BOLTON Museum has joined forces with the British Museum to mount a ground-breaking exhibition celebrating diversity and cultural expression.

It will be will be the only venue in the north of England to host Desire, love, identity: exploring LGBTQ histories in Bolton.

The touring exhibition has been put together to mark 50 years since homosexuality was partially decriminalised in England by the Sexual Offences Act and will be in town from March 15 to May 16.

Bolton Council leader and Greater Manchester Combined Authority lead for culture, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: “Bolton has a proud history of supporting the LGBTQ community and I am delighted we will be hosting this exhibition in partnership with the British Museum.

“To be the only venue in the north to host such a significant national exhibition shows how well-regarded Bolton is as a cultural destination.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to what will be a fascinating and enlightening experience.”

Displays will offer insights into LGBTQ experiences by examining objects from around the world, covering ancient civilisations to the modern day. It will feature items from the collections of both museums.

Coins, prints and small sculptures will represent past, recent, and ongoing expressions of same-sex desire, love and identity.

Bolton Central Library and Museum will also hold a series of events to complement and expand on the themes of the exhibition.

The Outing the Past Festival on Saturday, March 16, will feature a variety of speakers discussing LGBTQ issues. Other events will include a lecture on same sex desire in ancient Egypt, performances of The Adhesion of Love by playwright Stephen M Hornby and a family fun day.

Hartwig Fischer, director of the British Museum said: ““The exhibition is part of the British Museum’s collaborative work with partners across the UK to reach new audiences and broaden access to the many stories within its collection and we are delighted that at Bolton Museum it will be complemented by objects relating directly to LGBTQ histories and experiences in Bolton itself.”