Pride returned to the town centre over the weekend with thousands turning out for the two-day event.

Coronavirus had cancelled Pride events over the last 18 months, with organisers keen to pack as much as possible into this year’s event after so long away.

Events had been taking place virtually in this time but Bolton Pride was back in the real world with activities and events galore for all to enjoy.

Proceedings were kicked off on Friday with ‘In Conversation with Bolton Pride’, at the Octagon Theatre.

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This saw a panel discussion show featuring Carl Austin-Behan, Jsky, Char Bailey, Maz Hedgehog, Mattie Davies and hosted by Dan Westwood.

The audience were able to ask their own questions to the panel including how they would define ‘gender fluidity’ in which singer Jsky, from Bury, gave a passionate answer saying that gender is “just an idea” and a “word that we’ve assigned a meaning to that doesn’t actually mean anything.”

Saturday was a Cabaret day full day of entertainment in the town centre at the Venue Bar on Churchgate.

There was over 12 hours of performers and fun including live music, drag acts and standup acts.

Performers include sets from Happy Mondays’ Rowetta, Little Miss Minogue, Jordan Gray and Ben Ofoedu of Phats and Small.

The town hall was lit up in the distinctive Pride colours over the weekend to mark the occasion.

Yesterday was marked with a family and expo day at the Market Place and the Patio with a range of entertainment and stalls open.

Gallery People flock to the last day of Bolton Pride in town centre

A hate crime awareness stall run with the Greater Manchester Pride Network and Greater Manchester Police also formed a major part of Sunday’s stalls to raise awareness around homophobia and other issues.

Charities supporting the LGBTQ+ community and a rainbow police car also aided the event.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue also joined the proceedings with live music from Alfie James, Charlotte Mary, Will Edgar, and Holly Jenkinson.

Rain unfortunately joined the end of proceedings for the weekend but more would have to be done to dampen the spirits of all those involved over the three days.