X Factor Winner Headlines Park Party
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 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.
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.
More acts are due to be announced over the coming weeks, at what looks like being the biggest party on the English Riviera this summer. 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.
Early bird tickets for the Party in the Park are available up until the end of May for just £10 and then £12.50 after and £15 (if still available) on the day. Tickets are available on the website at www.pridetorbay.org. Proceeds from Pride Torbay are being donated to local charities including Rowcroft Hospice and Eddystone Trust.
A second free park party will take place on Torwood Gardens on Sunday 31st July, featuring live music, fun, games, stalls and even a dog show.
