Parade of pride

ORGANISERS of this year’s Oldham Pride are promising a day to remember as the event draws in bigger crowds and bigger names.

Oldham’s seventh Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Pride takes place on Saturday. Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “This year’s theme aims to highlight the importance of promoting freedom, rights, understanding, inclusion and transformation in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.”

Events start at noon in the town centre; guest speakers will address the crowds before the parade sets off to Gallery Oldham.

Rowetta — a Pride favourite for many years — will headline this year and there will be dance events from the Prairie Dogs and the Gay Gordons.

From 12.30pm-4.30pm at Gallery Oldham there will be a wide range of entertainment, activities and advice and information stalls.

Hosted by Rosie Lugosi and Jonathan Mayor, there will be live music from Oldham Pride favourites Claire Mooney, Abba Fusion, Paul John Doyle-Robinson and Oldham Pride first-timers Call Me Diva, with more acts to be confirmed.