Town to host Gay Pride event

A committee has been set up to oversee the organising of the major festival with awareness being raised across the borough throughout the year.

Scott Williams from Wigan Council is heading up the initiative with publicity already being driven in schools and on social media.

Pride events are held up and down the country to celebrate the lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

The exact details of what will happen at the inaugural Wigan Pride festival haven’t yet been confirmed but the

committee is holding regular meetings to work up a programme of events.

There will be an official launch on May 17 where it is expected that more details will be revealed.

Nearby Manchester Pride is a registered charity that campaigns for equality and challenges discrimination; creates opportunity for engagement and participation and celebrates LGBT life.

The charity fundraises for LGBT and HIV projects in Greater Manchester by staging a number of events throughout the year, including the award-winning Manchester Pride Festival, The Manchester Pride Spring Benefit, events recognising International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) and our annual programme of culture, Superbia.

Wigan Council has supported LGBT rights before, not least by annually raising the emblematic rainbow flag over the town hall.