Celebrate 50 years of decriminalisation

ON parade . . . The Gay Gordons of Manchester at last year's Pride event

WITH just a day to go, Oldham Rainbow Association (ORA) are putting the finishing touches to what they have described as the "biggest and colourful" pride in the event's 13-year history.

Tomorrow's event will begin with a quarter peal bell ringing from Oldham Parish Church at 11.30am by a group of LGBT bell-ringers from across the UK.

At 12.15pm, a magnificent parade will make its way from The Tommyfield pub through the town centre and into Parliament Square for the opening ceremony.

The parade, made up of local businesses, community groups and emergency services, will also feature a "human rainbow flag" with more than 100 people wearing T-shirts to promote the theme of "No place for hate".

Parliament Square will be transformed into an amazing family fun day site, featuring licensed bars, a youth zone, market and information village as well as a stage with top a varied programme of entertainment.

Top UK Drag Queen, KY Kelly, will be hosting the event until 4.30pm and will introduce entertainment ranging from a gospel choir, Ed Sheeran tribute act, Asian Elvis, lots of local singers as well as the Scottish country dance group The Gay Gordons.

In the evening, there will be a party in the square hosted outside Spindles and The George Tavern. It will feature entertainment on stage including the UK's top Kylie and Pink tribute acts, local singers and DJ. As well as celebrating 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the 2017 event will also focus on delivering key messages throughout the day on hate crime.

George Campbell, chairman of ORA, said: "We are really excited about Oldham Pride 2017 and the varied programme we have put together.

"We hope we have something for the whole community and would encourage as many people as possible to come out and support the event. Its not about being gay, its about showing your support to equality. With mixed weather forecast, please don't worry ­- we have plans in place to ensure everyone stays dry and has a great day."