911 will be headlining Weston's South West Pride festival

THEY burst onto the music scene with 10 consecutive top 10 hits in the mid-1990s, before splitting in 2000 – but boy band 911 are back, and heading to Weston.

Mommie Dearest - Lulu, Sam and Tom.

The British three-piece – Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable and Spike Dawbarn – have been unveiled as the headline act of South West Pride, Somerset’s first gay and lesbian festival, which is set to hit Weston on July 20 and 21.

As well as 911, who are best remembered for their number one hit A Little Bit More, the two-day event will feature a host of musical and theatre treats at venues across the town.

The weekend will kick off on the Friday night with variety show Over The Rainbow at The Playhouse, boasting songs and comedy from compere Lulu Delish, supported by the Wessex Academy of Performing Arts.

This will be followed by a launch party at Barzinger in St James Street, with DJs and live music promising an evening to remember.

On Saturday, the showpiece event will take over the Beach Lawns, with 27 acts taking to the main stage.

Alongside 911 will be the likes of Mommie Dearest, a vibrant party band building a cult following in London.

This will be surrounded by stalls and funfair rides, and a host of charity and community stalls outlining the work of the festival’s four main beneficiaries Weston Hospicecare, the Terrence Higgins Trust, Each and BARB.

The event will conclude at the Winter Gardens for a VIP party night with further guest performances.

Organiser Craig Peters said: “Prides are very well attended all around the country and no one has attempted to stage one in Somerset.

“They are a great way to enjoy a great day out for everyone and also raise awareness of issues still affecting the LGBT community.

“Southwest Pride’s main aim this year is to bring a very successful event to Weston, promoting the town as an open place, welcoming anyone to a great seaside resort.”

Tickets start at £7.50 for adults and £5 for children, from www.southwestpride.com

n The Mercury has teamed up with organisers to offer readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to Saturday’s Beach Lawns main stage. To enter, click on the link on the top right-hand side of this page, and answer this simple question: Which 1990s boyband is headlining at South West Pride?

Usual Archant rules apply, and the editor’s decision is final. The closing date is June 28.