BOLTON Pride has officially kicked off its 2016 festivities.

Marking the 100 day run-up to the big event, organisers officially launched Bolton Pride 2016 last night.

The party at the Macron Stadium announced the details for the town's second lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-sexual (LGBT) pride event which is taking place across three days in September.

Speakers included representatives from Greater Manchester Police with a hate crime update and concerns over trans-related hate crime in Bolton, co-founder and events organiser James Edgington, and Manchester-based group Rainbow Noir which supports ethnic minorities in the UK dealing with LGBT issues.

Mr Edgington said: "It is really exciting to be launching Bolton’s second pride event because this year we will be more visible bringing Bolton’s first LGBT parade to the town sponsored by Russell and Russell solicitors.

"In the wake of the Orlando shootings it is so apparent that hate for minorities still exists and a wakeup call for anyone who doubts that."

The event also held a minute's silence for those affected by the shootings in Orlando, Florida.

Police in Greater Manchester are reviewing plans for major LGBT events, following the terrorist attack.

Chief Superintendent Zoe Sheard confirmed the force will be working in-line with the national response to the terrorist attack at an LGBT nightclub in Florida in the early hours of Sunday in which 49 people died.

She confirmed police would be taking action to protect members of Manchester’s LGBT communities by increasing patrols in key areas to offer reassurance and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Chief Inspector Carol Martin said: "It is imperative that we tackle hate crime and the horrific events in Florida brings that to life in a terrible way.

"this year in particular we are very concerned about e lack of reporting of hate crime from the transgender community. we recognise how difficult it can be to report hate crime when you are coming to terms with your gender and your family are coming to terms but we ask them to please come forward as we cannot help if we do not know about it.

"We have supported Bolton Pride since its inception and are really pleased to support it again this year. It shows how the Bolton community supports the LGBT and stands against hate crime."

With the slogan 'Love Bolton. Hate Homophobia', Bolton Pride 2016 will kick off with a Football vs Homophobia schools tournament on Friday, September 23, followed by the black-tie diversity awards at the Macron in the evening.

The first Bolton Pride Parade takes place on the Saturday when people will take to the streets to show their support for the LGBT community and zero tolerance to hate crime.

The 11am parade is sponsored by Russell & Russell Solicitors.

Senior partner Amanda Connor said: "We are absolutely thrilled and excited to be part of Bolton Pride weekend.

"We get a lot of inquiries from the LGBT community regarding adoptions and other family matters so it felt like good partnership to be involved in.

"It's the first Pride to be held outside and it should be fantastic event for the whole community."

A main stage event featuring live acts in Victoria Square will provide entertainment throughout the evening.

On the Sunday, Victoria Square will host a full family market with live music from 11am and events will be rounded off with a vigil on the town hall steps to remember those affected by hate crime.

This year will also see the launch of LGBT Question Time event and set up the first support group for Bolton's LGBT community.