Hit group Steps join Gately on the bill

The show will be preceded by the traditional march through central London

Solo career

Gately, 24, is soon to launch a solo career in parallel with his work with his hit boy group.

The Mardi Gras concert will be one of his first major gigs performing alone.

BBC Radio 1 will be providing live coverage of the north London event where its DJs Judge Jules and Danny Rampling will be playing sets.

Dance music is to be a main feature of Mardi Gras 2000 with many top UK clubs hosting stages in the park.

But there will also be a classic stage featuring gay choirs and the Mardi Gras Jazz Band.

Mardi Gras encourages flamboyant celebration

The first London Mardi Gras was held last year and replaced what was formerly known as Gay Pride.

A flamboyant procession through London has always been a focal point of the day's celebrations and this year it will carry the theme of Equal Rights.

Starting at midday, the march will weave its way from Hyde Park, through central London, to wind up in Victoria around two hours later.

Revellers will then reconvene for the festivities in Finsbury Park.