Newcastle Pride Guide 2025

WHATS ON

LINE UP

PRIDE FRINGE

FREE GUIDE

NEWCASTLE IS READY TO BE

UNAPOLOGETICALLY VISIBLE Newcastle Pride is set to return for a city-wide takeover this summer, following the success of last year’s transformative event.

19 – 20 JUL ‘25

The festival, which will take place across the 19th and 20th July, promises an even bigger lineup of celebrations, live entertainment, family activities and access to health and wellbeing support.

New venues are on board to amplify the city takeover. First up is the iconic Theatre Royal which will place host to the incredibly popular Family and Youth Zone.

Your FULL arena line up and stage times Page 19

Whilst independent theatre, Alphabetti, will support the delivery of a new zone. The Trans+ Zone will provide a safe, celebratory, and empowering area for the region’s trans, non-binary community and gender diverse community.

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Newcastle Pride 2025

WHAT’S INSIDE? NEWS FEATURES 26

LOCAL ARTISTS COMMISSIONED The call-out challenged artists to respond to the theme Unapologetically Visible, highlighting what this means to them and how it is expressed and explored through their creativity.

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RIDE WITH PRIDE Nexus launched a limited-edition Metro Pop card featuring icons from the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate Pride 2024 and champion inclusive travel for everyone. Cards are back for 2025!

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LAUNCHING PRIDE FRINGE A whole host of community events are set to kick off from June with the first ever Pride Fringe. 17 individual events from comedy, theatre, concerts, networking sessions and so much more! Something for everyone.

NEWCASTLE PRIDE FESTIVAL PLANNING

EXTRA BITS AND BOBS

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THE PRIDE ARENA IS BACK

Some of the best queer artists from the NE in one playlist

Pixie, Gok, Michael and Livin’ Joy are joined by local acts

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YOUR ’AT A GLANCE’ WHAT’S ON GUIDE

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YOUR FREE PRIDE FESTIVAL ZONES AND KEY INFO From festival favourites to new zones, stages and popup entertainment. From the March to the Vigil, it’s all here for you this summer!

www.northern-pride.com

NORTHERN PRIDE’S STE DUNN About Northern Pride’s Newcastle city centre takeover this year

From what's on at the Pride Arena to all the FREE festival zones across the city!

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GENERATOR PRIDE PLAYLIST

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WITH OUR LOVE AND THANKS TO JANET We remember our friend and colleague, an inspirational leader who led with care, compassion and humour.

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UNAPOLOGETICALLY WE MOVED PRIDE INTO VISIBLE WHEN THE HEART OF NEWCASTLE, IT

WASN’T JUST ABOUT GEOGRAPHY. IT WAS ABOUT POWER. VISIBILITY. LIBERATION.

Too often, queer lives are pushed to the fringes, celebrated conditionally, tolerated in pockets, erased when inconvenient.

But last summer, standing on Grey’s Monument, looking out over a sea of colour, of tears, of laughter and love, I felt the full weight of what it meant for us to take up space. On our terms. In our city.

There was something electric in the air.

Something emotional. There we were: queer people, trans people, elders, families, kids, allies. Loud. Proud.

Unmissable. And somewhere in that crowd, I know there was a young person, maybe scared, maybe unsure, maybe not yet out, watching it all unfold.

Realising for the first time: You’re not alone. There’s a place for you here.

That’s what Pride is. A signal. A sanctuary. A battle cry.

And that’s why this year, our Pride March is dedicated to our Trans+ community.

Because let’s be honest, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people are under attack. Legislatively. Culturally. Violently. But here in Newcastle, we march in solidarity and in defiance. We say clearly, proudly, without compromise:

Trans women are women. Trans men are men.

Non-binary people are valid. No one gets left behind.

Visibility matters, but it has to be backed by action. That’s why we’re not just putting on a party. We’re building something deeper.

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Newcastle Pride 2025

This year, we’ve created new spaces of safety, creativity, and celebration, including the first-ever Trans+ Zone at Alphabetti Theatre, artist commissions that explore what it means to be Unapologetically Visible, and the launch of our Pride Fringe, bringing queer culture to every corner of the city in the weeks leading up to the festival.

It’s easy to think Pride is a weekend. But for us, it’s a movement. An ongoing act of resistance, joy and community care. We do this for the people who came before us. For those no longer with us. For those still waiting to feel seen. Pride is protest.

Pride is power. Pride is possibility.

And none of it happens alone. So, I want to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

To our community partners, funders, artists, volunteers, and every single person who’s supported Northern Pride, you’ve helped turn vision into reality. You’ve helped build a space where people don’t just survive, they thrive. A place where queer joy takes centre stage and our stories aren’t just told, they’re celebrated.

