In conjunction with their first Pride in Manchester, G-A-Y will be bursting into Manchester Pride's Gaydar Main Arena for one fantastic night over its 'Big Weekend' (Friday 26 - Monday 29 August), featuring Alexandra Burke and the Sugababes.

After winning 2008's The X-Factor, Alexandra Burke has gone on to establish herself as "Britain's answer to Beyonce". With double platinum album Overcome and a string of six consecutive top twenty hits under her belt - including UK #1s 'Bad Boys', 'Hallelujah' and 'Start Without You' - G-A-Y will bring the sought-after star to Manchester Pride this August for an extremely special set in Manchester Pride's fabulous Gaydar Main Arena.

Alongside Alexandra as part of the spectacular G-A-Y set is Jade, Amelle and Heidi - also known as legendary UK girl band the Sugababes. Having most recently had chart success with latest album 'Sweet 7', the girls hit the charts with three consecutive top tens: 'Wear My Kiss', 'Get Sexy' and 'About A Girl'. Despite this, the Sugababes have racked up over twelve years of hits, and so we can expect that G-A-Y and themselves will have a few nostalgic treats up their sleeves for the pop-hungry crowd. With both these acts brought together by the bar giants at the UK's biggest Pride festival - let alone with a sponsor's arena as huge as Gaydar - expect nothing but fireworks this 'Big Weekend'.

Owner of G-A-Y, Jeremy Joseph, said: "G-A-Y are excited to have expanded to Manchester, and what a better time to celebrate our arrival than hosting a slot over Manchester Pride's 'Big Weekend'? The Sugababes and Alexandra Burke are two of the biggest names in pop music and we know that together we will throw a party that Pride goers will never forget!"

Jackie Crozier, festival director of Manchester Pride said: "Manchester Pride is ecstatic to welcome G-A-Y into both our festival and the North West in general. To commemorate their arrival it is perfect timing that they feature as a key part of our 'Big Weekend'. To make it even bigger, they will both be performing on our fantastic sponsor Gaydar's Main Arena, which are also proud to be hosting. Alexandra Burke and The Sugababes are two of the biggest names in the UK pop industry - it will undoubtedly be a very special night for all!"

Manchester Pride's 'Big Weekend' takes place from Friday 26 - Monday 29 August, and tickets are now on sale. For more information please visit: www.manchesterpride.com

Follow Manchester Pride on Twitter @manchesterpride