Bolton Pride kicks off on Friday with a launch party at V5 in The Vaults in Marketplace, and there are plenty of spots in town that punters can enjoy a drink and celebrate.
Bolton Gin Company, and its sister business Tap and Cork, are supplying the bars in the main event space that will be set up in Victoria Square.
The company has made a large donation to Pride and will also donate a proportion of the profit it makes from both the specially created Bolton Pride Gin, and from the bars.
READ: Bolton Gin Company team up with Bolton Pride to create a new gin
Owner Paul Welch is extremely proud to be involved with the event, especially considering that several members of his staff are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s going to be so much fun,” he said.
“We want as many people to come and enjoy it as possible, so we can make as much money for Pride as possible so that next year’s event can be even bigger.
“If we can help to provide a phenomenal event that is as inclusive as possible then that’s what the Bolton Gin Co. is about. I’m proud to be able to be involved with Pride.”
He wants to reassure customers that prices will not be hiked up for the weekend.
He said: “Sometimes, when companies do outdoor events like this, they put their prices up knowing that people are captive. We’re making sure that all our drinks are at a low cost. Pints will be £4 or £4.50, for example.
“We’ll keep prices as low as possible and not milk people so they can enjoy Pride without feeling like they’ve been ripped off.”
V5 and Bar Four- temporarily being renamed The Rainbow Bar’ for the weekend - are both located in The Vault and are official Pride venues this year.
There are alternatives in the town, however.
Long-term Pride celebrators The Venue Bar on Churchgate will once again be donning rainbow colours.
Owner John Wray, who still has the Pride Award his bar won several years ago for its commitment to promoting diversity, said: “We will still be supporting Pride this year, despite not being an official sponsor.
“The bar will be all done up for Pride. We do it every year and keep all the stuff. Pride is part of our calendar.
“There will be drag acts and bands on and we’re open until 3am. We’re the best place to end up for party people.
“Pride makes Bolton more friendly and inclusive.
“It’s not a one-day event for us. It’s how you run a business. We don’t tolerate intolerance.”
For another nightlife option, Pride-goers might also consider The Star & Garter on Bow Street.
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