We do this together. And we keep going, together. Because the work isn’t finished until every single one of us is safe, supported, and free.

So to the next generation: march louder, dream bigger, take up space.

You don’t need permission. You already belong.

With love, gratitude, and Pride,

Ste Dunn Director, Northern Pride www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

YOUR FREE FESTIVAL A WELCOMED RETURN TO THE HEART OF THE CITY FOR 2025 Newcastle Pride 2025, presented in partnership with Newcastle NE1, Newcastle City Council and North East Combined Authority, will commence from 12pm on Saturday 19 July across Newcastle, with entertainment starting over on the Lumo Platform located at Grey’s Monument.

Here local artists and new acts will take to the stage across the day, bringing the city’s queer community and allies together. This includes Newcastle Mela who will be joining the celebrations again for 2025, bringing a vibrant mix of culture, music and community in both the LGBTQIA+ and South Asian communities.

The Newcastle Pride Market Village will also return alongside the Lumo Platform at Grey’s Monument and Old Eldon Square and will feature stalls from LGBTQIA+ businesses, community groups and independent creators.

Queer art and culture will be celebrated over on the Curious Arts stage, located at Northern Stage at Barras Bridge. Brand new for 2025 will be a free drag kings’ performance, which will see talent showcases from North East drag artists, Veggie Stripper, Boob Ross, Jack Boxx and Stan Doubt from 2pm.

For the first year ever, Newcastle Pride will host a new free zone for the Trans+ community at Alphabetti Theatre. This will include the opportunity for everyone under the Trans+ umbrella to meet support agencies and charities, take part in workshops and make new friends in a safe space.

One of Northern Pride’s commissioned creative artists for this year, sculptor and drag king, Lady Kitt, will be creating a free multi-sensory installation at Grainger Market, for the festival which will answer the question “What do we need to remain Unapologetically Visible in troubled times?”, bringing to life the lived experiences of local LGBTQIA+ people.

The Family & Youth Zone will be in partnership with Newcastle Theatre Royal this year, which will be open to all ages, including LGBTQIA+ families or queer young people who would like to meet like minded individuals within the community in a safe space. The zone will include activities such as face painting, storytelling and live performances across the day, followed by a teen disco hosted by North East cabaret artist, Gloria Love. www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

FAMILY AND YOUTH ZONE

NEWCASTLE PRIDE AND THEATRE ROYAL TO BRING LGBTQIA+ FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH DAY OF CELEBRATIONS

Newcastle Pride have teamed up with the prestigious Newcastle Theatre Royal, to welcome families and young people of all ages for a day of free Pride fun.

The Family & Youth Zone at the Theatre Royal will be open on Saturday 19 July to everyone aged 0-99 who would like to attend Pride together. Newcastle Pride is encouraging everyone to visit, including LGBTQIA+ families or queer young people who would like to meet like minded individuals within the community in a safe space.

The Family & Youth Zone will open from 12pm where guests can expect everything from face painting, storytelling with Bookwrym and a live performance by Urban Kaos, to interactive musical events including an ‘Express Yourself’ workshop and Lip Sync Battle presented

by Curious Arts.

There will also be a range of stalls in the Theatre offering support and fun activities, including pop ups from Action for Children, Newcastle Mela, YMCA and ATOMS.

The day will then conclude at 4pm with a teen disco hosted by North East cabaret artist, Gloria Love on the temporary Unfolding Theatre stage which will be built inside the theatre. To mark the run up to the festival, Theatre Royal has raised the Pride flag which will proudly fly over Grey Street for the next month to spread a message of inclusivity and hope to all of Newcastle.

Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal said: “We’re excited to be working with Northern Pride. It’s important that local people, businesses and allies are visible in showing their support, and for us there’s no better way than by partnering with Newcastle Pride festival. It’s great to be providing a creative space where families can join in on the festivities and take part in free activities. The Family & Youth Zone is set to offer a fantastic programme, so there’s something for all members of the family from young children to teens and adults.” www.northern-pride.com

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TRANS + ZONE

A safe, celebratory, and empowering area for the region’s trans+ and non-binary community.

Hosted at Alphabetti Theatre in collaboration with Newcastle Pride, The Trans+ Zone aims to be a safe, celebratory, and empowering area for the region’s trans+ and non-binary community.

The event includes: fun and relaxed workshops for participants to engage with; merch stalls by some awesome queer artists; helpful information leaflets; The Radical TJOY exhibition; plus food and drinks available to purchase from the Alphabetti Bar. This event is free and drop in, so feel free to pop by the Trans+ Zone and soak up some good, kind vibes or hang around and

get excited for the chaotic queer cabaret: The Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret happening in the evening. Either way, we'd love to see you there!

