Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen has been confirmed to lead a pride parade in Perth.
The Lord of the Rings star is best known for leading the hobbits into Mordor, but he’ll be heading to Middle Perth to lead proceedings as the parade takes over the Scottish city’s streets tomorrow – the first in the city’s history.
Perthshire Pride organisers previously launched a campaign hoping to get the 80-year-old to make a surprise appearance at the festivites while in Scotland.
Sir Ian has been in the country with his stage show which kicks off in Dundee this evening.
And not only will the veteran equal rights activist join the march, but he’ll also give a speech.
(Image: Getty Images for Pride in London)
Perthshire Pride co-chair Claire Mackenzie told the Record: “We are absolutely over the moon to have such an LGBT icon come to Perthshire Pride.
“We cannot believe it!! Sir Ian Mckellen is one of the founding members of Stonewall UK, fought to repeal section 28, and does so much to help the LGBT+ community to this day with his Pride in Ageing campaign.
“It is honestly such an honour and privilege to have him along.”
This year is the second installment of Perthshire Pride having hosted their incredible inaugural event in 2018.
The August 10 celebrations mark the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots – the event that sparked the LGBT+ rights movement worldwide.
McKellen, who publicly came out as gay in 1988, co-founded LGBT+ rights lobby Stonewall named after the 1969 demonstrations in New York.
Pride-goers couldn’t contain their excitement over the news.
Perth and Kinross Council tweeted: “Great news @PerthshirePride fantastic effort by everyone.
“@IanMcKellen welcome and we hope you have great time.”
@iainlives posted: “Omg I’m gonnae be in March with IAN MCKELLEN”
(Image: Perthshire Advertiser)
While Frazer Robertson commented on the Facebook post: “OMG OMG OMG – hold my drink”
And Sarah Mollins said: “Fantastic news! Excitement level for tomorrow has now increased 100x at least”.
Starting from the South Inch Car Park, the Parade will kick off at midday travelling along Tay street, Bridge Lane and finally Mill Street.
There will also be a Pride Village where revellers can expect drag queens, charity stalls, live music and dancers outside the Concert Hall.
And organisers are hoping to break a Guinness World Record by performing the largest ever Gaylidh at their Outdoor Stage.
To find out more about the celebrations, visit here .
