A DRAG Race UK star has been announced as the headliner of Basingstoke’s first Pride event.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Crystal will make an appearance at Basingstoke’s inaugural Pride parade on Saturday, August 17.

The season one contestant and host of celebratory queer podcast The Things That Made Me Queer, Crystal is a driving force in the UK drag scene and an ardent supporter of grass-roots LGBTQ+ groups.

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Crystal (Image: Wolf James) With a huge social media following, the popular star’s supervillain persona mixes high fashion with daring stunts.

Crystal will take centre stage among a talented line-up of artists bringing a kaleidoscope of entertainment as they celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and turn the town into a rainbow of colour for an unmissable celebration.

All the day’s events will play out against a backdrop of amazing music, with the parade itself led by the charismatic London Pop Brass Party Band alongside colourful walkabout act The Stylists, and performers from the Late Night Assembly cabaret show.

The vibrant parade will wind its way through town towards the Amphitheatre at Festival Place, where there will be more entertainment, free family-friendly activities, stalls and music.

Alongside headline performer Crystal, other acts at the Amphitheatre include award-winning DJ Nik Nak, drag performer Big Jay, singer Kyle Finn, Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society, and synth pop band Velour.

An exciting array of stalls will offer a unique celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, inviting visitors to discover treasures and connect with organisations fostering acceptance and equality.

Booked stalls include Barrel of Crafts, the NHS Sexual Health Service, tattoo artist Ollie Idlehanded, IT experts TD Synnex, Samaritans of Basingstoke, Mind, Crafty Pixie, Lone Wolf Crafting and LGBTQ+ support charity Breakout Youth.

Basingstoke Pride CIC is planning the event with support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

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Mia and Vee, directors of Basingstoke Pride CIC said: “We're thrilled to see everything coming together and are delighted to announce that the dazzling Drag Race star Crystal will headline a fantastic line-up of performers, artists, and stallholders at this spectacular event.

"Our Pride will be a fun, colorful, and family-friendly celebration, bringing together the diverse community of Basingstoke. We hope that Basingstoke Pride will lay the foundation for growth of the LGBTQ+ community within the town”

Festival Place marketing manager Sian Fisher said: “Our amphitheatre is the perfect place to end the flamboyant parade, and we look forward to seeing people of all ages celebrating inclusivity in our community and enjoying the free entertainment, activities and stalls on the day.”

Basingstoke Pride will take place on Saturday, August 17 between noon and 4pm.

To find out more, please visit basingstokepride.co.uk.