Here are some more details on some of the exciting activities, stalls and art for you to check out throughout the day…

Chill & Chat Badge Making Make your own good vibes gender, pronoun or silly little badges with the option to have a relaxed chat while you make.

Zine Making Make your very own zine (a self published mini magazine) full of gender affirmations, your identity journey, helpful trans+ tips or advice, or just fill it full of things that make you feel happy and good, using collage, comics, poetry and creative writing.

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Newcastle Pride 2025

Post Card Making Unleash your passions and activism by designing your own unique Trans Joy postcard. Come up with a bold concept, create interesting visuals or powerful messages. You will also have the option of designing a postcard to feature in the Radical TJOY art exhibition, which will also be used as a backdrop for an exciting cabaret on the evening.

Radical TJOY Exhibition Curious Arts have commissioned a selection of incredible local Trans+ artists to design some artwork to feature in the Radical TJOY Exhibition held in Alphabetti’s Main Theatre. The art work aims to spread trans hope and joy, whilst also celebrating some of our fantastic talented artists in the community.

Information Stall A stall full of helpful charities that support trans+ and non-binary folks and allies, with information about youth groups, support groups, websites and more.

Ilex Mori @ilex_mori - Merch Stall Ilex Mori sell a mix of character prints, stickers and keychains of various designs from franchises like Pokemon, Mario, Pikmin (a lot of nintendo), but also with a large lean to LGBTQIA+ with pride animal stickers and also some exciting new keychains on the way.

PyDesigns @pydesignsuk - Merch Stall Conveniently cute accessories and trinkets inspired by queerness, neurodiversity, and Japanese culture. Pydesigns is created by Miller Power, a trans, disabled, and autistic artist. They will also be stocking a fantastic protest postcard art by Dan Draws Stuff who is a trans traditional artist.

The Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret (7.30PM - Late) Mack and Mama Rhi are back with the cabaret of their dreams: The Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret! This chaotic queer cabaret includes a star-studded line up of acts ranging from drag, poetry, live music and more, celebrating trans icons, celebrity crushes and a homage to Stars In Their Eyes…but Trans. Open to all LGBTQIA+ Folks, their allies, Zaddies and of course, most importantly Pedro Pascal! www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

THE CURIOUS ARTS STAGE INTRODUCES NE LADZ The time has come for Kings of the North East to take the spotlight! Howay Ladz ladz ladz!

A brand new event supporting and showcasing North East Drag Kings Veggie Stripper, Boob Ross, Jack Boxx and Stan Doubt is set to take the Curious Arts Stage this pride.

Come down to the NE LADZ platform and let’s celebrate King Culture together!

It''s a chance to explore & celebrate Drag King talent and excellence. Hosted

by Vick The Prick and special king guest Chiyo!

VICK THE PRICK This Geordie lad may not win the crowns but wins hearts and charms crowds with looks, humour and subversive satire on gender stereotypes.

CHIYO The UK's Prinx of Provocation. A multidisciplined Artist who is notorious for merging rage with ferocious sexual energy, campery, and boylesque.

Not only was he the first Trans man to ever compete for Mr GAY UK (placing 2nd), he's also won the Sexual Freedom Award's 'Performer of the Year' award, and has previously been named as one of Attitude's TOP 100 Trailblazers of the year.

www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

CANDLELIT VIGIL Sunday 20 July from 9pm

The Newcastle Pride Festival and celebration come to a close on Sunday night with the annual Candlelit Vigil that takes place immediately after the last act.

Whilst the location of this event is in the Pride Arena, the vigil is free to attend.

Gates will open 10 mins before for none ticket holders.

An important aspect of the Northern Pride Festival, giving those in attendance time for reflection and remembrance.

Celebrat ing LGBTQIA+ cult ure across the North East and beyond

s.or t r a s u ur i o w w w.c

g . uk

ents v E d n a ojects r P , s t IA+Ar LGBTQ

www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

OUR PRIDE MARCH

This year's march is dedicated to our Trans+ community!

In line with the theme unapologetically visible, this year’s March will again see thousands of community members, allies, local people and businesses come together to fill the streets of Newcastle with a colourful message of hope.

And this year we are dedicating our march to the trans, non-binary and gender diverse community as we use our collective voices to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges and discrimination faced by our trans siblings, lets use our march to loudly and proudly say,

Trans Women are Women, Trans Men are Men and Non-Binary people are valid.

