THE first-ever Pride 'party in the park' will take place at Pennington Hall Park this summer as part of a summer-long celebration of Pride events.

Bringing Pride events to Leigh for the first time in 2021, the 'Pride In Leigh' team has had huge successes with celebrating the LGBT+ community in the town.

With live entertainment, film screenings, art sessions, artisan markets, and creative activities organised at Leigh Spinners Mill, the events have highlighted the struggles facing the LGBTQ+ community and their fight for equality, while increasingly bringing the community together in a flurry of rainbow colours.

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Leigh Journal: Stall holders at Leigh Pride last yearStall holders at Leigh Pride last year (Image: Image Village)

As today (Wednesday, May 17) marks the international day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the Pride in Leigh team has launched their programme of Leigh Pride events starting from next month.

Celebrating the journey to equality, The Horrocks Gallery at Leigh Spinners Mill will feature an LGBTQ+ art exhibition from Monday, June 26 until Saturday, July 1.

The free exhibition will feature work from artists who are members of the LGBTQ+ community or that feature LGBTQ+ themes in their art.

Leigh Journal: Live entertainment provided for guests at a previous Pride eventLive entertainment provided for guests at a previous Pride event (Image: Image Village)

Following this, the first-ever Pride 'party in the park' will take place at Pennington Hall Park on Saturday, July 1.

The free event will have live music from bands such as Moon Candy, The Royales, and the Sonneteers, as well as further activities and poetry and carnival performers to provide something for all the family.

The event will also be supported by Caffeina Cafe which will provide food, drinks, and a barbeque.

The celebrations will continue further into the summer with events planned for Leigh Pride at Leigh Spinners Mill and Wigan Pride in Wigan town centre in August.

Sponsored by Leigh Spinners Mill, Wigan Council, Imagine Act Succeed and grant-funded by LGBTQ+ consortium, the free tickets for the Pennington Hall party in the park event can be found here.

Leigh Journal: The park party will take place on Saturday, July 1 The park party will take place on Saturday, July 1 (Image: Pride in Leigh)