Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Katie Price to headline city’s Pride
Katie Price has been revealed as one of the headline acts at the city’s Pride festival. Organisers of Canterbury’s upcoming extravaganza have named the former glamour model as the latest addition to their line-up. Tens of thousands are expected to descend on the Dane John Gardens on June 8 and 9 to see the TV personality tread the boards alongside an array of big names – including an unlikely Oompa Loompa who recently shot to stardom. Speaking to this paper, Canterbury Pride 2024 organiser Jonathan Fitter-harding said: “We've also got Katie Price coming to us. I'm really looking forward to seeing her performance.
“We asked who people wanted to see. Katie was up there with a lot of others. “We haven't quite got the budget for Lady Gaga, who was also second favourite, but Katie's coming. I'm hoping she's singing. I'm not sure.” The announcement came days after the High Court was told the former Page 3 model could be arrested if she contin
ued to miss hearings over her bankruptcy without reasonable excuse. Meanwhile, organisers continue to reveal details of upcoming acts at the familyfriendly celebration of LGBTQ+.
Held in towns and cities worldwide, Pride festivals have become synonymous
with love and friendship, a showcase of how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how more still needs to be done. So far, Canterbury’s line-up includes Tiktok star Bailey J Mills, 90’s dance legend Urban Cookie Collective, Pop Idol icon Michelle Mcmanus and LGBTQ+ and Youtube star Charity Shop Sue performing a
DJ set.
Oompa Loompa actress Kirsty Patterson, who came to fame earlier this year after speaking out about Glasgow’s Willy-wonka experience, will also make an appearance.
Furious parents paid £35 for tickets and were promised a world of imagination but turned up to an almost empty warehouse, with not much other than a bouncy castle. Ru-paul’s Drag Race legend Bagachipz isreturning to the stage for the fifth time while Wicked actress Kerry Ellis, who played Elphaba, has been billed. Noughties pop duo Booty Luv will also take to the stage while kmfm’s Rob Wills will broadcast live from the main stage. Describing how last year’s event was the most successful to date, Mr Fitter-harding said: “Dane John Gardens is a wonderful venue. It was absolutely packed.
“For us, one of the really important things for Pride is we've got a really good community feel.
“We also want to be appropriate for families to come. “I've got two children myself who are five and seven and they love Pride – they come along, they enjoy some of the fairground rides that we have.” The festival will also feature a parade through Canterbury High Street, entertainment, a marketplace, food and drink.