ON the eve of celebrating four years in Bolton, organisers of its landmark LGBT event have praised the way it has helped promote equality in the town.

On September 29 Bolton Pride will return for its longest celebration yet - with a series of events running over four days.

Its slogan Love Bolton, Hate Homophobia has been created to promote a zero tolerance to hate crime and co-founder James Edginton believes it is having a positive impact.

He said: “Over the last three years it has changed, the responses have been different and that is something positive.

“The event is still needed. I can’t walk around Bolton holding hands with my boyfriend without getting strange looks. This is not just for me but for everyone.

“This is not about stepping on peoples toes or being better than people, we are just promoting equal rights for everybody.”

Bolton Pride will kick off its fourth year on September 29 when crowds will gather at the Town Hall.

Every year the town centre building is bathed in the colours of the rainbow to show the community’s support for Pride and this year will be the first time the lights will have a special ‘switch on’ ceremony.

It will be followed by a LGBT film night featuring a North West screening premier of short film Tellin’Dad starring Ricky Tomlinson and The Pass starring Russell Tovey, which has never been screened in Bolton before.

On Saturday is the popular parade, sponsored by Russell and Russell Solicitors, which this year has a Carnival of Diversity theme and will feature colourful costumes and floats.

It will head into Victoria Square which will feature a main stage which will welcome chart-toppers Stooshe.

Meanwhile The Venue Bar will play host to a Back to the 90s night with the likes of English dance music duo Phats and Small and singer Angie Brown.

On Sunday Victoria Square comes alive with family friendly activities – including a visit from Bolton Wanderers youth team.

Then, extended the event over four days for the first time, the octagon Theatre will be home to a Voices & Lyrics event featuring Kerry Ellis who originated the role of Meat, in Queen’s We Will Rock You and was the first British Elphaba in the West End smash Wicked.

Mr Edginton added: “It’s incredible to have all these people aboard.

“Preparations have been really, really good. It is going to be a really exciting year.”

Bolton pride is also looking for volunteers to help out over the four days and entries are still open for organisations to join the parade. To find out more or register visit boltonpride.co.uk.