The group said Michael Causer’s legacy “lives on” to this day
This year’s event will be held in Court Hey Park in Huyton as it looks to remember Michael Causer(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Knowsley Pride is happening once again in the borough with a full line-up of events. Today, Saturday, July 19, will see the 2025 edition return following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which welcomed more than 3,000 attendees.
This year is said to be “bigger, brighter and filled with even more opportunities for local people to get involved” as organisers continue to grow the event as a vibrant, inclusive celebration of equality and LGBTQ+ identity. Away from the entertainment and performances from the likes of RuPaul Drag Race’s Sister Sisster and renowned vogue troupe, House of Suarez, the organisers are keen to honour the legacy of Michael Causer.
Teenager Michael was an aspiring hairdresser from Whiston who was brutally murdered in an attack in 2008. Seventeen years on, the Pride events aim to promote acceptance, solidarity, and community resilience in his memory.
Michael Causer, 18, was beaten to death at a house party in Biglands Road, Huyton. At the time, prosecutors claimed homophobic insults were hurled at Michael during the attack. One man, James O’Connor, of The Brow, Runcorn, who was then 20, was handed a life sentence for Michael’s killing in 2009, although a judge said the murder was not motivated by homophobia.
Michael Causer was a trainee hairdresser(Image: One Knowsley)
Openly gay Michael was punched and kicked while he slept before his bleeding body was carried outside and dumped in the street.
The teenager was repeatedly hit with a hardback book thrown at his head during the fatal assault and as a result, suffered numerous facial fractures and swelling to the brain. He had emergency brain surgery but died in hospital more than a week later. His funeral took place a week before his 19th birthday.
The next month, trainee policeman James Parkes, then 22, was set upon by up to 20 teenage boys in an anti-LGBT attack in the city’s Pride Quarter. At the time, he was hospitalised with a fractured skull.
As it stood, Liverpool did not have a Pride festival despite being England’s sixth most populous metropolitan area. However, after Michael’s death and the attack on James, a vigil was held on Stanley Street, and the Liverpool LGBT Network was set up by the City Council.
Michael Causer’s family, including his parents Marie and Mike, were at the front of the parade, as heavy rain did little to dampen the spirits of the hundreds of people who turned out to celebrate Liverpool Pride. Beginning at St George’s Plateau, members of the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community marched through the city streets.
Photo by James Maloney
Since then, the city’s Pride celebrations have grown in strength, with solidarity and record-breaking numbers. Pride has been expanded to elsewhere in the region, including Birkenhead, St Helens, and in recent years, Knowsley.
Speaking of this year’s event, Racheal Jones, CEO of One Knowsley, said: “We’re incredibly proud to announce the expanded programme for Knowsley Pride 2025, which includes borough-wide events, two main celebrations, and the continued support of the Michael Causer Fund.
“Thanks to this funding, local organisations can deliver meaningful, community-led Pride projects across the week — helping people feel seen, valued, and connected. Michael’s legacy lives on through these initiatives, and through the growing support for Pride in Knowsley.”
Everything you need to know about Knowsley Pride 2025
One Knowsley Pride event at Court Hey Park Huyton.(Image: Gavin Trafford)
The day itself will begin with Knowsley Pride: Court Hey Park, an outdoor event from 12pm to 2pm featuring live entertainment, community stalls, performances and activities designed to celebrate identity and visibility.
Paul Doyle will host the event alongside House of Suarez, who will bring “energy, creativity, and inclusive entertainment to the day.” The programme will include dance performances and accessible dance workshops for the whole family.
Artistic director at House of Suarez Darren Suarez said: “We’re proud to be part of Knowsley Pride, a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that brings the community together in the spirit of inclusion and joy. We’ll be running accessible dance workshops for all the family throughout the day, inviting everyone to express themselves and be part of the fun.”
From 2pm onwards, celebrations will continue with Pride in Prescot — a cultural and creative programme delivered in partnership with Shakespeare North Playhouse and Sahir.
One Knowsley Pride event at Court Hey Park Huyton.(Image: Gavin Trafford)
Activities will include workshops, artistic performances, and a powerful soapbox moment in the Ken Dodd Performance Garden, culminating in an evening of LGBTQIA+ storytelling and theatre. The workshops at Shakespeare North Playhouse are for people aged 18 plus.
Shakespeare North Playhouse’s CEO Lisa Allen said: “Pride is such an important moment for our community to come together — to celebrate, reflect and show up for one another.
“We’re excited to host an incredible line-up of performances and activities that shine a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ voices, including the fabulous Sister Sister from BBC’s Drag Race UK. At Shakespeare North, we’re proud to be a space where everyone’s voice matters — and we can’t wait to welcome people of all ages to Prescot this July.”
Ant Hopkins, CEO of Sahir, added: “At Sahir, Pride is more than a celebration — it’s a declaration. It’s about visibility, voice, and unapologetic authenticity. This day is about honouring our history whilst igniting a future built on equity and joy. We believe in the power of art to spark dialogue, challenge norms, and remind us that queer lives are vibrant, valid, and vital.”