BOLTON Pride is needed in the town, event organisers have declared.

They spoke out against the negative responses to the town's first Pride event at its official launch event.

Bolton Pride 2015 co-founder James Edgington said they wanted to promote tolerance and raise awareness of Bolton's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

In February the Bolton News reported that reports of hate crime against LGBT people in the town had gone up 135 per cent in just 12 months.

The figures became a catalyst for Bolton Pride 2015 - taking place between October 16 and 18 - Mr Edgington explained.

"There have been different comments on the Bolton News website, a lot are negative," he said.

"The statistics show why we need it. In a positive way we will show how incredible that catalyst was.

"As humans we have no right to be bullied and looked down upon because of a perception by some in society that think we are different or not normal."

The event, with its message is 'Love Bolton, Hate Homophobia', has also received a lot of positive support from across the community.

"There will be sort of people who want to come, there's a great fun element to this," Mr Edgington added.

"Manchester has a gay quarter, so do Leeds and Liverpool, but Bolton hasn't got that. LGBT might not feel safe or comfortable in the town.

"There will always be people who don't want things which are different but this is something we have to do."

In the run up to the weekend, a fringe festival will feature live music, sing-a-longs, roller disco and movie showings.

The inaugural event has already received Hollywood backing, with star Sir Ian McKellen announced as guest of honour at the Bolton Pride Awards at The Whites Platinum Suit on Friday, October 16.

The Bolton born actor will present the awards — sponsored by Bolton at Home — and will be guest speaker at the event, which is being hosted by Sky Movies’ red carpet presenter Craig Stevens.

On Friday afternoon Bolton Pride will kick off with a Football vs Homophobia tournament for local school, supported by Bolton Wanderers, followed by a Cabaret day and official Bolton pride club night, featuring 90's dance diva Angie Brown, on the Saturday.

A free family day, including market stalls, youth zone and LGBT information point, takes place on Sunday.

An evening candlelit walk and vigil from the Holiday Inn to the town hall steps, to remember those affected by hate crime, will close the weekend.

The event is being supported by the police and Bolton Council chiefs.

Det Insp Charlotte Caden said the LGBT should feel able to reach out to the police to report hate crime and praised Pride organisers for helping to bring the community together.

While many of this year's events are being held indoors, larger outdoor festivities are already in place for Bolton Pride 2016.