BLESSED with good weather and "good vibes", the fourth Leigh Pride event was the biggest turnout to date.

With the UK's first Pride march held in London in 1972, the events have become an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, that has since spread to all corners of the country.

Wanting to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in and around Leigh, the 'Pride in Leigh' team organised the first Leigh Pride event in 2021, which brought crowds of around 300 to Leigh Spinners Mill.

Highlighting the growing popularity of the event, thousands of people came together at Leigh Pride's new location of Pennington Hall Park, which had a jam-packed schedule for people of all ages.

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The event had a range of activities and attractions on at Pennington Hall ParkThe event had a range of activities and attractions on at Pennington Hall Park (Image: Pride in Leigh)
Taking place on Saturday, July 27, the inclusive event had a range of activities and makers markets on offer for people of all ages, including face painting, inflatables, and arts and craft stalls.

The stalls also had bespoke gifts on offer, as well as food and drink provided by local businesses such as Caffeina Cafe, Taste of India, and Cafe Stella.

With attendees enjoying the July sunshine, there was also a great list of live entertainment on stage, which included live singers, dance performances, and drag queen performers.

Jess Eastoe (left) said the Pride event was the biggest yetJess Eastoe (left) said the Pride event was the biggest yet (Image: Pride in Leigh)
Speaking about the event, one of the Pride in Leigh Organisers, Jess Eastoe, said: "Leigh Pride 2024 was another fantastic example of the community coming together to celebrate our people and our town.

"We were blessed with good vibes and great weather which led to our biggest crowds yet.

"This year was our fourth Leigh Pride festival - when we started in 2021, we had around 300 people attend.

"This year we saw thousands of people attend and enjoy the day. With singers, drag queens and performers taking to the stage, Cafeina Cafe and Taste of India serving food, and plenty to do for children we were really proud to see parents, children and young people enjoying the day with us."

Crowds enjoying the sunshine and entertainment at Pennington Hall Park Crowds enjoying the sunshine and entertainment at Pennington Hall Park (Image: Pride in Leigh)