Will Young to perform at Hull BBC Radio 2 festival marking 50 years since gay decriminalisation

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BBC Radio 2 is to host a music festival marking 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

LGBT 50 will take place in Hull, as part of its festivities as the UK’s Capital of Culture 2017.

The week is set to culminate in I Feel Love, a live concert aired on BBC Radio 2 and presented by BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills and Scissor Sisters’ front woman Ana Matronic.

LGBT 50

It will be aired live on BBC Radio as part of the broadcaster’s Gay Britannia series, looking back at the five decades since the ban on gay sex was repealed.

The show’s star-studded line-up will include the likes of Will Young, Alison Moyet, Marc Almond, Bright Light Bright Light, Noah Stewart, Tom Robinson and West Yorkshire’s LGBT choir Gay Abandon.

Will Young said: “I am very excited to perform at the BBC’s LGBT Concert in Hull to celebrate 50 years of decriminalisation.

“It is an honour, and I thank all the great people and their persistent fighting for LGBT rights that have made this anniversary possible.”

The week-long festival of music, dance, theatre, comedy, film and photography begins at the cities Pride in Hull, the first edition of UK Pride.

Martin Green, Director of Hull 2017 said: “As the host of the first ever UK Pride, Hull will be at the forefront of the national celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of sexual freedom in the UK.

“With everything from a sinfonia orchestra to 80s diva Sonia, from a bake-off to poignant photography, it promises to be both classy and camp, offering something for everyone.”

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Graham Jenkinson, Pride in Hull Trustee, added: “We’re delighted to be kicking off Hull 2017’s LGBT 50 celebrations in spectacular style with our biggest Pride event to date.

“We’re sure that everyone will have a great time with headline performances from each of the last five decades on the main stage, along with additional stages and tents with performers and activities.

“Most importantly though, Pride will be a place where everyone is welcome and free to be themselves.”