AFTER a recent return of popularity, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is set to perform at Poole Lighthouse.

Returning to the UK charts, at the top of the official dance singles Chart, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has been announced to headline Poole's first-ever pride at Poole Lighthouse on June 8. 

Sophie returned to headlines after her ever-popular dance song Murder on the Dance Floor was used in the 2023 dark comedy film, Saltburn.

Head of programming at Lighthouse, Tim Colegate, said: "We’re thrilled that Sophie will headline Poole’s first ever Pride this summer – she’s the perfect artist to top the bill on a day that is all about inclusivity.

“We want to create an amazing day, an event that all the people of Poole can be proud of. Poole Pride will be a safe space for everyone where people can be themselves, come as they are, and crucially, enjoy some first-class entertainment – something that Lighthouse is very used to."

Planned in consultation with a community steering group that includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, Poole Pride is billed to be a fantastic event filled with performances and activities. 

A queer film festival will run in the week leading to Pride along with a month-long exhibition, presented in partnership with AUB. 

The exhibition honours influential gay activist John Chesterman who was closely involved in the formation of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970 and whose ideas underpin the modern Pride movement.

Mr Colegate said: “We’re also working on a family-friendly daytime programme with performances, talks, educational sessions and signposting to LGBTQ+ support charities and groups, and we’re thankful for the support of Bourne Free, Bournemouth’s annual pride festival, to pull this off.

“Poole is a major conurbation and, as a much-cherished part of life in the town, Lighthouse is perfectly placed to host its first ever Pride event… and we’re going all out to make it a day we'll never forget.”

Sophie last visited Poole in 2022 on her Kitchen Disco Tour. 

Tickets go on sale to Lighthouse Friends on January 26 and on general sale from 10am on February 1.