Pride events to return to Leigh this summer

Pride in Leigh, a local community organisation, brought the town's first Pride events to Leigh Spinners Mill last August to celebrate the heritage and diversity of the LGBT+ community.

Playing host to hundreds of people, the Mill screened critically acclaimed films as well as an outdoor concert of live music, comedy routines, and art on display.

People came together to celebrate the inaugural festival last year (Pic: danielcartyimages)

What events are on this year?

Film with Pride

This summer’s events kick off with Leigh Film Society hosting the film Everybody's Talking About Jamie at their brand-new Film Factory, based in the Spinners Mill.

The coming-of-age story details Jamie, a 16-year-old who doesn't quite fit in, pursuing an unconventional career of becoming a drag queen, whilst giving fantastic representation to the LGBTQ+ community.

Based on the 2017 stage musical of the same name, the film will be screened on Friday, August 12.

There are films, live music, fancy dress and educational talks on offer this August (Pic: danielcartyimages)

Gig with Pride

Following on from the success of last year's music festival, talented acts from across Greater Manchester will take to the stage at the Mill.

With an eclectic mix of live music and local bands, DJ's and Drag Queens, the day promises to be one full of entertainment, creativity, and surprises.

The live music event will take place on Saturday, August 20, with food and drink stalls also available.

Live bands will once again take to the stage at Spinners Mill (Pic: danielcartyimages)

Fun With Pride

Described as a "youth takeover", local community group 'We Are Explorers' will encourage young people will take to the stage to share the education and history of Pride events through music, poetry and the spoken word.

All supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, there will also be art sessions, local dance troops and singers to entertain guests, as well as prizes for the most creative Pride cosplay costumes.

There will be further educational talks about the history and influence of LGBTQ+ communities across the world, which will take place on Sunday, August 21.

All the Pride in Leigh events have been organised to fit around other local Pride events such as Wigan Pride Festival on Saturday, August 13.

Hundreds of residents came out in support of last years event (Pic: danielcartyimages)

Jess Eastoe, Co-founder and Chair of Pride In Leigh, said: "For too long Leigh has gone without provision and investment into our diverse communities.

"With this massive collaboration of creative and community people, I’m excited to host events that cater for everyone in Leigh.

"The brilliance of Pride In Leigh is that we base our events using the arts, culture and community volunteers and activists to build meaningful provision and stand in unity to acknowledge our colourful and rich history in Leigh.

"Gig with Pride and Fun with Pride are a celebration of who we are, and what our town has to offer. We can come together to celebrate, whilst understanding those that had fought for our place in society.”

The Pride events will begin on Friday, August 12 (Pic: danielcartyimages)