Through the grey skies and downpour of rain, Oldham town centre glowed with all the colours of the rainbow as Pride celebrations pressed ahead this weekend.

Kicking off with a parade on yesterday, Saturday, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and their friends, family and allies, marched through the town centre in bright colours, clutching banners and flags.

Some Oldham dignitaries, including the mayor of Oldham, Cllr Zahid Chauhan, the youth mayor and Cllr Louie Hamblett, followed behind a drumming samba band. 

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Though bus strikes and the bad weather saw a slightly scaled-back procession, the parade pressed on from Greaves Street and weaved through the town centre before everyone could take shelter in Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The councillors and Oldham Pride committee also raised the Pride flag together at the Civic Centre.

@theoldhamtimes Even the rain couldn’t put off this parade 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ what a great Pride! #oldham #pride #oldhampride #lgbtq #lgbt ♬ dance(256762) - TimTaj

Oldham's Ollie and Millie "owls" then greeted the dozens of attendees at the door of the venue, which was also kitted out with colourful decorations and flags.

Inside, there was a wide range of stalls, including charities such as the MioCare Group and Talk Listen Change to offer advice and support, as well as vendors selling LGBTQ+ gifts like books, badges, stickers and clothes.

A hot food stand brought by Billingtons was a particularly popular stall as generous sizes of cheese and onion pies could be seen all around.

Meanwhile, youngsters were kept entertained with free arts and crafts activities brought by Oldham Play Action Group.

 

Starting with an introductory speech from the mayor, youth mayor and Cllr Hamblett, the Pride party then kicked in with a performance from the samba band and choir.

A cabaret show from local LGBTQ+ figures took to the stage until early evening, including a Boy George Tribute and The Vegan Queens who attracted a large crowd on the dance floor.

The celebrations didn't stop there as the party went on way into the night over at the George Tavern.

Today, Sunday, Oldham Parish Church on Rock Street has also been lit up in rainbow colours as a special Pride service is due to take place at 6pm.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.