Oldham Pride set to celebrate 20 years with birthday bash

Kicking off the annual LGBTQ+ event, there will be a huge parade from Billingtons at 12noon

Oldham Pride is turning 20 this year and is scheduled to return to the town centre tomorrow (Saturday) - bringing a range of entertainment from local acts, musical performances and drag shows.

Kicking off the annual LGBTQ+ event, there will be a huge parade from Billingtons at 12noon to the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The parade will be led by a samba band followed by Oldham Pride with Fifi Olivia The Pink Owl and many other organisations, mascots, acts and representatives from local groups.

After parading through Oldham, the party continues at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

With an afternoon filled with family fun, featuring a variety of entertainment and plenty of activities for families with Oldham Play Action Group (OPAG).

The highlights of the line up include singer Samm Hewitt, Violet Blonde with special effects, singer/songwriter, Nicole Green and country singer, Niall Barnes.

Pennine Mencap will also be bringing the sounds of their Rhodes Bank choir to help support the charity, along with Gabrielle Gee, the Oldham born indie folk singer songwriter.

Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: "The LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of Oldham, and I am delighted that this event is taking place in our town centre.

“We aim to ensure that everyone who identifies with this community feels included, accepted, and valued.

“Join us for a weekend full of celebration and fun. Oldham Pride has organized a fantastic line-up of acts and activities for the event, bringing our community together and celebrating our place in the borough."

For two decades, Oldham Pride has been a symbol of inclusion, acceptance, and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

The annual event is a vibrant celebration overflowing with music, entertainment, food, and a powerful message of love and equality.

This year's anniversary promises to be the cherry on top – a truly unforgettable celebration for the whole of Oldham.

There will be a Sunday service at Oldham Parish Church the following day, as well as an artisan market and live music at Billingtons to continue the Pride weekend.

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