Day two of Bolton Pride proves to be a huge success

A wide range of artists and drag queens took to the stage and wowed the crowd with plenty of performances, including a Bollywood style drag queen.

Food from around the world was served, including BBQ street food and Thai cuisine.

Tina Latham from Smokies BBQ said that she has loved the colour and vibrancy of the festival, particularly the diversity of the event.

She said: “We do street food, and we like being part of this community.

“It’s very vibrant and colourful.

“The organisers are amazing and have been very accommodating to us.

“It’s great for Bolton that we are so inclusive.

“What I have found amazing about this festival is that they have someone doing sign language for the music.

“I have never seen that for a festival, and I do a lot of food festivals.

“Everyone is just happy and it’s a good vibe.”

Archery, glitter face painting, and a hair extension stall were a hit with the festivalgoers, who said it added something special to the day.

Other stalls promoted LGBTQ+ rights and provided support, helping to raise awareness.

Chair of the Greater Manchester Mental Health Unison Neil McAlister said that Pride has become even more important with the environmental and economic pressures.

He said: “This brings the community together and stands against the dividing voices.”

Unison member Derek Coleman added: “I think it’s really important that we stand up.

“Although same-sex marriages can happen now, even within that there are some inequalities.”

People enjoyed the sun and how much it united so many different people together.

Pride lover Lewis McGrath said: “It’s been really good today so let’s hope it progresses.

“It’s better with the stage where it is now, compared to last year.

“It’s not raining yet which is a bonus.

“It’s all here this year though and we enjoyed it at The Vaults at the end of the night last time.”

The three-day festival will continue until 11pm tonight and start again tomorrow from 10am-6pm.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.