HOLLYWOOD royalty Sir Ian McKellen has thrown his support behind Bolton’s first Pride event — but will he be joining in with the celebrations?

The Lord of the Rings actor recorded a video message for the organisers — just like other celebrities such as former Time Lord Christopher Eccleston — but his includes the teaser, “hope to see you there.”

The former Bolton School pupil and Bolton Little Theatre patron would be a big coup for organisers James Edgington and Mark Geary following the announcement that the X Men star is also appearing at the Manchester Pride weekend as Grand Marshal.

In the video, the 76-year-old actor who came out in 1988 aged 49, said: “Hello I’m Ian McKellen and I support Bolton’s first Pride event. Hope to see you there. Love Bolton, hate homophobia.”

The three-day festival will kick off on Friday, October 16, when a community awards pride dinner will take place at the Whites Hotel, honouring the best of local community groups.

To find out more information about the event, visit boltonpride.com.