NEWS that Bolton is to host its first gay pride festival sounds brilliant.

It will showcase the best of LGBT (that’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender)-friendly arts, music and community theatre and if other towns’ events are anything to go by, should be great fun.

Being inclusive is a strength for any town, but shocking figures show that homophobic crimes here have doubled in a year. This festival is a positive yet enjoyable way to underline the message that homophobia has no place here.

So let’s embrace the whole idea, and ensure that this special event is enjoyed by all.