WorldPride boasts big artists, long list of events

Toronto's WorldPride will be a party to remember with an ambitious lineup of events that will draw visitors from around the globe, the festival's executive director said today.

"We've broadened our programming and invited the world to celebrate WorldPride with us. Across Canada and the world the excitement has grown and people are keen to take us up on the invitation," Kevin Beaulieu said Thursday morning.

This is the first time the WorldPride will be held in North America.

Beaulieu was giving a preview of what is to come during the 10-day event that kicks off on June 20.

It will start with an opening ceremony at Toronto City Hall that will involve fireworks and a concert, at which Deborah Cox, Melissa Etheridge and Steve Grand will perform.

Other artists who will be performing at WorldPride include Estelle, Dragonette, CeCe Peniston, The Nylons, as well as the Canadian pop duo — and twin siblings — Tegan and Sara.

In recent years, more than one million people have typically attended Toronto's Pride celebrations.

This time, organizers are expecting more than usual.

"It's hard to say exactly how many. We say we're hoping for up to two million," Beaulieu said Thursday.