CROWDS of people marched to celebrate the LGBT community and its values at the first ever Bury Pride event.

The sun shone brightly on Saturday for a colourful celebration of equality and diversity.

The event featured a ‘walking rainbow’ parade through the streets of Bury town centre and culminated in a sold-out extravaganza at the Elizabethan Suite in the town hall.

The parade started at the town hall at 10.30am and was led by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Mike Connolly and his consort and husband Ian Hargreaves.

Along with dancers and walkers there was a sparkling fire engine at the parade finish, with visitors and residents showing their support at various locations on the route.

 

The Elizabethan Suite’s entertainment was headlined by Mr Wilson’s 2nd Liners and Manchester’s famous Lesbian & Gay Chorus, as well as the Sensational Miss Sal Ford.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley said: “It has been such an amazing event, I am so proud.

“The walking rainbow was amazing, and there must have been several hundred people involved.

“Councillor Mike Connolly, the first openly gay Mayor of Bury and his husband, led the parade.

“We have had representatives of all faiths here today, which is very important, and we have had speakers from key communities.

“This event started about five years ago with a little walk through the town centre, now it’s turned into an event with thousands, it’s just amazing.

“LGBT events like this are very important, because although we have come a long way in terms of equality, we still have a long way to go.

“There has been a change in political atmosphere recently, not just at home but across the world, and I think it is more important than ever that people are reminded of how hard-fought for these LGBT rights are.”

Lydia Nabukenya, from the Africa Rainbow Family, said: “It is very fantastic, it’s my first time to be here but I have enjoyed it so, so much.

“It is great and wonderful, I have to come back next year.”

Brenda Kasuvire, also from the Africa Rainbow Family, based in Manchester, added: “The people are so nice here as well, it has been a beautiful experience.”