Summer of Pride events to kick off in Leigh this weekend

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

Live entertainment, film screenings, artisan markets, and creative activities have been organised at Leigh Spinners Mill in summers gone by, which highlight the struggles facing the LGBTQ+ community and their fight for equality.

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A colourful parade at the Pride event at Leigh Spinners Mill last year (Image: Image Village)

Bringing these issues to light in a colourful celebration, the third Pride event will take place on Saturday, July 1 at Pennington Hall Park.

The free 'Party in the Park' event has 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.

In support of the Pride events, the Horrocks Gallery at Leigh Spinners Mill has been boasting a free art exhibition this week, featuring work from local members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Live entertainment is on offer for all the family (Image: Image Village)

A council-backed Wigan Pride event will also take place on Saturday, August 12, which brings a celebration of Northern culture and music to Wigan town centre.

Councillor Paula Wakefield, lead cabinet member for equalities, said: “We are thrilled to have not one but two Pride events in our borough, both packed with free entertainment for all the family.

“Sadly, we still don’t have true equity. Rights that have been hard won, can be taken away again, and we’ve seen examples of that in recent years across the world.

“I am proud that we are free to celebrate Pride here in the UK but there is a lot still to fight for, both here and abroad, and it’s important to protect the rights that we have.

“Pride sends a strong message to all residents and visitors that diversity doesn’t just exist here, but it is actively celebrated, and that prejudice of any kind will not be tolerated.

“So please join us at these feel-good summer celebrations – we’re very proud to play a supporting role with both.”

The events bring the community together in a colourful way (Image: Wigan Council)

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.