May Bank Holiday weekend has long since been a celebration date marked bright in our calendars and this year’s weekend of unstoppable entertainment ups the ante even more. Boasting an unbelievable lineup of both mainstream pop icons such as Gabrielle, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Jamelia, this year also features a whole new set of more cutting-edge gems, including the M.O. who have wowed pop enthusiasts with their singles ‘Who Do You Think Of?’ and ‘I’m Not In Love,’ MOBO winning Nadia Rose (also one of the headliners at Afropunk later this year), Jonas Blue and RAYE, whose single ‘By Your Side’ is an instant chant-along as well as Dua Lipa whose soft crooning voice is enough to give you goosebumps and the artists who need no further introduction; Basement Jaxx, hopefully reminding you Where Your Head’s at amidst all this excitement. All this hyper reality will be shimmied along by a sweet dose of gender-bending X Factor star Sean Miley Moore who will be hosting and performing. And the excitement doesn’t end there. This year Birmingham pride are unveiling The Alt Club, a dedicated stage bringing you a taste of the freshest in LGBTQ talent with artists at the forefront of their field, smashing stereotypes and hosting a damn fine party while they’re at it. The Alt Club stage will feature Cakes Da Killa, who has received worldwide acclaim for his open queer identity and rap lyricism on his albums The Eulogy and Hunger Pangs part 1 and 2, with his most recent album Hedonism creating a fresh wave of followers and cementing his place in queer history. Mykki Blanco is another truly individual artist, an adamantly genderless rapper who first found fame with the debut single ‘Wavvy’ and whose rendition of ‘I want a dyke for president’ went viral. Joining these two LGBTQ superpowers are the chic Dai Burger, Ni-ku, DJ Jay Jay ft London Ballroom Scene, The Wut Club, Pxssy Palace, MOHO, and cult-club sensation Club Fierce and Bitch Slap to name but a few. Stars will shine, the rainbow flag will fly and these life-affirming alternative events and talents will explode in a starburst of vibrant activity. Be there.

Sat 27 – Sun 28 May. Tickets range between £15 – £75, for more information visit: www.birminghampride.com