POP diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will headline the first ever Poole Pride event this summer.

The Murder on the Dancefloor star – whose signature hit has had a resurgence after being used in Amazon Prime film Saltburn – will top the bill at the Lighthouse on Saturday, June 8.

Following her set, DJs will take over for a late-night after-party.

“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,” said Tim Colegate, head of programming at Lighthouse.

“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 will include performances and activities throughout Lighthouse, including the outdoor theatre.

A Queer film festival will run in the week leading up to Pride as well as a month-long exhibition, presented in partnership with AUB, honouring 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.

“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,” Tim added.

“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.”

Tickets are on sale to members now (January 26) and go on general sale from 10am on Thursday, February 1, via www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.