Pride in London 2014: Conchita Wurst to headline free gay rights event

Austria's Eurovision winner will perform in Trafalgar Square on Saturday

Conchita Wurst performing 'Rise Like A Phoenix' for Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest (Getty Images)

Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst is set to headline Pride in London on Saturday, with thousands of people expected to attend the free gay rights event.

The Austrian singer sparked a social media storm across Europe when she took to the stage in Copenhagen last month with a full beard in the face of transphobic critics.

Wurst, real name Tom Neurwith, will perform on the main stage this weekend in Trafalgar Square where the main rally finishes.

“I am really looking forward to seeing you all at Pride in London,” she said. “Let us be proud about who we are and let us give a statement for love, respect and tolerance.

“Most of all, let us be proud and think about those LGBTI people around the world who can't make a Gay Pride in their countries.”

Michael Salter, chair of Pride in London, honoured Wurst as an “incredible example of the power of having the freedom to be oneself”.

Other acts performing include Heather Peace, Samantha Fox and Sinitta, plus the winner and runners-up from the Pride’s Got Talent competition.

Wurst, 25, won Eurovision for Austria after topping the poll with “Rise Like a Phoenix”.

On accepting the trophy, she said: “This is for all those who believe in the future of peace and freedom – you know who you are. You are unity and you are unstoppable.”