X-Factor winner Joe McElderry will headline this year’s Brighton Pride.

The Popstar to Operastar finalist will perform on the Live Stage at the Preston Park event alongside 80s pop icon Sonia, it was announced yesterday.

Russell Allen, Pride’s chairman, said: “We are thrilled that, hot on the heels of his fantastic performances on Popstar to Operastar, Joe McElderry will be performing at this year’s Pride.

“The Live Stage is brand new to the park event, and we’re thrilled Joe will be launching this exciting addition to the main park offering.”

Pride bosses revealed the line-up on the same day the Public and Commercial Services Union said it has withdrawn its support for this year’s event because visitors will have to pay to attend for the first time.

The union has previously had an official presence at the event.

The national committee of PCS Proud, the LGBT group of the PCS, said the plan to charge risks excluding those unable to pay.

Jeff Grist, PCS Proud chair, said: “We have decided not to have an official presence in Brighton this year because of this policy. One of the key aims of Brighton Pride is to eliminate discrimination, so we believe the organisers should ensure it is accessible to all, not just those with money in their wallets and purses.”

However, the union said it recognised the “outstanding work”

Brighton Pride has done for the LGBT community. The latest figures released last month by Pride showed more than 10,000 tickets, of the 51,000 available, had been sold or donated.

Pride organisers were yesterday unable to say what the current total sold is. Mr Allen said: “We are sorry PCS Proud have decided not to have a presence at this year’s Pride. Pride put in place a free community ticket scheme in order to ensure some of the most vulnerable LGBT people in the community can attend the Preston Park event on Saturday, August 13.”

Tickets are £12.50 for adults, £8.50 for under 18s and under 12s free (when booked with an adult ticket) in advance.

Tickets bought on the day will be £17.50.