In a disappointing turn of events for fans, Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle has had to withdraw from performing at this weekend's Manchester Village Pride due to illness. As one of the UK's most vibrant LGBTQ+ celebrations, Manchester Village Pride is a cornerstone event dedicated to inclusivity and community support, set to commence on Friday, August 28, and run through the Bank Holiday weekend, culminating in the poignant Candlelight Vigil on Monday evening.
Nadine Coyle, who holds a special place in the hearts of many for her vibrant performances and support of Pride events, was scheduled to take the stage on Friday night. However, Manchester Evening News reports that Coyle's team released a statement expressing the singer’s regret at missing the event.
"Nadine is so sorry to have to step out of Manchester Village Pride this year," the statement read. "Her voice has been under the weather and she only wants to give the absolute best to you all, which sadly won't be possible this weekend as she needs time to rest and recuperate."
In a testament to the resilience and spirit of Manchester Village Pride, event organisers swiftly announced a replacement to ensure the festival maintains its celebratory atmosphere. Irish 90s pop sensation B*Witched will fill Coyle's slot, promising to deliver their iconic hits such as "C'est La Vie" and "Blame It On The Weatherman." Organisers encouraged attendees to embrace the retro nostalgia by donning double denim as they welcome B*Witched to the main stage.
The decision to bring in B*Witched was met with enthusiasm from festival-goers eager for a dose of 90s/00s pop energy. One attendee expressed excitement on social media, stating,
"Can't wait to see B*Witched! It's going to be a fantastic night despite the change!"
In response, B*Witched tweeted,
"We're excited to join you all at Manchester Village Pride! Sending love to Nadine for a speedy recovery."
Manchester Village Pride, marking its first run after the voluntary liquidation of the previous organisers behind Manchester Pride, is being hosted by a new Community Interest Company. This crucial move was supported by local Gay Village venues to safeguard the future of this important cultural celebration. The transition signifies a renewed commitment to ensuring that the festival remains a vibrant and inclusive platform for the LGBTQ+ community.
Alongside B*Witched, the weekend will feature performances from an array of artists including Kate Nash, DJ Sammy, Cascada, Gareth Gates, DJ Paulette, Misha B, Michael Marouli, Ghetto Fabulous, and Adam Rickitt, ensuring a diverse and dynamic line-up.
Meanwhile, back in Northern Ireland, Belfast Live Social is committed to bringing the vibrancy of such events directly to residents' fingertips via TikTok, offering food reviews, concert announcements, vox-pops, and more. This platform serves to highlight the vibrant social scene in Belfast, inviting followers to engage with content reflecting local life and connecting it to the broader celebration of Pride across regions.
As Manchester Village Pride prepares to light up the city, the spirit of unity and celebration persists, reinforcing that the heart of Pride events lies in togetherness and community strength. For continuous updates on all events, visit the Belfast Live homepage and sign up for the What's On newsletter.