Plans to celebrate Oldham Pride are "moving at pace".
The council agreed to help fund the annual event, following an article in The Oldham Times that revealed it had "zero funding whatsoever".
With Pride Month underway this month, Oldham Pride organiser Louie Hamblett – who is also a councillor – revealed some details of the upcoming event – which takes place this July.
The event is set to be held over the course of three days – starting on Friday, July 22 and ending on Sunday, July 24.
Louie said he was grateful for the council’s help with resources, saying: “I’m so thankful for that now, because we felt like we were up to our necks.”
Friday, July 22
Following its success for the first time last year, Queer Cabaret is planned to mark the beginning of Oldham Pride.
Held at Oldham Coliseum, the cabaret will star Oldham cabaret artiste Terri Fox, who is also the landlord of The George Tavern.
Other drag artists and acts are expected to join, performing live music and variety acts, alongside fundraising.
Tickets will cost £10.
Saturday, July 23
The day of the parade.
The parade will leave from Parliament Square and end at George Square, in front of The George Tavern. This is the other way around than usual, due to the construction at Parliament Square this year.
Live entertainment and market stalls are all expected to be on offer, and nearly 40 people have already signalled their interest for a stall at the event.
Sunday, July 24
Sunday Church service followed by a pink picnic at Alexandra Park.
The Pink Picnic, previously held at Dunwood Park, is going to be held at Alexandra Park this year. Bring your own food and picnic baskets for a quieter, family-oriented picnic to celebrate LGBT+ communities without any acts.
Organiser Louie said: “Sometimes parents don’t wish to come to Pride, as it might not be the right setting for their children, but they’d like to come to more family-oriented things.
“There’s something for everybody.”
This article has been amended.
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