Due to the ongoing development of Northumberland Street, it is with great regret that the route for the annual Newcastle Pride march on Saturday 19 July will now change to pass through John Dobson Street. This is to ensure maximum safety of all attendees as it is not possible to march the planned route with the continued works and associated risks.

The march will commence from the Civic Centre at 12pm as planned, but will this year head down John Dobson Street, before returning to the usual route on Blackett Street then finally onto Percy Street. The march will finish at Civic Centre ahead of the citywide celebrations.

Whilst we are incredibly disappointed that we cannot march down Northumberland Street, something that is fundamental to Pride and is symbolic to the LGBTQIA+ community and our visibility in the city, the priority has to be the safety and welfare of everyone taking part. We were made aware of concerns by Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police surrounding the ongoing building works on Northumberland Street and the risks related to the march. With this, strict guidance was provided to modify our plans.

We are working closely with all partners to ensure that we do everything we can to make this change work. It’s paramount that the LGBTQIA+ community is able to march safely while remaining unapologetically visible.

www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

THE PRIDE ARENA IS BACK

BIGGER AND BETTER THAN 2024, WITH THE RETURN OF DANCE AND CABARET TENT!

Newcastle Pride is set to make a spectacular return this summer, announcing its exciting lineup of music, drag, and culture, as it takes over Newcastle City Centre on 19th and 20th July 2025.

The festival promises to be bigger and better than the first-ever city-wide takeover in 2024, this year expanding to feature two stages in The Pride Arena with the support of Evnt Inspirations and Life Science Centre, and featuring a star-studded Saturday lineup of entertainment.

Pop sensation Pixie Lott leads the Saturday lineup, following her much-anticipated return to music last year after the release of her fourth album, Encino. Pixie scored a UK Number 1 with her first song Mama Do (Uh Oh, Oh Oh), before going on to release more chart toppers including Boys and Girls, and All About Tonight. Isolation Nation icon, stylist and award-winning national treasure, Gok Wan, will be taking to the main stage with an energetic DJ set that will fill the Pride Arena with the soundtrack to the weekend.

Also joining the lineup will be Drag Race UK finalist and North East favourite Michael Marouli, who has toured the world as both a solo artist and with their drag group, Angels Of The North, selling out in both the UK and Australia. Bringing 90’s Eurodance vibes to the stage will be Italian sensation Livin’ Joy, who released various successful hits during the mid-1990s, including Dreamer, Don't Stop Movin’, Follow the Rules and Where Can I Find Love.

Continuing the feel-good festival, Sunday will celebrate local artists and entertainment from tribute acts including ‘Taylor Swift’, ‘Sabrina Carpenter’, ‘Lady Gaga’, ‘Freddie Mercury’ along with queer art collective, The Future is Queer. The Pride Arena will also feature dazzling performances in the popular Dance and Cabaret tent, as it makes its welcome to return to the festival weekend. www.northern-pride.com

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NEWCASTLE PRIDE ARENA WHATS ON AT CENTRAL PARK, TIMES SQUARE Tickets on sale from £7.50 for the bigger Pride Arena!

MAIN STAGE SAT 19TH

12PM 1PM

2PM 3PM 4PM

5PM

CARMEN SILK NORTHERN PROUD VOICES LOREN HEAT NEWCASTLE MELA RYAN PETITJEAN SXARLETT MEA T CLEAVER ZELA LIVE CHIYO

10PM

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PARIS MUNRO DJ SET CURIOUS ARTS YOUTH MUSIC RUSTY'S SHOW GIRLS

TOTALLY TAYLOR THE FUTURE IS QUEER TASTE OF SABRINA

PIXIE LOTT QUEERDO GOK WAN

THAT FREDDIE QUEEN DONNA MARIE (LADY GAGA)

LIVIN JOY MICHAEL MAROULI MICHAEL MADDISON

CANDLELIT VIGIL (free entry)

8PM 9PM

SAT 19TH

SUN 20TH

Hosted by MISS RORY, PARIS MUNRO & PLASTIQ

6PM 7PM

SUN 20TH

DANCE & CABARET STAGE

GLORIA LOVE & FRIENDS FERNE ANDO TONI THE DOLL BRADLEY SKENG GLADYS DUFFY LILLIAN LARKIN SCARLETT MAE KEANE BALDWIN TK SYNE JOSH BELL

OPEN DRAG NIGHT SYNN VWALAH

LOVE DELUXE EROTICA DANNI DELONCO ELLEROSE THE UNICORN

Newcastle Pride 2025

FESTIVAL ZONE LINE UP WHATS ON AT YOUR FREE EVENTS

An amazing line up of entertainment across the city on Saturday 20 th

CURIOUS ARTS

Northern Stage

12pm

Greys Monument

Host and resident DJ PLEWS

1pm 18+

2pm

3pm

NE LADZ DRAG KING SHOW Host VICK THE PRICK Feat. CHIYO

NEWCASTLE MELA HOMOTIV8

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Taking place on the Unfolding Theatre Stage

