Passion and Pride
Date published: 02 August 2010
A river of colour flowed through town centre streets as the sixth annual Oldham Pride festival involved young people, dancers, police, councillors, entertainers and unions.
The theme celebrated the changes from the Stonewall Riots 40 years ago in San Francisco, which marked a turning point in the campaign for gay rights.
The Single Equalities Act will come into force in England this year.
The parade set off from Market Place on Saturday after supporters and shoppers heard from civic leaders at the launch which was led by the Mayor, Councillor David Jones.
He told the crowds, many in fancy dress: ÒWe will make sure discrimination of all sorts is stamped out in this town.Ó
Supt Alan Green added: ÒOldham police division is proud to be working hard to build a safer and stronger world. It is important to say we are absolutely committed to stamping out all forms of discrimination which are criminal acts.Ó
Guests were invited to write messages of support on bricks in a rainbow wall which was built during the afternoon.
Councillor Rod Blyth, Cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said: ÒIncreasingly many people routinely use the word gay as an all-purpose insult Ñ the cumulative negative effect of this on lesbian and gay young people is incalculable. This is not acceptable.Ó
Led by a pink stretch-limousine, the parade wove along High Street and down Greaves Street to the front of Oldham Library and Gallery Oldham, for entertainment led by ebullient compere Claire Mooney, the Liverpool singer and activist.
Pride favourite Angie Brown belted out a medley of rock and soul to open the afternoon which included the Gay Gordons, a group of male Scottish country dancers, and GeEkl Girl, Cavali and the Bigsby Brothers.
Drummers and dancers from Oldham band Juba do Leo led the parade and performed their hypnotic, rhythmic set outside the gallery.
The Pink Triangle Theatre company was given a standing ovation for their hard-hitting play ÒShow OneÓ, as four actors brought to life the impact of homophobia and the importance of tackling it.
