HOLLYWOOD star Ian McKellen is set to be guest of honour at the first annual Bolton Pride Awards.

The glitzy awards will be held at the Whites Hotel at the Macron Stadium on October 16 and will be hosted by Sky Movies’ red carpet presenter Craig Stevens.

Sir Ian will also present the awards — sponsored by Bolton at Home — and will be guest speaker at the event.

He said: "I’m supporting Bolton’s first Pride. Hope to see you there. Love Bolton — hate homophobia.”

Bolton Pride co-founders James Edgington and Mark J Geary said: "Having the support of an individual as prestigious as Sir Ian McKellen is a true privilege for all involved with Bolton Pride.

"His involvement, as an icon within the LGBT community who has passionate links with Bolton itself, brilliantly represents what we are trying to achieve."

In addition to the awards dinner, Bolton Pride will be hosting family-friendly events and entertainment across the town on Sunday October 18.

There will be a Bolton Pride family Day at Bolton’s Holiday Inn and a showing of sing-a-long Frozen at Bolton Central Library.

In what is expected to become a celebrated annual event, Bolton Pride's message is 'Love Bolton, Hate Homophobia'.

The weekend of events, celebrating LGBT arts and culture in the town has won the support of the police and Bolton Council chiefs.

Cllr Carole Swarbrick, Mayor of Bolton, said: "Events like Bolton Pride are really important for the diversity of the town.

"We want people from all walks of life to feel safe and welcomed within Bolton and for Bolton to be having its first Pride event to raise awareness of hate crime in the town is such a positive step forward for our community."

Det Insp Charlotte Caden added: "Supporting our LGBT residents and visitors, is a priority for the police and the community safety

team.

"We want all people to feel safe and welcome in our town, whether they work, study, socialise or live here.

"We hope that by being involved in Bolton Pride, we will raise awareness of what hate crime is, how and where to report it and what support is available for victims."

Bolton Pride was set to host a coffee morning at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre ontoday to announce the full schedule for Bolton’s first Pride weekend.