All day throughout the building

URBAN KAOS EXPRESS YOURSELF BOOKWYRM

FREE FACE PAINTING HENNA LEGO BUILDING SENSORY SPACE CURIOUS ARTS CRAFTS HANDS ON ACTVITIES WITH CHARITIES AND PARTNERS

SOPHIE GORDON SAM LAVERY

LIP SYNC BATTLE ATOMS BOOKWYRM

BOLLYWOOD BRASS BAND

TEEN DISCO With GLORIA LOVE

4pm

5pm

FAMILY & YOUTH

LUMO PLATFORM

ALSO HAPPENING

TRANS + ZONE

Alphabetti Theatre, St James Boulevard 1 – 5pm SAFE, CELEBRATORY, AND EMPOWERING ZONE FOR THE REGION’S TRANS+ AND NON-BINARY COMMUNITY WITH ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITION and more Feat Pedro Pascal Says Trans Rights cabaret show 7 - 10pm (ticketed)

THE MARKET VILLAGE Old Eldon Sq, Grey St, & Grainger St 12 – 5pm CREATIVES, SERVICES PROVIDERS, INFORMATION STALLS & SCREEN ON THE GREEN

www.northern-pride.com

INVITING MAGIC Grainger Market 10am – 2.30pm (Sat/Sun) LADY KITT

YE OLDE WISHING WELL

Tyneside Cinema 6-7pm EJ RAYMOND 21

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Newcastle Pride 2025

www.northern-pride.com

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NEWCASTLE’S FIRST EVER ‘PRIDE FRINGE’ Ophelia Balls will be debuting their very own one-woman show, ‘A Life Not in Heels’

Festival goers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.

A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

As part of the celebration, North East drag royalty Pride Radio favourite, Ophelia Balls, will also be taking to the stage, debuting their very own one-woman show, ‘A Life Not in Heels’, Friday 20th June at Northern Stage. For the very first time, and without a safety net, Ophelia will be sharing heartfelt, hilarious, and unforgettable stories from their life as a legendary North East drag queen.

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Newcastle Pride 2025

The Fringe festivities will kick off on 5th June with ‘Al’s Pals’ at Newcastle’s The Stand Comedy Club hosted by local comedian, Al Stevenson, and featuring a range of North East comedic talent including Matt Reed, Maxine Wade, Catherine Young and Percy Savage.

This will then be followed by Newcastle Pride’s ‘Laugh Out Proud’ fundraiser on the 9th June, also at The Stand Comedy Club, which will bring together some of the UK’s best LGBTQIA+ comedians for a one-night-only celebration of queer talent and community.

Other highlights of the Pride Fringe programme for 2025 include an immersive screening of the Wizard of Oz at Tyneside Cinema on Thursday 12th June, featuring some of the region’s favourite drag artists. Pride Speed Friending at NQ64, will take place a week later, Thursday 19th, which encourages meeting new people through a mix of games, chats and chilled out vibes and the iconic ‘Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret’ which will take place at the Alphabetti cinema on 19th July.

Northern Proud Voices are back with their Newcastle Cathedral Concert Northern Pride is partnering with other LGBTQIA+ organisations and charities to bring more to Pride Fringe this year. Northern Proud Voices are back with their Newcastle Cathedral Concert on Friday 4th July, Curious Arts are showcasing Bi Curious George at Alphabetti a day earlier on Thursday 3rd. Northern Pride will also be partnering with Out to Swim who will be showcasing their inclusive swimming sessions at Heworth before enjoying a social event down on the quayside on Saturday 5th July. Festival attendees will also have the opportunity to join Out of Office, the LGBTQIA+ professionals network for an evening of business networking and a special panel discussion with leading figures from the region at Ward Haddaway’s Quayside premises, Thursday 26th June.

What also promises to be fab additions to Pride Fringe, will be the Eldon Sq take over which will take place on Saturday 14th June, whilst queer makers and creatives will be invited to One Strawberry Lane for an indoor market, Queer Exchange, which will take place on Sunday 22nd June. www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

LOCAL ARTISTS FOR THIS YEAR’S NEWCASTLE PRIDE COMMISSIONED FRINGE

Christopher Niari and Sam Barley, local fashion designers renowned for their bold custom pieces for drag artists unveiled during Pride Fringe

Drag king Lady Kitt has turned an empty shop unit into a vibrant, multi sensory installation

Following this year’s call out for local artists, Northern Pride unveiled the talented artists selected to take centre stage at the inaugural Newcastle Pride Fringe Festival and Newcastle Pride 2025.

