Pride in Liverpool’s Headline Artist this year is the iconic Katrina, formerly of Katrina and the Waves, and she’s ready to let love shine a light on the city. We caught up with Katrina ahead of her Pride in Liverpool performance.
What are you most looking forward to about headlining Pride in Liverpool?
It’s always a special privilege to perform at Pride and I’m looking forward to returning to Liverpool after it put on a spectacular Eurovision week last year. It’s also an opportunity for me to share my music and come together with the LGBT+ community to have fun and celebrate ourselves and our lives.
What can people expect from your performance?
Well, of course I will perform Love Shine A Light and Walking On Sunshine and some of my own compositions as well as really fun covers and sing-alongs.
Liverpool loves you! What do you love about Liverpool?
It’s the party capital of the UK if not the world. The rich history of music and icons who originated from Liverpool give the city the honour of being beloved by music lovers and anyone who wants to have a fantastic day and night out. The people are kind, welcoming and, above all, always fun and funny. When I performed in Liverpool last year over the Eurovision weekend, I was blown away by the atmosphere of friendliness and the enthusiasm of the crowds and, in fact, everyone I met. Can’t wait to perform for you and see you all this summer.
What are your memories of winning Eurovision in 1997?
The very best. It’s a position of enormous privilege and with it, pressure to do well so you don’t let your country down. People kept saying “the UK can’t win because of political voting” but I ignored that and decided to march out there and kill it anyway. There was so much champagne flowing backstage during the nail-biting voting bit that by the time it was officially announced the UK had won I was delirious…. in a good way.
This year, Be Heard is our theme for Pride in Liverpool. What advice would you give to LGBT+ people wanting to make their voices heard?
Sometimes the best way to be heard is not through raising your voice but by making sure what you say and do represents your own personal journey. Everyone’s journey is different and equally valid. Mine with my partner has been loving and lasting. I’ll save the shouting for when I’m onstage at Pride in Liverpool!
Catch Katrina, formerly of Katrina and the Waves, at Pride in Liverpool on Saturday, 27 July. More information and set times can be found at prideinliverpool.co.uk/festival.
