A chart-topping rock star, who almost missed the opportunity to perform at one of the country’s largest, free LGBT events, is being given a second chance to take to the stage.
Joseph Whelan, whose single I Lie Lonely reached number one in the UK rock charts, will be appearing on the Main Stage at Newcastle Pride 2015 next month (July).
The X Factor heartthrob, who released his debut album Kontrast in 2013, had been due to perform on the same stage last year, but missed his slot after getting stuck in traffic.
Instead he appeared on the festival’s temporary second stage, in Newcastle’s Times Square, where he performed for an appreciative, but smaller crowd.
Now, event organisers, Northern Pride, are giving Joseph a second chance to wow the masses, with a Main Stage appearance at the city’s Town Moor on Sunday July 19.
Joseph said; “I was really looking forward to Newcastle Pride 2014 and was disappointed when traffic got in my way.
“Thankfully Northern Pride were able to find me a slot on the second stage and I had a great time performing for the crowd in Times Square.
“This year I’ll be making sure I set off extra early and can’t wait to hit the Main Stage.”
Joseph, who fronted a number of rock bands before launching his successful solo career, is one of a number of X Factor favourites appearing at Newcastle Pride 2015, with Kitty Brucknell and Lucy Spraggan both set to perform on Saturday July 18.
They will be joined for the three day festival by a host of top names, including girlband B*Witched and pop icon Belinda Carlisle, who will be headlining the Main Stage on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
The festival, which is officially one of the largest, free LGBT events in the UK, will also include a parade, as well as a host of stalls and themed entertainment zones open at the Town Moor throughout the weekend.
March Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride which organises the annual event, said: “This is one of the best line-ups we’ve ever had for Newcastle Pride and we’re absolutely delighted that Joseph is taking part.
“We haven’t got a second stage this year so Joseph will definitely be appearing on the Main Stage and I know he’s going to go down a storm.”
Newcastle Pride 2015 is free to attend, though a limited number of VIP and Gold Circle tickets are also available to guarantee a viewpoint closer to the stage.
For more information and a full line-up, visit www.northern-pride.com or search northernprideuk on Facebook or Twitter.