Working together with Creative Central NCL and Curious Arts, Northern Pride set local artists a creative brief to express themselves through their chosen art form and respond to this year’s theme, Unapologetically Visible.

Among the recipients of the two Creative Commissions grants worth £2,500 are Christopher Niari and Sam Barley, local fashion designers renowned for their bold custom pieces for drag artists. The grant will support Christopher and Sam in developing new designs to be unveiled during the Pride Fringe Festival, bringing their dynamic aesthetic to a wider audience.

The second commission has been awarded to Lady Kitt, a sculptor known for creating impressive and socially conscious installations. Kitt’s Newcastle Pride 2025 installation will offer festivalgoers a place to pause and reflect, serving as both a sanctuary and a physical tribute to the work it takes for LGBTQIA+ people to be unapologetically visible.

All art forms were encouraged, which has resulted in an eclectic mix of singers, designers, and artists, celebrating everything the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community has to offer.

In partnership with www.northern-pride.com

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In addition to the two fully funded commissions, three further artists have received Research and Development Get Ready grants to help them create new work or enhance existing ideas.

Amy Langdown is one of these lucky creatives who will have the opportunity to showcase their talents with Out Of Your Head! (OOYH!), a themed poetry night where Amy will look to create an event that dispels attitudes around spoken word. This event will be included as part of this year’s Pride Fringe. Finally, EJ Raymond will use the Get Ready grant to screen their short film, Ye Olde Wishing Well, to raise awareness of the deaf community and highlight the barriers deaf creatives continue to face.

Vix Leaney, Project Manager at Creative Central NCL said: “We are really pleased to announce the winning artists for this year’s Pride Festival.

Drag king Lady Kitt has turned an empty shop unit into a vibrant, multi sensory installation

“We received so many incredible submissions for the creative commissions with local artists from all walks of life, and it’s really inspiring to see the talent that is right here in the North East. It’s brilliant to be working in partnership with Northern Pride to give them a unique platform to showcase their creativity in Newcastle city centre this summer.”

Speaking on being selected for one of this year’s creative commissions, Christopher Niari said:

“To us, ‘unapologetically visible’ means being unashamedly yourself, and outwardly expressing your queerness boldly and unapologetically” Receiving this funding is absolutely amazing, it gives us a license to create without limitations, therefore allowing us to express our points of view as artists completely unchained.

“We really hope to put a spotlight directly on the talent within the fashion and design community within the North East, and really champion the queer excellence that runs deeply through it; a spotlight that will hopefully be lasting.”

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Newcastle Pride 2025

Also speaking on their successful commission, Lady Kitt said:

“It feels great to be supported by local LGBTQIA+ organisations in my creative work. It means I can continue my research into Queer Creative Health, particularly how art interventions can help to reduce stress and emotional labour for multiple marginalised communities" “To me, ‘unapologetically visible’ means having the support, resources, care and community to remain visible even in the current climate. With the funding, I plan to run workshops for local people on ‘how to stay Unapologetically Visible in troubled times’. Through this, attendees can share ideas which will be woven together to create an installation, which I hope offers a space for rest, connection, and contemplation at this year’s Newcastle Pride celebration.”

CREATIVE CENTRAL NCL a place for independent artists, creative professionals

and cultural organisations to thrive in central Newcastle. We want to see a city centre that is brought to life by artists and creatives, where their skills, practice and experience is a cornerstone of what makes the city attractive and unique. To do that, Creative Central NCL have received funding from the North East Combined Authority to support independent artists, creative professionals and cultural organisations in a whole range of ways from 2022 – 2027.

www.northern-pride.com

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YOUR PRIDE FRINGE EVENTS AL'S PALS Al’s Pals are coming together to put on a night of PAWSOME comedy to fundraise money for Second Chance Dog Rescue!

05 Jun 2025, 20:30 – 22:30 The Stand Comedy Club, 31 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1EW

LAUGH OUT PROUD FUNDRAISER Laugh Out Proud, a queer comedy fundraiser bringing the fiercest and funniest LGBTQIA+ talent to the iconic Stand Newcastle stage. With host PlastiQ, Connor Read, Al Stevenson, Lilian Larking, Nicola Mantalios and Headliner Chris Hall!

09 Jun 2025, 20:30 – 22:30 The Stand Comedy Club, 31 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1EW

MARK BITTLESTONE: I NEED A STRAIGHT GUY* *not in a romantic way - you’re all mingers and perves.

