Taking pride in the Owlympics

Photo: Picture: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

THE Owlympic procession takes to the streets.

AS Oldham’s annual Pride festival took a sporting twist — one former “X-Factor” contestant decided to shout out loud and proud.

Singer Sami Brookes openly spoke to hundreds in Oldham town centre about her sexuality at arguably the town’s most colourful event.

The reality television show finalist led a sparkling Saturday lunchtime parade down Yorkshire Street towards Gallery Oldham, where she headlined an entertaining show organised by the Oldham Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Forum.

The Rhyl entertainer (32) said: “All my life I knew I was gay. I did hide it, and when I younger I would date guys.

“I eventually discovered the best thing to do was come out and be proud of who I am and to not care what everyone thinks.”

A giant pink animatronic owl called Fifi Olivia was the symbol of this year’s Pride theme — Owlympics.










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