Billy & Louie: singing duo become Pride patrons - and talk Jane McDonald!
The vocal duo will feature at Swindon & Wiltshire Pride this weekend - after recently being announced as the event's newest patrons
Billy & Louie, the twin vocal duo known for their success on ITV’s The Voice, have been appointed as the newest patrons of the Swindon & Wiltshire Pride charity.
The pair have been active supporters of the Pride festival, performing on the main stage just last year.
'We, of course, said yes!'
They're just the second set of patrons following the appointment of Bobbi Pickard, and have been reflecting on the news, as excitement builds for this year's event, which promises a day of colour, celebration, and protest.
They said: "We've always had a great relationship with Pride in Swindon, and our first ever performance there was at the age of 13 or 14, on a tiny little stage.
"And ever since, we've come back every few years, and they've just gone from strength to strength.
"Having Nadine Coyle as this year's headliner just shows that - what an iconic signing.
"They're an amazing committee and team, and approached us earlier this year to become Patrons, and we, of course, said yes!
"We're massive advocates for the community, and we want to speak up, and do something, and this is just the perfect platform to do that.
"We are genuinely thrilled to be a part of that, and it's such a worthy cause.
"Across the UK, we do so many performances at festivals where people are there to see certain artists, but it's such a different vibe when people are there to just spread the love.
"It's so nice, and really important they've kept it free to enter at GWR Park.
"Not just because it's from Swindon, but it genuinely is one of our favourite Pride events."
'It's us, or the buffet!'
The pair have had a busy summer, touring up and down the country, whilst also getting the chance to jet away, having been playing on a number of cruises too.
"Getting to see a bit of the world is our favourite thing to do for sure," they told Hits Radio Pride.
"We'd never had a cruise before, but absolutely loved it - it was very much our vibe.
"The audience was absolutely lovely, the theatre was beautiful, and it was such a wonderful experience.
"It's so strange to perform to people who may not have heard of you, but don't have any choice but to watch us...
"It's that, or the buffet!
"We seem to do a good job, and they seem to like our original music, and lots of people have told us they're coming to our UK tour, which is brilliant.
"And we've got ourselves a good tan, too!"
'It was such a hoot to have an hour with Jane McDonald'
Jane McDonald's latest album, Living the Dream, is now out - and in a recent Kitchen Karaoke session, the pair got the chance to sing 'Beautiful Soul' with her.
The session comes ahead of the anticipated 'Cruise with Jane McDonald,' setting sail on 15th October, where fans can join Jane for a unique musical journey - and Billy & Louie will be there for the ride.
They said: "It was so fun, and it's so great in these Kitchen Karaoke sessions.
"I knew Jane was famous, but this year, she's blown up even more and we caught her at the right time, just before her new number 1 album came out.
"We had an hour together, and it was such a hoot.
"She invited us on-board her cruise, and we just couldn't say no!
"It was so cool, because we make music for people who really love live vocals, singers, big bands - nothing too modern, so we have a perfect overlap with our audiences.
"She makes amazing music, it's very heartfelt, so it's a really nice thing to have happened.
"We're just excited to see Jane's show on-board, actually, now - and who knows what we'll get the chance to sing with her on the cruise, we'll have to just wait and see!"
'This event has been a huge part of our journey'
Billy & Louie are not just prominent in Swindon; their participation in Pride events spans several locations nationwide, including Oxford, Southampton, and Gloucester.
Their performances are noted for dynamic harmonies and a message centred on community and inclusivity.
When the announcement of becoming patrons came out, they said: “We are incredibly honoured to become patrons of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride.
"This event has been a huge part of our journey, and the love we’ve received from our hometown community means the world to us.
"Standing on that stage over the years and feeling the energy, pride, and joy from the crowd has been unforgettable.
"We’re excited to give back and support a charity that champions inclusion, celebration, and being unapologetically yourself.”
Paul Stewart, Chair of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, reflected on the patrons’ influence, adding: “We are thrilled to welcome Billy & Louie as our newest patrons.
"Their long‑standing support for Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, their commitment to uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community, and the positive energy they bring to every performance make them fantastic ambassadors for our charity."
Looking Ahead to Pride
This year's Swindon & Wiltshire Pride will be held at GWR Park, Swindon, on 15th August.
The festival is free to attend and will feature a Pride March followed by live entertainment, community stalls, and activities suitable for all ages.