Join IG/Tiktok star Mark (BBC New Comedy Awards shortlist, 80m views) for his “dynamic, funny and original guide to the queer experience” 05 Jun 2025, 20:30 – 22:30 The Stand Comedy Club, 31 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1EW

CELEBRATE PRIDE AT ELDON SQUARE Join us for a day of celebration as Eldon Square Newcastle transforms into a hub of Pride festivities. In support of Newcastle Pride, we’re hosting a family-friendly event that brings together entertainment, art and community engagement – all under one roof!

14 Jun 2025, 10:00 – 15:00 Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 30

Newcastle Pride 2025

ARCADE ALLIES Join us for Pride Speed Friending at NQ64, expect a fun, relaxed night of arcade games, a cocktail on arrival and fast-paced socialising!

19 Jun 2025, 18:00 – 21:00 NQ64 Arcade Bar, 82 Pilgrim St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6SG

A LIFE NOT IN HEELS WITH OPHELIA BALLS For the very first time, surprisingly, and without so much as a glittery safety net, Ophelia takes to the stage to tell it like it was. Long before mobile phones, social media, or RuPaul’s Drag Race, there was life. Real, loud, fabulous life.

20 Jun 2025, 19:30 – 23:30 Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RH

QUEER EXCHANGE Join us for the Queer Market and discover pride crafts, music and stalls from local LGBTQIA+ creatives and vendors, celebrating queer talent and community.

22 Jun 2025, 10:00 – 16:00 One Strawberry Lane, One Strawberry Ln, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX

OUT OF OFFICE: BOLD VOICES, BRIGHT FUTURES Hosted in the stunning Quayside offices of Ward Hadaway, this special edition of Out of Office features a panel of influential LGBTQIA+ voices from across business and industry

26 Jun 2025, 18:00 – 20:00 Ward Hadaway, 102 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DX

www.northern-pride.com

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OUT OF YOUR HEAD! A special Out of Your Haad! poetry night all about being Unapologetically Visible in our Queerness. With a full Queer line-up, there'll be performances by six amazing poets including Amy Langdown, who will also be hosting.

26 Jun 2025, 19:00 – 22:00 Tyne Theatre and Opera House, 109-113 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AG

QUEER PLANET Award-winning drag king and London's loveable nature boy, Bi-Curious George, invites you into a raucous celebration of queerness and the animal kingdom. In partnership with Curious Arts.

03 Jul 2025, 19:30 – 21:00 Alphabetti Theatre, St James' Blvd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4HP

NORTHERN PROUD VOICES CATHEDRAL CONCERT 2025 Join us for an uplifting evening of pop and rock hits performed by Northern Proud Voices, the North East’s largest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ choir.

04 Jul 2025, 19:00 – 20:30 Newcastle Cathedral, St. Nicholas Sq, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PF

OUT TO SWIM Join the new swim club in Newcastle for a fun morning of swimming. Get free coaching, have a taster session and meet a great bunch of LGBTQIA+ members for a fun hour.

We promise unicorns!

05 Jul 2025, 10:45 – 12:00 Heworth Leisure Centre, High Lanes, Gateshead NE10 0PD

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Newcastle Pride 2025

QUEER BODIES A runway presentation celebrating the point of views of a selection of local queer fashion designers from the North East.

10 Jul 2025, 19:00 – 23:00 Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JA

PADDLE WITH PRIDE Show your love for all things Pride by exploring our fabulous quayside and iconic bridges from the majestic waters of the river Tyne to the sounds of the best LGBTQIA+ artists in our flag covered kayaks, hats and sunglasses.

15 Jul 2025, 17:45 – 20:45 NE1 City Marina, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne

INVITING MAGIC For their Pride 2025 commission sculptor and drag king Lady Kitt has turned an empty shop unit into a vibrant, multi sensory installation 19 & 20 Jul 2025, 10:00 – 14:30 The Grainger Market (External Unit , Corner of Clayton St and Nelson St, Newcastle, NE1 5AN

YE OLDE WISHING WELL - SCREENING Ye Olde Wishing Well is a visually-driven short film written and directed by a profoundly Deaf, non-binary filmmaker, EJ Raymond

19 Jul 2025, 17:30 – 18:30 Tyneside Cinema, 10 Pilgrim St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6QG

www.northern-pride.com

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Creat ive Cent ral NCL where independent art ist s, creat ive people and businesses t hrive.

Funding, grant s, c o mmissio ns, o pport unit ies and skills development f or art ist s and c reat ives in c ent ral Newc ast le.

