Milton Keynes Pride Festival released their Rainbow Stage line-up over the weekend, giving guests an idea of what to look forward to in the upcoming festival.
Headlining the Main Stage is Liberty X, consisting of Michelle Heaton, Jessica Taylor, and Kelli Young.
After appearing in 'Popstars' they were quickly noticed by Richard Branson and were snapped up by his record label V2 Records. Their first single ‘Thinking It Over' went Top 5 in the charts and set the pace for a hugely successful debut album selling over a million copies worldwide.
Following a high court battle which saw the band having to change their name from Liberty to Liberty X, the band stormed back with smash hit number 1 single ‘Just A Little'. The song won an lvor Novello award, which earned them a BRIT Award for 'Best British Single', the only award voted for by the public and became the 5th most played song of the noughties.
The band blazed a trail through the pop scene, having a sell-out UK tour, releasing 3 albums, and achieving 8 top ten hits, including one for 'Children in Need'. In a 7-year career they have performed to massive audiences across the UK, Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Other already-confirmed acts set to appear include Horse Mc Donald, deemed “One of Britain's finest singers" by Q Magazine, her incredible vocal range and its unique texture and tone inspires a raw, emotional response every time. Signing her first major record deal in the 80s, Horse has toured with Tina Turner and BB King, and performed alongside or opened for Robbie Williams, Bryan Ferry, Sir Ian McKellen, Pet Shop Boys, Culture Club and many more. Horse will perform songs from extensive back catalogue as well as new songs from her new album, ‘The Road Less Travelled’.
Matt Terry is an accomplished singer-songwriter, with hundreds of millions of streams to his name. The Bromley born R&B-inspired pop vocalist has amassed a strong-audience of fans across the globe, having triumphed as winner on the UK’s ‘X Factor’
Eden Hunter released her independent debut single ‘Weightless’ in October 2021 and has since supported artists including Tom Grennan, Ella Eyre and Thomas Headon. The British singer has headlined sold-out shows at Bush Hall and O2 Academy Islington, and performed at Mighty Hoopla.
Marcus Collins originally from Liverpool, achieved success in 2011 through popular entertainment show ‘X Factor’. Collins has since achieved a sold-out arena tour, top ten UK single, and top ten UK album.
Musical theatre credits include Kinky Boots (Original West End cast), Hairspray (UK Tour), Gobsmacked (US Tour), Choir of Man (West End/ Adelaide Festival), Hair (International Tour), West End Men (International Tour), and is currently performing as Andre Mayhem (Mrs Doubtfire Musical) in London’s West End.
British singer and songwriter Benedict Cork is on the cusp of the most exciting chapter of his career to date with the recent release of his debut album, ‘Notes On A Hopeless Romance’. Benedict’s music has amassed over 40 million streams on Spotify and has been featured across TV and film.
Another notable name on the line-up is international powerhouse diva vocalist Amrick Channa the UK's most visible LGBTQ+ Turban wearing Indian/Sikh! Cheltenham born artist and rapper Keanan who has accumulated over two million views on TikTok with his playful punchlines and colourful delivery, ‘Pride's Got Talent'.
The line-up also named London-based contemporary pop artist Andrea Di Giovanni, Maltese multi-genre singer Luke Vella, singer and songwriter Emma McGrath, and acoustic singer and songwriter Jess Kemp.
Hosting the Main Stage is presenter Helen Scott and Paul Davies, Mr Gay Wales & Gay Universe.
Director, Keith Emmett III said “Milton Keynes Pride Festival showcases an impressive calibre of diverse performers and artists. We are proud to be supporting and platforming such incredible talent, showcasing some of the very best LGBTQ+ artists and allies with community at the forefront and heart of our programming”.
