Bolton Pride has come back to the town centre – on a day of perfect sunny weather.
Members of the LGBT+ community and allies marched from the University of Bolton to Victoria Square via the A579 and Bradshawgate in the morning on Saturday, May 25.
Bolton drag queen Miss Toxic Shock, who hosts a monthly LGBT+ event at The Churchgate, led the parade alongside Halifax drag queen Trash.
Miss Shock said: “Bolton is my hometown and this will be my fifth year of doing Bolton Pride, so I’m keeping the celebration going.
“Bolton has always been a town that’s gone forward in the future – never back. So, to have a pride that takes over the main road – which, on a night out, this is full – trust me honey, we’re going to love it.”
Trash added that Bolton was ‘iconic’ and that she was ‘obsessed’ with the town.
@theboltonnews Bolton Pride has come back to the town centre – on a day of perfect sunny weather. Members of the LGBT+ community and allies marched from the University of Bolton to Victoria Square via the A579 and Bradshawgate in the morning on Saturday, May 25. Bolton drag queen Miss Toxic Shock, who hosts a monthly LGBT+ event at The Churchgate, led the parade alongside Halifax drag queen Trash. For more, see The Bolton News
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Also marching in the parade was council leader, Councillor Nick Peel.
He said: “It’s all about celebrating the value in our diversity in our borough, we’re made up of all walks of life, and everybody is included in the great Bolton family.”
Other attendees included The Sing Space musical theatre choirs and Taylor’s Theatre Academy, as well as electronic retailer AO and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.
The Sing Space choir leader, Anthony Clegg, said: “With our choirs, we believe in promoting equality, we love the opportunity to come to pride with our choirs, and we love to promote equality and diversity.”
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The LGBT Foundation charity, which provides support for issues such as sexual health and domestic violence, as well as therapy, was one of many stalls set up in Victoria Square today.
Louise McIvor, who works for the charity, said Bolton Pride was important, even with Manchester Pride taking place later in the year.
She said: “Obviously central Manchester we have a lot of services, a lot of safe spaces, but the further you get out into small areas there’s not as much visibility, representation.
“It’s important for people to see that you can be yourself wherever you are.”
Bolton Pride continues in Victoria Square until 6pm on Saturday, and then resumes from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
Headliner entertainment includes Sami Brookes from The X Factor, Smashby and Kelly Wild, Violet Blonde, Taylor’s Theatre Academy, Bolton All-Stars, a mini dog show and more local performers.
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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