On the last Sunday of July, Stockport's Historic Marketplace will be the venue for the third annual Stockport Pride. The town centre will be covered in rainbow flags and bunting for a celebration of equality and diversity, and the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community.
Last year's event saw 30 charities and local organisations, along with 25 traders, fill the marketplace to reach out and engage with the local community.
Sponsoring the Stockport Pride Market Hall this year is Stockport Homes, the borough's housing provider. They manage 11,500 homes on behalf of Stockport Council. Their aim is to not only provide top quality housing, but also improve the lives of their residents.
At the festival you can step inside the Market Hall, to see numerous charities and local organisations from the borough.
The Chairperson of Stockport Pride's organising committee, Stephen Bowyer, said that "connecting local organisations with the local community will go a long way to help tackle the loneliness and isolation experienced by the borough's LGBT people," adding that "the sponsorship from Stockport Homes and other organisations will help ensure that the event is at the heart of the community."
The day will also include a parade, music, performers, and plenty of food and drink. It is being held with thanks to support from Stockport Homes, Pets at Home, the Ted Darling Crime Novels, Manchester Fertility, Adoption Counts, Wickes, Hirst Dynamics, Mosscare St Vincent's Housing Group and the Stockport Council Ward Flexibility Fund.
Stockport Pride will be free and open for all to attend in Stockport Marketplace from 11am until 6pm on Sunday 28th July, with plenty going on for the whole family.