in the Park on Saturday 30th July. The 20-year-old star from South Shields will be making a rare pride appearance at the party in Hollicombe Park (Gasworks Park) to perform songs including "Dance with my Father," "Don't Stop Believin'" and his number one hit, "The Climb".

The party, which will... run from 12pm till 8pm also includes other familiar faces from TV Talent shows, including camp duo Diva Fever from last year's X Factor. Craig and Josef were Simon Cowell's "wild card" choice for the live shows and will be performing the likes of "Proud Mary," "Sunny" and "Barbara Streisand." They will be joined by Britain's Got Talent finalist Shaun Smith who was runner up to Susan Boyle and Diversity. After hearing his version of "Aint No Sunshine" Simon Cowell described him as "like Mick Hucknall - but good looking."

There's more talent show fun from male burlesque act, The Dream Bears. They proved a huge hit in Britain's Got Talent in 2009 with Piers Morgan calling them "my guilty pleasure" and Amanda Holden as "completely my cup of tea." Following a recent talent competition called "Find me a Dream Bear" to find a new member, Torbay resident Rob Palfrey scooped the prize and is currently performing all over Europe with the troop.
Next on the line-up is the ‘biggest’ girl group in Europe – forget the Saturdays and prepare to sample The Sundaes! They will heading to Pride Torbay as an exclusive warm-up gig for their run at the Edinburgh Festival in August. Expect stunning vocals, sensational choreography and superb comedy from the lickable trio - Chocolate Sundae, Vanilla Sundae and Strawberry Sundae.

The organisers are also delighted to have secured one of the UK’s brightest new talents, Chelcee Grimes, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter who has literally just been signed to Sony RCA with a contract worth over a million. Over the past two years, this talented vocalist with a stack of energy and attitude has gone from a popular Liverpool songstress to an internet sensation, leading her to work with the likes of Chew Fu (Rihanna), Bob Fusari (Lady Gaga) and Wiley. Remember you saw her at Pride Torbay first!

Pride Torbay is also genuinely thrilled to welcome Jill Jackson, the “Scottish Singbird” and one of the most respected contemporary country music performers. A former member of rock band Speedway (who scored two top ten hits in 2004) it’s as a solo performer she has really been making a stir, supporting the likes of Natalie Imbruglia and Bryan Adams. In 2008 she performed in 50 US Sates in 50 Days, before playing T In The Park in 2009. She’s since been back in the studio recording and mixing her second album, Back to Zero and has had music featured on hit lesbian drama The L Word. With influences including Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell the Rolling Stones and Mary Chapin Carpenter, expect the perfect summer sounds for a sultry afternoon in the park.

Also on the line-up is The Boy George Experience, one of the best tribute acts on the circuit, mixing the Culture Club and solo classics with some very funny cabaret. The BGE has toured everywhere from Australia to South Africa and throughout mainland Europe, with spectacular costume changes and amazing vocals.

The park will also feature fairground rides, shopping and community stalls, themed bar areas and the Marldon Marquees Dance Tent. Organisers are keen to point out that absolutely everyone who is open-minded and knows how to have a good time is welcome.

People are being encouraged to arrive at the park as part of the Rainbow Walk, which starts at Beacon Quay at 11am. Organisers want people to dress in one of the six colours of the Gay rainbow flag (either a coloured t-shirt or full fancy dress) to form a human rainbow on the way to the park party.

Tickets for the Party in the Park are currently £12.50, going up to £17.50 on the week of the event. No tickets will be available on the park gate due to licensing restrictions. Tickets are available from the Torquay, Brixham and Paignton Tourist Information Centres, Steps Bistro, Harbour View, Meadfoot Inn, Candyfloss Nightclub, Cliff House Hotel and Key West Resort, as well as on the website at www.pridetorbay.org.

Pride Torbay is a not-for-profit event with a donation made to local charities including Rowcroft Hospice and Eddystone Trust.

For more information visit http://www.pridetorbay.org/