Birmingham Pride announces first 2022 headliner
The pop act STEPS are headline next year 's Birmingham Pride - with both the group and the festival celebrating 25th anniversaries.
Preparations are already underway for what organisers hope will be the biggest festival in Birmingham Pride 's history - with the theme '25 years of Pride and Protest '.
The theme reflects on the advances made in terms of equality achievements, while continuing the fight against injustice, prejudice and inequality that continues to affect LGBTQ+ people.
Event organiser Lawrence Barton said: “It gives us immense pleasure to announce our theme for the 25th Anniversary next year, once again supported by HSBC UK. Birmingham Pride 2022 marks 25 years of 'Pride and Protest ' demonstrating our firm belief that there 's no Pride without the protest.
“It 's as important now as it was 25 years ago. Our LGBTQ + community is travelling a journey to achieve true equality in society, and we are far from reaching all our aims.
“Everyone who attends and supports Birmingham Pride - a universally inclusive event, helps further our community aims. I wish everyone a safe and memorable 25th anniversary year. ”
Steps are the UK 's one of the most successful pop groups of all time, with 14 top five singles, three number one albums, 21 million record sales, 250 million streams and seven sold-out national arena tours.
The bands hits include No.1 singles 'Tragedy/Heartbeat ' and 'Stomp ', the gold certified 'One For Sorrow ' and 'Better Best Forgotten ', the silver certified '5,6,7,8 ', Last Thing On My Mind ', 'Love 's Got A Hold Of My Heart ', 'Chain Reaction ' and more.
Pride is supported by HSBC UK CEO, whose CEO Ian Stuart said: “We are incredibly proud to be a long-standing supporter of Pride.
“We value difference and are determined to use our position in society to support diversity and inclusion in all its forms.
“Last year we marched in our living rooms, this summer we were back out on the streets, and now we look forward to coming together once again in celebration and solidarity with Birmingham 's LGBTQ+ community in 2022. ”
Birmingham Pride will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September 2022.