Michael Causer vigil to open Knowsley Pride 2026

The annual Michael Causer Vigil will mark 18 years since the teenager's death and officially begin a week of Knowsley Pride events, culminating in Rainbow in the Park on 8 August.

The annual Michael Causer Vigil will take place on Sunday 2 August, marking 18 years since the death of the 18-year-old whose murder following a homophobic attack helped spark the return of Pride celebrations across the Liverpool City Region.

The vigil, held at the Courtyard at Court Hey Park from 6pm, will officially open Knowsley Pride 2026, which returns for its third year with a week of community-led events across the borough before culminating in Rainbow in the Park on Saturday 8 August.

Michael Causer died in August 2008 after being attacked at a house party because of his sexuality. His death prompted renewed calls for LGBTQ+ equality and is widely recognised as helping inspire the return of Liverpool Pride after an absence of more than 15 years.

Throughout the week, One Knowsley will support a programme of community events before Rainbow in the Park brings together live performances, workshops and entertainment. The event will feature performances from House of Suarez, singer Daisy Gill performing a Taylor Swift set, music from DJ Dave Brennan and will be hosted by Leap Dance Festival director Paul Doyle.

Racheal Jones, Chief Executive of One Knowsley, said: "Knowsley Pride has grown into something very special, with this year feeling like another step forward. It's not about one event, it's about a whole week of activity that reflects the breadth and strength of this community; from the vigil on Sunday through to Rainbow in the Park on Saturday, every part of this week belongs to Knowsley. We're proud to be the people who get to bring it together."

Knowsley Pride runs from 2 to 8 August, with organisers saying further details of community events taking place across the week will be announced on social media in the lead-up to the celebrations.