SWINDON and Wiltshire Pride will welcome former X Factor contestant Marcus Collins to the stage this year.

The runner-up on the ITV show will headline the Thames Water stage at the event which takes place on August 9 in the Town Gardens.

Marcus, who came second to girlband Little Mix, was immediately snapped up to begin recording.

He released his debut album in 2012 which featured production by the London-based Metro-phonic team, who previously worked with Whitney Houston and Cher.

The album included the critically acclaimed cover of The White Stripes hit Seven Nation Army which also became his first top 10 single in the UK.

This year, the Pride event sees the introduction of additional zones within the park such as the Public Sector Zone supported by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Council, plus the Sports Zone and Family Zone which will return for a second year.

There will also be an even bigger Community Zone and Shopping Zone.

The even’ts vice-chairman Jo Sharpe said: “The Thames Water main stage will be full with amazing and diverse artists, local and from afar, and The Stephen G Sloan Stage will host up and coming musicians.

“Swindon and Wiltshire Pride holds a special place in my heart as I believe that the event is important for the community in terms of acceptance and education.

“Being involved within the committee has taught me many valuable lessons.”

Swindon Pride was launched in 2008. In 2009, the event was expanded to incorporate Swindon and Wiltshire Pride.

This year, the popular parade starts at 11.15am from the Town Gardens and returns to the Stephen G Sloan Stage for the launch event at midday. Events on the Thames Water Stage start at 1.30pm.