Rochdale Pride Event 2025
Freedom and human diversity. It is important that we celebrate our differences. The Rochdale Pride event organised by the Rochdale Borough Council, with strong contributions from the Bee Network, occurred on the 22nd of June 2025 aimed to do just this and achieved it brilliantly. The live performances and the stalls that were present contributed to a great community event that was loved by the people of Rochdale which, one could strongly argue, was the most important aspect. However, while we must celebrate the great times, we must also cover the dark. This is what some of the stalls that attended were there to achieve as one cannot turn away from the negativity that plagues our local area and charities are here to help.
One such charity that attended was WHAG. They are currently tackling the large issue of domestic abuse that many people around the world struggle with. They believe that prevention is better than a cure. From this, they host a service by the name of UP. This service provides training programmes to private corporate businesses, the public sector and third sector charities and organisations worldwide in order to protect them from the negative impact of domestic abuse. They also provide safe accommodation for those fleeing from domestic abuse and support them through such tough periods of their life.
Drugs and alcohol can also create a tough period in one’s life. Local charity and attendees of this event Turning Point not only aim to support people through their addiction and the health effects many substances have but also aim to offer people a path forward to go beyond. They achieve this through career, life skills, housing, education and hobby skills support. You can find them in the hubs they have in Rochdale (11-14 St Chad’s street, OL16 1QU) and Oldham (5 Lord Street, OL1 3HP). You can find more information on their website here.
Another charity that attended was SAMARITANS. They help people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings, but they also cover a wide range of different issues that many people face in their lives. To quote them from their website, “We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives”. This is sometimes all someone needs, a human connection. You can find them and contact them here if you need someone to talk to about any issues you may have.
Overall, the pride event was a great opportunity to celebrate human difference and help people with whatever they may be going through. During this event, I was told that this year’s event was double the size of the last. During my articles, I talk in abundance about the power of people and community and here, we are seeing the development of one which seems to be growing larger annually. With this growth, I believe that this power can grow, many people can be supported, and more issues can be overcome. I was also told by many that they wish to expand the event to the open area outside the town hall but with the lack of people, they feel restricted when contemplating how it would look. From this, I encourage people to celebrate the beauty in human diversity and attend these events.
