Rain can't dampen spirits as hundreds celebrate Bury Pride 2025

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 23:33

By David Murphy

Bury Pride returned in vibrant form on Saturday 7 June, with hundreds of LGBTQI+ people and allies gathering in the town centre to celebrate visibility, inclusion and acceptance, despite grey skies and scattered showers.

The event, organised by the Bury LGBTQI+ Forum, saw the return of the Walking Rainbow Parade, which wound through Bury Town Centre, drawing cheering crowds along Knowsley Street. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) led the parade with a fire engine, while officers from Greater Manchester Police were present to promote community cohesion.

The day began with uncertain weather and a slow turnout, but by late morning, the rain eased off and attendance swelled. Those in attendance included cabinet members from Bury Council, Council Leader Eamonn O’Brien, and James Frith, MP for Bury North.

The Knowsley Street main stage hosted performances from the Prestwich Community Choir and featured stalls from local organisations championing inclusivity, community support, and equality.

Event organisers said they were “really pleased” with how the day turned out and highlighted that Bury Pride is about more than just the LGBTQI+ community.

“It’s about being accepted,” they said. “Even with the weather, we saw people showing up to stand together. We’re proud of what Bury Pride represents and we hope it continues to grow.”