Update (February 28): Ariana Grande has responded following criticism of her headlining slot at Manchester Pride.
The singer posted a statement on Twitter, after debate about whether an artist who doesn't identify as LGBTQ+ should have been given the headlining slot at a Pride event. She also used her statement to respond to concerns about the price of tickets for Manchester Pride this year.
"Hi my love. I have nothing to do with ticket pricing," she wrote in her statement. "Manchester Pride sets those rates, and they're mostly out of my control.
"The LGBTQ community has been so special to me and supportive throughout my entire career. The relationships I have with my LGBTQ fans, friends and family make me so happy.
"I want to celebrate and support this community, regardless of my identity or how people label me."
Ariana continued by acknowledging that she wants to return "to a city that means so much to me", and said that previous Pride events had been headlined by "performers and artists of all sexual orientations and genders, including straight allies like Cher and Kylie Minogue".
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She also added that she was "not claiming to be the hero of the community or the face of the LGBTQ rights movement".
"I do think there's room for us to talk about these issues without equating a performance *for* an LGBTQ audience with exploitation of the LGBTQ community," she also said.
See her full statement below.
Original story (February 25): When we saw how much the tickets were for Manchester Pride, we were a bit worried that we'd need to take out another loan to justify the costs, but now the line-up has been announced and... yeah okay, here's our bank details. Take what you need.
Headlining the whole shebang is none other than Ariana Grande, easily the biggest popstar of the moment by a country mile.
Years & Years, Becky Hill, Lady Leshurr, Faithless, Basement Jaxx, Louisa, Bananarama, the Freemasons, Gok Wan, Hercules & Love Affair, Pixie Lott and more are also on the main event bill, while Liberty X and Dancing on Ice's Saara Aalto are playing the village party.
This gig will no doubt be of extra importance for Grande, as it takes place just over two years since the tragic attack at one of her concerts in the city, where over 20 people were killed and more were injured.
Related: Ariana Grande says she's coping with PTSD after the Manchester terror attack
The singer organised and headlined the One Love Manchester concert later in 2017 to raise money for the families of the victims, and then later got a tattoo in memory of the people who died and included a tribute to the city on the final track of her album Sweetener.
"Manchester babes, i’m so thrilled to be headlining pride," Ariana tweeted in response to the news. "My heart. I cant wait to see u and i love u so so much."
The singer also stressed that they're still working on something special for Manchester during her upcoming tour, adding: "We are still working on something a little more special for you guys.
"It takes a while to put these things together but hopefully i can tell you when i see you at pride. i love u. hope that’s alright."
And if you are going of to any of Ariana's upcoming shows, be sure to read your email (or this tweet) about the security measures they are taking:
Manchester Pride takes place from Friday, August 23 to Monday, August 26.
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Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.
