Atomic Kitten have replaced Marc Almond as the headline act of this year’s Liverpool Pride.
The Soft Cell front man, 59, was originally due to top the billing of the city’s annual LGBT celebration on July 29 but has now been forced to withdraw.
Southport-born Almond’s TV and radio commitments aligned to the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality prompted the cancellation.
He said: “I was so looking forward to playing Liverpool Pride this year.
“But an unexpected TV and radio performance to mark the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK has meant that I am unable to make an appearance.
“We tried to make both events work but it has proved impossible.
“I wish Liverpool Pride every success on the day and I really do hope that I will return to perform in Liverpool for Pride next year – a city very close to my heart.”
Almond will still feature at the festival with a self-titled art exhibition which will feature a new collection of images and ephemera celebrating his career.
The exhibition will also include personally created works and run at The Gallery on Stanhope Street between July 15 and August 13. Entry is free.
In his place, the original line-up of Liverpool band Atomic Kitten will now perform on the Barclays Main Stage of Pride on Saturday, July 29.
Since reforming in 2013, Natasha Hamilton, Kerry Katona and Liz McClarnon have taken their trademark pop catalogue back on tour.
The band said: “We are so excited to be playing Liverpool Pride 2017. Liverpool is where it all began for us.
“The city is so close to our hearts and, no matter where we go, it will always be home.
“Liverpool crowds really are the best, the atmosphere is always amazing – and we really cannot wait to be part of such a fantastic festival.”
Now in its eighth consecutive year, Liverpool Pride will take place across two days on July 29 and 30, with the theme of this year being International Love.
Complementing the city’s wider 50 Summers of Love festival, the theme will celebrates an entire half-century since the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Liverpool Pride’s Lucy Day added: “Although we are sad to lose Marc Almond from this year’s line-up, he will still be supporting such an important milestone for LGBT+ and we hope he will perform for us in the future.
“Liverpool’s very own Atomic Kitten will now headline the festival. We know they’ll bring with them a real party atmosphere, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to Liverpool Pride 2017.”