Ian McKellen guest of honour at Bolton Pride

Bolton Pride have announced their guest of honour at the first annual Bolton Pride: none other than the legendary former-Bolton resident Sir Ian McKellen. This follows a teaser video uploaded to YouTube in which the actor expressed his support from the event, applying his thespian talents to the event’s slogan ‘Love Bolton, Hate Homophobia’.

Bolton Pride co-founders James Edgington and Mark J Geary said of the announcement: “Having the support of an individual as prestigious as Sir Ian McKellen is a true privilege for all involved with Bolton Pride and his involvement, as an icon within the LGBT community who has passionate links with Bolton itself, brilliantly represents what we are trying to achieve.”

Cllr Carole Swarbrick, Mayor of Bolton, said of the event: “Events like Bolton Pride are really important for the diversity of the town. We want people from all walks of life to feel safe and welcomed within Bolton and for Bolton to be having its first Pride event to raise awareness of Hate Crime in the town is such a positive step forward for our community.”

Bolton Pride runs from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October, kicking off with an LGBT Awards Dinner on the Friday night to support and celebrate local support groups and campaigners. A sports day and club night are set to follow on the Saturday, followed by family friendly events on the Sunday, including The Bolton Pride family Day at Bolton’s Holiday Inn and a showing of sing-a-long Frozen at the Bolton Libraries.

The full schedule for the weekend will be announced today (August 20) in a coffee morning hosted by Bolton Pride at the Octagon Theatre.

Seems Sir Ian is embracing Pride season with gusto this year – he’ll also lead the Manchester Pride Parade next weekend.

More Pride info: To book Exclusive Gay Travel packages visit Marriottweekends.co.uk/pride.