Shoppers and locals are buzzing as Wigan prepares for its Pride weekend, after Sir Ian McKellen sent a warm, cheeky video message urging the town to celebrate. The actor’s roots, a nod to local Mint Balls and a clear line , “some people are gay, get over it” , have renewed attention on this grassroots festival.

Essential Takeaways

  • Local legend: Sir Ian McKellen, raised in Wigan, recorded a video message sending love and support to Wigan Pride attendees.
  • Clear message: McKellen echoed his famous slogan from his T-shirt: “Some people are gay, get over it,” a straightforward call for acceptance.
  • Community feel: Wigan Pride is grassroots-led, with a parade, local acts and business tie-ins such as Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls.
  • Family-friendly vibe: The event mixes nostalgia, music and activism , expect a parade at 11am plus stage performances.
  • Practical note: The festival offers accessible, ally-friendly spaces that reflect the town’s changing attitudes.

Sir Ian’s message: warm, funny and unmistakable

Sir Ian McKellen’s short video landed like a friendly nudge from an old neighbour, full of warmth and a touch of Lancashire wryness. He talks about school songs, coal, and the tiny ritual of spending threepence on Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, which gives the clip a lived-in, tactile feel. The punchline , the slogan on his T‑shirt , is simple and direct, and that’s exactly the point: normalising being gay by treating it as no big deal.

Why his backing matters to Wigan Pride

This isn’t just celebrity window‑dressing. McKellen’s involvement dates back years , he asked why Wigan didn’t have a Pride, and that question helped spark the local movement. His public support gives the festival a boost at a time when many community events face funding pressures. It’s the sort of endorsement that brings attention, raises morale and nudges more people through the gates.

What to expect at this year’s event

Wigan Pride keeps its roots in community and performance. There’s a parade through Crawford Street kicking off at 11am, plus stage slots from familiar faces in pop and drag culture. Expect a mix of nostalgia and contemporary acts, family-friendly stalls and local businesses joining in , Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls even has a rainbow tin this year. It’s the sort of street party that feels both local and proudly loud.

How grassroots Pride differs from big-city festivals

Grassroots events are often scrappier, closer to the people who run them and sensitive to local culture. They can’t always match the production values of a major city Pride, but they make up for it in authenticity and community support. For anyone choosing where to spend a Saturday, these smaller Prides offer easier access, friendlier crowds and chances to meet the organisers. They also remind us that tangible, local activism still matters.

Practical tips for attending Wigan Pride

Wear comfortable shoes , you’ll be on your feet for the parade. Bring cash for small stalls, although many vendors now accept cards. If you want quieter spaces, check the event guide for chill-out areas or ally zones. And if you love the Mint Balls gag, arrive early: the special pride tin and the locally created “Madam Mintball” outfit will be crowd-pleasers.

It’s a small change that can make every parade feel more welcoming.

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