The organiser of Ramsbottom’s first ever Pride event says it was a huge success as he hopes to make it "bigger and better" next year.

The inaugural Ramsbottom Pride took place on Saturday, September 23 with entertainment and activities at the Civic Hall and around the town.

It was organised by the owner and staff at inclusive bar, the Pink Rhino, on Market Place, after they decided it was about time the town had its own event to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, along with similar events in Prestwich and Bury.

Organiser Daniel Armstrong said the event was went "really, really well" and garnered enthusiastic support from businesses and community members in the town.

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The event included dancing, singing by Forza Dance Studios from Little Lever, DJs and stall holders who set up shop around the Civic Hall and Bridge Street.

It was compered by "brilliant" drag queen Ivy Rose.

Daniel said: “There was a big attendance, it wasn’t just at the Civic Hall we tried to make it for the whole of Rammy.

“We did a walk around with Ivy Rose and everybody was having a laugh, it was a brilliant atmosphere.

“All the businesses had dressed their windows, the charity shops had put things out in order of colour.

“All the business bought [Pride] flags.”

Ramsbottom Pride partnered LGBTQ+ charities, the Proud Trust, and proceeds from this year’s event will go towards next year’s celebration and is looking for a committee to help the event grow.

Daniel added: “We need more people if we want to do it bigger and better next time but it was a good start.

“Me and my partner, Alan, met at a gay Pride in Manchester in 2000, if we hadn’t of gone to Pride we never would have met.”

He added that having Pride events in smaller towns like Ramsbottom means the events can be made more accessible.

Daniel thanked everyone who had helped organise the event, including Alan Lyons from the Pink Rhino, Lorraine Roach from Wickes and Jonny Shock and Joanne Holt from the ImprompTUNES.

He also thanked Sara McNulty from the Ramsbottom Civic Hall as well as all the stall holders, businesses and performers.

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Daniel has invited community members to join the Ramsbottom Pride Facebook page where he will advertise more upcoming events, including an inclusive walking group.

He said: “There were so many [great moments], Ivy Rose was brilliant, she made it a Pride and the Little Lever Dance School, I thought they were brilliant and the stall holders were fantastic.

“When we walked around everyone was so happy.”