Oldham’s annual pride parade returned in style on Saturday after a three-year absence due to the pandemic.
Hundreds were in attendance for the parade, which marched for about 10 minutes from Parliament Square to George Square.
Organisations marching included Pennine Care NHS Trust, St John Ambulance, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, and even the appearance of a massive Jesus figure courtesy of Liberty Church.
Marching samba band PCS also featured.
Bandmember Paul Alan said: “We support Pride and so we like to demonstrate this by action, our drumming, and our sound – it draws peoples’ attention to it and magnifies the sound.”
Scores of revellers defied the inclement weather to turn out for the celebration.
At George Square, businesses and charities occupied a range of stalls, and an open-air stage provided entertainment and speakers.
Council leader Amanda Chadderton and Cllr Louie Hamblett, both of whom are openly LGBT+, both gave speeches on the stage in George Square following the parade.
In her speech, Cllr Chadderton said: “On behalf of Oldham Council I want to welcome you all, it’s amazing to see so many of you here, after three years away.
“I have the best job in the world leading Oldham, I skip into work every day and I couldn’t be prouder to lead such a great town.
“It’s a particular source of pride this weekend, given I’m the first openly gay leader of Oldham Council, and diversity does matter, and representation matters – they’re things to celebrate.”
Speaking on the reason for Pride celebrations, Cllr Louie Hamblett said: “We need to fight for what we’ve got – it’s so insecure.
“We need to keep what we’ve got a hold of people can easily take it away – Pride is not only a celebration, it’s a protest.”
Stalls included card shop Sent with Pride, founded by owner Julie Faulkner, who said she started the greetings card company after struggling to get cards for her son and his husband.
A range of musical acts performed afterwards, including an appearance from Rhodes Bank Choir – who encouraged revellers to sing along.
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