RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Michael Marouli joins Re-Take That at East Coast Pride 2026

Free family celebration returns to Tower Gardens, Skegness on Saturday 12 September, with a brand new Fun Zone for children and Butlin's Redcoats on site all day

Michael Marouli, the Geordie drag performer who reached the final of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, will take to the Pride Park Stage at East Coast Pride 2026 in Skegness next month, ahead of headline act Re-Take That.

East Coast Pride returns to Tower Gardens on Saturday 12 September, with gates opening at 11am and the day running through to 7pm. Entry is free and no ticket is needed.

Around 6,800 people came through the gates in 2025, making it the largest LGBTQIA+ celebration on the Lincolnshire coast. The charity's impact report valued the day at up to £665,000 for the local economy, with almost every attendee surveyed rating the event as safe.

A full day on the Pride Park Stage

Michael Marouli performs at 5.30pm, with tribute act Re-Take That closing the main stage from 6.15pm. The day is hosted by returning favourites Sue De Creme, Jenna G and Mamma Bear.

They are joined across the day by Chapell Red, Liv Manville, 567 Venga, Belinda Blinder, Just Marley, Fantasy Island and the Out Loud Lincoln LGBTQIA+ Choir, alongside young performers from Janice Sutton Theatre School, Lisa Jay Stage Institute, Top Limitz Dance Academy and ARTheatre Arts. This year's East Coast Pride's Got Talent winners, DeDe and Veon Brat, also take their place on the bill.

Butlin's Family Entertainment Area

Butlin's returns for 2026 as Family Entertainment Sponsor, bringing its famous Redcoats to Tower Gardens for a full programme of activities. Families can meet Billy and Bonnie Bear, try circus skills and giant games, and take part in sand art and colouring at the Creative Corner. Face painting and balloon modelling are free of charge throughout the day.

New for 2026: the Fun Zone

Families told the charity they wanted more for children, so an entire area at the southern end of Tower Gardens has been given over to a new Fun Zone. It features a tea cup ride, a paratrooper ride, trampolines, bouncy castles and inflatables, and traditional side stalls including hook a duck.

Pride Market and licensed bars

The Pride Market brings together charities, advocacy groups, social clubs, inclusive sports teams and trade unions from across Greater Lincolnshire, alongside independent traders and a Blue Light Services area.

Also new for 2026, licensed bars will operate across the site alongside a range of food vendors. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and soft drinks. No alcohol may be brought onto the site and no glass is permitted anywhere in the gardens.

VIP experience

Cheeky Blinders joins as VIP Sponsor for 2026, supporting the event's VIP package. Limited VIP tickets remain available at eastcoastpride.co.uk/vip, with an official after party following the main event.

Bradley Johnson, Event Director & Trustee at East Coast Pride, said:

"We are thrilled to welcome Michael Marouli and Re-Take That to Skegness, but the part I am proudest of is the Fun Zone, because families asked us for it and we listened to that feedback. "Our research found that more than half of LGBTQIA+ people in Lincolnshire have considered leaving the county. For one day, Tower Gardens becomes a place where nobody has to think twice about who they are. That is why we do this, and everyone is welcome."

Support and funding

East Coast Pride 2026 is supported through the Pride in Place programme by the Skegness Neighbourhood Board. Butlin's is Family Entertainment Sponsor and Cheeky Blinders is VIP Sponsor.

Planning your visit

The event is free, with no ticket required. Gates open at 11am and the site closes at 7pm.

Accessibility, medical, welfare and travel information, along with the full site map, is published at eastcoastpride.co.uk.

Key Details:

• Date: Saturday 12 September 2025

• Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Location: Tower Gardens, Skegness

• Entry: Free of charge, with no tickets required