POP star Gareth Gates has revealed he will headline Bolton Pride in September.

Bolton Pride returns for a three-day festival, which will take place from Friday, September 21 to Sunday, September 23, in Victoria Square.

The main stage, sponsored by Post Office, will see the 34-year-old singer-songwriter entertain thousands of fans on the Saturday evening.

James Edgington, festival director, said: “Bolton Pride promised a headliner and we are delighted to announce that Gareth Gates will be taking to the Main Stage in Victoria Square on Saturday, September 22.

"Bolton Pride is a free event and will celebrate diversity within Bolton and the progress that the LGBT community has made locally and around the world."

The main stage will be officially opened by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Elaine Sherrington, alongside members of Bolton Youth Council and the Bolton Pride team at 12.30pm on Saturday, September 22.

Tower FM will host the Main Stage along with special guest presenters throughout the day.

Revellers will also get to meet Hollyoaks star Daisy Wood-Davis and Jessica Ellis, who both became official Bolton Pride ambassadors in May.

A whole host of hit makers will take to the stage this year, with former Britain’s Got Talent, X-Factor and The Voice stars already confirmed.

X-Factor stars Sam Lavery and Lloyd Daniels will grace the stage over the festival weekend, and there will be a special performance from home town star Drew Gudojc, who stunned TV audiences with his performances on The Voice Kids.

BGT's drag queen duo, Bosom Buddies, will have the crowd giggling through the evening when they bring their slapstick comedy and cabaret show to the stage.

Full line-up and times are to be announced in the coming weeks.