DRAG queens were on hand last night to help launch Liverpool's first gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender festival.
The festival, backed by Liverpool City Council, will provide ten days of gay performances and activities in the city.
It has been commissioned by the Liverpool Culture Company's creative communities project and was last night officially launched when the city's Wellington Column was bathed in pink light.
Local gay celebrities and comedians like Chloe Poems, Terry Titter and Lady Shaun helped launch the festival titled Homotopia at the Liverpool Empire.
Gary Everett, co-ordinator of the event, said the festival was designed to show off the talents of the city's gay and lesbian community.
"Liverpool is experiencing one of the most exciting chapters in its history and Homotopia is a great example of the city embracing different aspects of the community, especially in the run-up to the European Capital of Culture in 2008.
"I hope the festival will unleash the city's creative energies."
The festival's programme includes films, theatre, photography, art and heritage.
Among the highlights will be art work by Frankie Goes to Hollywood singer Holly Johnson at a Hello Sailor exhibition staged at 32, Seel Street.
