Canal Street Online Manchester

Wigan Pride 2018

Wigan Pride 2018

Earlier this year it was announced that Wigan Pride would launch their new mascot for the annual LGBTQ+ pride event. In April it was unveiled via their social media channels to the public with a task to name the character. Members of the public suggested their ideas via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with the brief of using the themes of love, equality and inclusion as a muse.

After the competition to name the bunny was closed the Wigan Pride Committee voted from the extensive list of entries and decided on a winner.

Daniel Bonney Committee Member said “This year we decided to introduce a mascot to the event to help embody our core values of equality and being community focused, but also to promote that as an event we are inclusive and suitable for everyone, including families and young people.”

The winning entry was submitted by Kesley on Facebook which officially named the bunny ‘Unity’.

“Choosing a winner from all of the entries was difficult because there were so many fantastic suggestions, we wanted to choose a name that really epitomized the core messages and values of Wigan Pride, which I think the winning entry does really well”

Last week Unity finally arrived in the borough and had the chance to meet the Mayor of Wigan Borough, Councillor Sue Greensmith, as well as MP for Leigh Jo Platt who were both thrilled to meet them. 

Zak Bretherton Committee Member says “We are so glad Unity is finally here!  In the next month, during the lead up to the event they plan on travelling the borough, meeting people and spreading the messages of equality and inclusion, as well as seeing the borough’s landmarks. They will also be available for photos during the day of the event”

In a recent video in support of the event MP Jo Platt said “It is really important that we do have a Wigan Pride for our communities to feel valued and welcomed and not only that but for everybody to be included in the event and have fun.”

The theme for this year’s Wigan Pride event is ‘Growth and Community’ and will be held on the 11th August in Wigan Town Centre with the main stage being situated on Market Place hosted by Vicky Cook, and an acoustic stage held on Believe Square.

Acts confirmed for the event include; Donna Marie; an award winning Lady Gaga tribute, Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus, Green Haze; Green Day Tribute, Bud Sugar, Surely Bassey; Shirley Bassey Tribute, Holly Bretherton, Exleys Dance Academy and a wide range of local talents.

Committee members say the event will be bigger and better than ever before and is not to be missed.

The event will open with a parade from 11am, starting from Menses Park with the main event beginning around 12pm.

Rolling road closures will be in place throughout the duration of the parade. The committee ask that those planning to travel through the town centre on the event day take this into consideration and plan accordingly.

To keep up to date with all the latest Wigan Pride updates you can follow the event on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

More information can be found via the link below #WIGANPRIDE18

Tix for the after party at The Old Courts are here.

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Published: 26-Jul-2018: (4989)

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