KELIS TO HEADLINE BRISTOL PRIDE 2011
Pride Bristol has secured international superstar Kelis to headline Pride Day 2011 on Saturday 16 July at Castle Park, Central Bristol.
Kelis has won BRIT, NME, and Q awards and been twice nominated for a Grammy. She is one of the most distinctive artists, musically and visually to emerge in the past twenty years. Constantly progressing and developing artistically, Kelis creates some of the most original songs to hit the UK and US charts. Currently the guest vocalist on Calvin Harris’ massive single ‘Bounce’, Kelis has recorded with some of the biggest, most credible names in the music industry including Bjork, Moby, will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas) and the legendary Neptunes production team. From the irrepressible breakthrough single ‘Caught Out There’ to the downright catchy ‘Milkshake’ and the 2010 anthem ‘Acapella’, Kelis constantly surprises and amazes.
Pride Bristol Director Dr Anna Rutherford said: “After the resounding success of Pride Bristol 2010, the programming team had a tough act to follow. We’re hugely excited about securing such a major star as Kelis and are extremely proud to present an artist who both represents quality and shares our values of equality and diversity.”
Like many other Prides nationally, this year’s event sees the introduction of ticketing. Staging the event safely, and ensuring that there is adequate infrastructure on-site to support visitors, would be impossible without the introduction of ticketing. Put simply, the option was ‘say hello to ticketing, or say goodbye to Pride’. Pride Bristol Director Daryn Carter said: “Pride Bristol is a not-for-profit organisation, and all ticketing income is ploughed directly back into the costs of the festival. Your ticket not only means that the festival happens, but also that important elements like the youth area and community tent stay at the heart of the festival.”
The Pride team ensure that prices are kept as low as possible, and the passionate commitment of over 200 volunteers also helps keep the event affordable. To facilitate attendance where possible, an allocation of free tickets will be made to community groups and young people who may be at risk of exclusion, or who would find purchasing a ticket difficult. Any group wanting to find out more about the scheme should contact tickets@pridebristol.org
More acts will be announced over the coming weeks. Early Bird Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at http://www.pridebristol.org Tickets will also be available through Bristol Ticket Shop, 26 Union Street, BS1 2DP (0117 929 9008)
