Pop princess Amelia Lily will headline Chester’s  first large scale Pride Festival next month.

The X Factor finalist is lined up to perform live  at  the event, held at Town Hall Square on October 5.

Celebrating diversity and the lesbian, gay, bisexual  and transgender community of the city, Chester  Pride, which has been organised by Lions Pride  LGBT Network will feature a wide range of entertainment, including performances from burlesque group Beguiled, drag superstars The Viaduct  Starlets and a Lady Gaga tribute act.

Other acts include fellow X Factor finalist Christopher Maloney, a Pink tribute act, a Michael Jackson dancer up and rising Canadian star Stacy  Jackson.

The main stage will go live from 2pm and visitors  can enjoy an outside market place and art space run  by Funky Aardvark.

Inside the Town Hall will be a lifestyle area  featuring the public and voluntary sector and community groups.

Chester’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Jill Houlbrook will  make a speech of thanks during the afternoon.

She said: “I am really excited to be part of Chester’s  Pride Festival and thrilled to have been asked to be  part of the celebrations.

“I’m sure the day will also be enjoyed by the  hundreds of spectators who will help make this event  a success.”

Cllr Razia Daniels, Equality and Diversity Champion added: “I would like to commend the Lions  Pride partnership team for their commitment, and  hard work over the last few years holding successful  events that culminated in this year's Pride.

“I know a great deal of planning has taken place to  create a memorable day for the city and I would urge  everyone to come along and join in the fun”

And the celebrations will continue into the evening  with Pride after parties held in the LA, Rosies, B6T9,  The Queen’s Head, The Vic and The Commercial.

A range of Chester businesses have helped sponsor  Pride, including  Cheshire West and Chester Council,  University of Chester, Cheshire Fire and Rescue  Service, Cheshire Constabulary, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Body Positive Cheshire and North Wales, Mecca Bingo, Plus  Dane and Mad Hatters Tea Rooms.

More information can be found at www.chesterpride.co.uk and on Facebook ‘Chester Pride 2013’.