Bolton Pride to return in style in 2023

Organisers of Pride are excited to invite Boltonians to the eighth year of the event, marking two years since the new organisers took over.

And this year, residents will be able to get involved in the event – taking part in volunteering, stall holding, sponsoring, performing, and even taking part in the parade.

Pride take place from Friday, July 28 to Sunday, July 30.

Associate directors of Bolton Pride, Rob and Kev Wright, say they are excited for the event to return and are hoping to make it bigger and better than ever before after they saw more than 6,000 people at last year’s event.

Kev said: “Pride will be returning at the end of July for its eighth year and this year we will be building on from the success of last year.

“Last year was a really big success and from feedback from all the organisations that attended such as Bolton Council, the security team, and Greater Manchester Police, all of them said this is the most well attended event they have had, and it was really buzzing for the whole town.

“I think we had in excess of 6,000 people which was crazy, and you couldn’t move on Victoria Square.

Bolton Pride Associate Directors Rob (left) and Kev (right) Wright & Bolton Gin Company owner Paul Welch (middle) who supported last years event (Image: Newsquest)

“So, this year we are hoping to build on that success.

“Previously we had the stage on the side of Victoria Square but this year it is expected that the stage will go on the steps of the town hall, and we are hoping to ramp it up which is exciting, showcasing a proud event in the heart of the borough in all of its splendour really.”

Rob can't wait for the Pride weekend.

He said: “We are really excited for Pride to return in 2023, and this year we are expecting a turn out between 6,000 and 8,000 people, it is probably going to be more than that.

“So, in terms of entertainment, we are looking for it to be similar to last year, keeping the parade, that is definitely going ahead again this year.

“We would encourage people to be new supporters and sponsors too as we are always looking for more support.

“We are looking for stall holders, anyone who wants to apply to be the exclusive bar/drinks supplier for the event to contact myself or Kev, people will bid for the bar, and we encourage anyone who wants to sponsor or support to do so by going on our website or contacting myself.

Bolton Pride to return (Image: Henry Lisowski)

“Bolton Pride is encouraging anybody who wants to be part of the event to come forward and message us on Facebook or make enquiries on the website.

“We can’t confirm entertainment yet but we are really excited to return and now being a core Bolton event we can’t wait to grow it and develop it.

“We are hoping to build on the success of last year and can’t wait for summer.”

If you would like to get more information or to help at Pride, go to https://pridebolton.co.uk/