Sophie Ellis-Bextor pulls out as Poole Pride headliner
The Murder on the Dancefloor star has apologised
Poole's first ever Pride event is on the lookout for a new headliner, as Sophie Ellis-Bextor's pulled out.
The noughties star, who's having a renaissance with the success of Murder on the Dancefloor from the Saltburn movie soundtrack says she's 'no longer able to perform' at the Lighthouse on Saturday 8th June.
A statement from Sophie says:
"I’m really sorry I won’t be able to perform at Poole Pride this year, but I hope to be able to come back and do a great show for you in the future.
“Wishing you all the best with the first Poole Pride. I know it will be amazing!”
Organisers say the rest of the Poole Pride line-up, and all associated events are unaffected, and all tickets sold remain valid.
Tim Colegate, Lighthouse Head of Programming, said:
“We are working hard to find the right artist to headline this landmark event and will have some exciting news to share very soon.
“Although it's a shame that Sophie cannot be with us, Poole Pride is still going ahead and we’re more determined than ever to host a brilliant, inclusive event that everyone in Poole can be proud of.”
The evening concert will feature main support Bimini and rave legend Charlotte Devaney, as well as a strong DJ line-up including queer disco pioneers Horse Meat Disco with Hed Kandi and Ministry of Sound artist Ellie Sax, and Woody Cook, son of Fatboy Slim and Zoe Ball.
Planned in consultation with a community steering group that includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, Poole Pride also includes day-time performances and activities throughout Lighthouse, including the outdoor theatre.
A Queer film festival will run in the week leading up to Pride as well as ‘We Didn’t Know If it Was a Revolution or a Party’, a month-long exhibition, presented in partnership with AUB, honouring influential gay activist John Chesterman who was closely involved in the formation of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970 and whose ideas underpin the modern Pride movement.
Ticket holders for the Poole Pride evening concert have been contacted.