Oldham Pride celebrates its 15th anniversary this Saturday.

This weekend (Saturday July 27) Oldham Pride is celebrating 15 years with its biggest event yet.

Fifteen years ago, Oldham Pride began as a party at the Dog and Duck pub which has since closed down. It is now an event that encompasses the town centre with entertainment lasting well into the evening.

Chairman of the Oldham Rainbow Association, George Campbell, said: “I got involved about five years ago and it is absolutely brilliant that it has got to the level it has. It has been a lot of hard work and this year is the biggest one yet, we are just praying for good weather.”

Registration for the parade will begin at 11.30am in the car park of The Tommyfield Inn before setting off at 12.15pm and ending at Parliament Square where there will be entertainment, stalls and activities.

There will be a family fun afternoon in Parliament Square from 1-5pm including attractions such as roundabouts and face painters as well as a licensed area and market village with information and commercial stalls. Live entertainment will include a Sam Smith tribute, Bosom Buddies, Sammy Brookes, Kevin Cruise, Viva La Diva, KY Kelly and the Bar Pop show team.

From 5pm-1am there will be an evening event outside The George Tavern featuring a stage with live entertainment, licensed bar as well as use of the Tavern.

The Oldham Pride team wants the event to remain free for the public which is why fundraising and sponsorship is vital. This year’s principal sponsors are Howard Ground Services, Bar Pop, Hi Spirits with other sponsors including Admiral Taverns, The George Tavern, Middleton Archer, Sparkles, Centre Stage, Mecca Bingo and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue. Support also comes from Oldham Council, the National Lottery Community Fund and LGBT+ Futures Grants. include the National Lottery Community Fund, Oldham Council, Hi-Spirits, LGBT Futures Grants Programme, Mecca and Bar Pop.

George said: “It is getting more and more difficult and we try and raise as much as we can, but we welcome anyone who wants to help as we do not want to start charging people. We have some amazing businesses supporting us this year.”

A new addition to the event is the Allies Wall where members of the public are invited to come along and sign their name to show that they are supporters of LGBT rights and equality for all. The Oldham Parish Church along with Spindles and local shops will be flying rainbow flags to promote the day and show their support.

George said: “We want everyone to come along and show their support, there really is something for everyone this year.”
Oldham Pride were also given a unit in Tommyfield Market Hall for an information and awareness stall. The stall, in conjunction with Oldham Markets, has a handmade display with a rainbow painted Oldham sign and their mascot, Fifi the Owl, who has been given a glamorous makeover. George hopes to display the Allies wall there after the event.

For more information on Oldham Pride or to volunteer help you can follow them on social media.