WHETHER it was dancing butterflies, feather hats, candles or just dancing in the street — Bolton Pride managed to make the town light up for the weekend.

The event was launched with a candlelight vigil on the town hall steps on Friday night.

Promoting the event's message of ending hate crime, the hall was lit up in the colours of the rainbow flag — signifying the Bolton's support for the LGBT community — followed by a special screening of short films at the Light Cinema.

But the brightest of all moments came on Saturday afternoon when more than 500 people took to the streets for the Diversity Parade.

Local organisations and companies marched from Queens Park all the way down Spa Road, with people dressing in colourful feathers, butterfly wings and tutus while carrying messages of support and the rainbow flag.

Diane Hudson, aged 49, from Warrington, walked in the parade as part of the float by sponsor Russell and Russell.

She said: "I have come along to support my friends and take part in the parade. This is my first time at Bolton Pride.

"It has been a wonderful experience and I have really enjoyed the event."

The parade ended in Victoria Square, which was packed with people.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham took to the stage to show support for the event.

Pride organiser James Edgington said: "His speech was powerful and mindful and really got the crowd going. He didn't just send a message of support, he came himself.

"The parade was so mind-blowing for me! We had more than double than last year.

"The bands were fantastic, everyone brought their A game to it, so it was brilliant."

Acts on throughout the day included Joe Keegan, Divina De Campo, Saytr Play, Stillia and Stooshe.

Daniel Hadfield, aged 25, and Liam Gaskell, aged 26 were in the crowd.

Liam from Bolton said: "It's been good despite the wet weather.

"This is the first year I've done it properly and it looks like it's getting better each year.

"It's a bit of fun and supporting something people believe in. You can have a drink and be entrained with people and it's a good laugh. It should be supported so it can carry on."

Final act on were London girl group Stooshe who performed their chart topping single including Love Me.

Courtney Rumbold said: "It was a really good day even in the miserable weather! The crowd were still involved and we loved it."

Fellow band mate Alexander Buggs added: "We love to support Pride and the message of Pride.

"We will definitely come back for another one and bring the sun with us!"

Events continued into the evening with Venue Bar in Churchgate taking a step back in time with a Back to the 90s night.

Acts included Phats and Small, UK 2000 Eurovision competitor Nikki French and Rowetta.

On Sunday families were invited back into the town centre for a Community Expo feature games and stalls.

Bolton Pride will then be wrapped up this evening with another special guest. West End star of We Will Rock You and Wicked – Kerry Ellis.

Kerry will be performing in Voices and Lyrics at the Octagon Theatre featuring some of the best musical theatre songs from LGBT writers as well as stories from the LGBT community about coming out and hate crime.

The event will then return later in the year for a special gala night and awards on December 2.