Flying rainbow flag for equality
THE town’s Pride event, ‘Rochdale in Rainbows’ is returning with a full- line up of events for everyone to enjoy.
Taking place from Friday, June 24 to Saturday, July 2, the event aims to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ communities and reflect on the progress made towards equality while acknowledging there is still so much more to do.
A number of exciting events and activities are taking place across the borough including Pride in the Park, where there will be music, drag, dance and more for everyone plus the Youth Pride Festival for LGBTQ+ young people and allies.
The week will start with the Progress flag being raised by the Mayor of Rochdale and the leader of the council, Councillor Neil Emmott, at Number One Riverside in Rochdale town centre.
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are proud of the cooperative nature of the Rochdale in Rainbows group, which has seen a number of local partners join together to plan our Pride events across the borough.
“We are committed to supporting and celebrating equality, inclusion and respect for everyone, this is reflected in our values which are at the heart of the events that I hope you enjoy.”
LGBTQ+ Progress flags will be flown right across the borough and members of Rochdale in Rainbows will host exciting events, and there will also be an opportunity to knit your own mini progress flag at Knitty Gritty’s knitting workshop.
Technology giant Siemens, also a member of Rochdale in Rainbows, has again supported and fully funded the installation of gender and sexual orientation crossing lights in Middleton, Heywood and Rochdale town centre.
For information on all Rochdale in Rainbows Pride events visit rochdale. gov. uk/ rainbows.