Pride is back again this year in Oldham – but what’s on the line-up?

Oldham Pride is scheduled for this weekend (July 22-24) and promises to bring a range of entertainment from local acts, musical performances and drag shows.

Kicking off the LGBTQ+ Pride event on Friday, July 22, is a ‘Queer cabaret’ at Oldham Coliseum.

It’s only the second time the unique cabaret is gracing Oldham's Coliseum and this year will see Oldham's very own premier drag queen, Terri Fox, host the show.

Joining Ms Fox is a line-up of other LGBTQI+ acts, including another Oldham star, Samm Hewitt, writer and performer, Maz Hedgehog, Mancunian drag artists The Vegan Queens, British South Asian drag act, Lady Bushra and artists, Joshua Hubbard.

Tickets start from £7 for youngsters and £10 for adults. Doors open at 7.30 pm and finished at 9.30 pm, though there will be an after party. 

The Oldham Times: Oldham Pride is kicked off by a 'Queer cabaret' on Friday.Oldham Pride is kicked off by a 'Queer cabaret' on Friday.

A grand prize raffle will be drawn at the theatre where prizes can be won from £100 to barbecues, microwaves, meals out and more.

Raffle strips can be bought in advance for £1 from The George Tavern.

The Pride parade event itself will take place the following day on Saturday, July 23, from 12 onwards which will see a lively samba, drumming and brass band march through Oldham town centre for locals to enjoy.

A six-foot owl mascot and 'pride Jesus' will also be in attendance at the parade which organiser, David Austin, said to make sure the route is disabled-friendly and as accessible as possible for all.

The parade will start at Parliament Square at 12:30 pm and will end in George Square where revellers can enjoy a festival-style open-air stage behind Debenhams and a raft of more than 25 community market stalls from 12 pm until midnight.

Expect to see more cabaret shows and Pride-themed fun at the stage, including a pride ambulance brought by St John's Ambulance service and a pride fire engine, though GMP's rainbow police car will not make an appearance as a result of a shock ban from police. 

The Oldham Times: The parade route starts at Parliament Square and will end at George Street where stalls and entertainment will be waiting.The parade route starts at Parliament Square and will end at George Street where stalls and entertainment will be waiting.

Again, Terri Fox will be there to welcome the marchers at the square for an afterparty until 3 am which will see performances from The Vegan Queens, The Bar Pop Showgirls, Felicia DuPaul and the DuPaul Dancers, The Glitter Bar Showgirls, Sam Hewitt, Kelly Wilde and Matt Corigan, among others.

And on Sunday, July 24, Oldhamers can tuck into a Pride Picnic from 12.30 pm until 3 pm at Alexandra Park where there is also a grand 'summer beach' event for all ages of the family to enjoy.

Oldham Parish Church will be rounding off the celebrations with a Christians Alt Pride service led by Reverend David Austin, the Chair of Oldham Pride, Father Paul Pritchard and Reverend Canon Jean Hurlston at 6.30pm.

Reverend Jide Macaulay will give a testimony at the special event which is open to people of all faiths.

Representatives of the Oldham LGBT community will stage readings and prayers as organised by Christians at Pride.

The Oldham Times: Reverend David Austin, who is also the Chair of Oldham Pride, has organised the event.Reverend David Austin, who is also the Chair of Oldham Pride, has organised the event.

Rev David Austin, who has been Chair of Oldham Pride for the past two years, said: "We feel LGBTQI+ Pride has been welcomed by the town which is focused on diversity and the equality of all people, regardless of background, sexual identity, age, culture and religion, etcetera. 

"Pride is an important part of sending that message of community togetherness because sexuality and gender can transcend a lot of those barriers - and it draws people together including people from different faiths."

He said there has fortunately been very little opposition to the plans this year and that organisers are "very grateful" to the many businesses and shops in the town centre that have supported the team by putting up pride flags in the windows or by donating goods for the raffle.

"We're really grateful for the local support that we're getting.

"And thank you also to The Oldham Times and Oldham Chronicle for their support as well and their publicity.

"And the Council - the Council have been amazing and really supportive this year too so we're singing their praises."