A DRAG superstar, an X Factor boyband member and a transgender singer who performed on The Voice are set to help make this year’s Colchester Pride the biggest and best yet.

Thousands of people will descend on Firstsite this June for a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community across Colchester.

Now in its fourth year, headline acts have been secured for 2020’s event, including a RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant and the Voice UK star and a famous boyband member from the ITV show.

One of the world’s best tribute acts to a famous LGBTQ+ ally and icon is also on the bill.

Hostess for the day Alice d’Lumiere will be joined by Tracey Paper to lead the event, ensuring it is a family friendly celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, arts, education and music.

Discussions with the relevant authorities are also ongoing to organise a parade through the town.

The officially endorsed after party takes place at Three Wise Monkeys, in High Street, with Stiff in the Morning performing for revellers.

Match funding for the event has been secured through In Colchester, who’s name will appear on the main stage.

A spokesman for Colchester Pride said: “We have also been able to raise money through ticket revenue, selling market pitches, successful applications to funders, through sponsorship deals with businesses and building good relationships throughout the town.

“We have also been awarded sponsorship from Colchester Council’s Creatives Fund, and are very grateful for the belief in us.

“We are so very grateful for the massive amount of support the community showed us over the last four years. This year we hope to introduce a parade and are in talks with Colchester Council and Essex County Council to try to make this happen.

“We have been able to expand upon our production, sound and lighting, and will have a much bigger stage with an amazing line up of local artists as well as not one, not two, not three, but four national and international headline artists.”

It has been a whirlwind 12 months for the small team of volunteers behind Colchester Pride. They’ve officially applied for charity status and are now on the lookout for trustees.

The spokesman said: “This move will mean stability, sustainability, viability and governance for the organisers committee and acting trustees.

“The committee of just nine volunteers are keen to engage with potential trustees to help steer the new charity, join a small team, ensure Charity Commission rules are upheld, as well as work with the organisers to help Colchester Pride grow exponentially.”

“We are also always looking for people to get involved at some level. We need people with skills in fundraising, volunteer coordination, stewarding and customer relationships.”

Colchester Pride takes place on Saturday, June 13, at Firstsite.

The headliners will be announced on Saturday.

Visit colchesterpride.com.