Creat iveCent ralNCL.co.uk

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Newcastle Pride 2025

RIDE WITH OUR VERY OWN PRIDE POP PRIDE WITH CARD DESIGNED BY EM T SHARP

Nexus is bringing back the limitededition Metro Pop card featuring icons from the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate Pride and champion inclusive travel for everyone.

The dazzling design appears on the familiar Pop smartcard for this year’s Northern Pride Festival. They will be available at the event in Newcastle, 19 July, at the Market Village next to Grey’s Monument.

It was the work of local multidisciplinary creative designer and visual communicator Em T Sharp, whose design features LGBTAIQ+ icons, including Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Marsha P Johnson, Claude Cahun and Audre Lorde.

The Northern Pride mascot, Alex with a not to scale Pop Card ;)

Nexus are the official transport and accessibility partner of Northern Pride, and has brought out the LGBTQIA+ themed Pop card to support this. Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus, said:

“Our Pride Pop cards are a great way for us to champion inclusivity in our role as the transport and accessibility partner for this year’s Newcastle Pride festival.

“The Pop card features vibrant and colourful new artwork that celebrates icons from the LGBTQIA+ community. They look great and we think they’re going to prove popular. We hope the design will spark a positive conversation as people learn more about these inspirational figures of queer culture.

“These new Pop cards are a limited edition so anyone who would like to get one will need to pick one up quickly. We’ll be giving them out on our stall at this year’s Northern Pride Festival, on the Saturday, 19 July, at the Market Village next to Monument Metro station. www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

“Inclusivity is the cornerstone of our brand, right across the communities that Metro serves.

We want everyone to feel welcome, safe, and free from discrimination whenever they choose to travel with us. Metro is a great way to get to and from these brilliant Pride events.”

As accessibility partner for Northern Pride, Nexus will also be providing a free shuttle bus at this year’s festival helping attendees get round the city to visit all the spaces and places the event is taking over with the city format.

More information about the Pride Pop Card and the icons featured, head to www.northern-pride.com/popcard

www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

GENERATOR PRIDE SPECIAL PLAYLIST Curated by our very own director Ste Dunn

Since it’s Newcastle Pride, and Ste is an alumni of Team Generator, the gang at GenHQ asked Ste to pull together some of the regions best queer and queer inspired artists.

Ste shared, “I’ve handpicked these incredible queer and queer-inspired artists to celebrate Newcastle and the North East’s vibrant Pride scene with a fresh, Gen Pride energy. Each track brings something unique. From feelgood summer anthems and raw, honest lyrics to powerful activism and unapologetic visibility.

SCAN TO LISTEN

“These artists embody the spirit of community, passion, and creativity that makes our queer/music scene so alive and inspiring. This playlist is a soundtrack for dancing, reflecting, and standing proud together. No matter where you are on your journey.”

How Could I Know?

St Buryan “Love these folks and worked with them a few times. Such a feel good vibe and they often get the audience participating… the “oooh”’s in this track will be stuck in your head for an age!” @stburyanband

Good Girls Khalysis "Few duos work as hard, or pour as much passion into their sound as Khalysis. Their tracks are made for summer parties, full of energy, attitude, and pure joy." @khalysismusic

www.northern-pride.com

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OBSESSED Ryan Petitjean "The lyrics, the layered vocals… I’m obsessed! Ryan’s stage presence is magnetic, and this track shows exactly why he’s one to watch." @ryanpetitjean

2009 Loren Heat "A recent favourite I’ve had on full blast with the windows down… no apologies. The lyrics pull you straight back to the beating heart of the dance floor and the rush of queer passion.” @lorenheat

Stories in My Mind Joseph Bell "Joseph’s 2025 releases are lyrically rich and deeply relatable. I’ll let you decide which track hits hardest, but for me, this one’s a reminder to speak up with passion and kindness." @josephbell.music

At Least We Don’t Have Kids Isabel Maria "Move over, pop princesses… Isabel brings the hard truths with heart, serving the kind of honesty today’s youth need."

@isa6elmaria

Suddenly Michael T Ogilvie "I’ve worked with Michael a few times and recently seen his passion for passing the mic to the next generation through creating Future is Queer, a truly inspiring queer collective.

He leads by example: if the space isn’t there, go make it!" @michaeltogilive / @thefutureisqueerlive

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Newcastle Pride 2025

Lifestyle Kay Greyson "Kay never stops impressing me, with their craft, passion, and dedication to uplifting everyone from bedroom writers to creative leaders. If you can be anything, be more like Kay: kind, compassionate, and fiercely driven." @kaygreyson

Grilled Cheese Martha Hill "Nowt cheesy here, just a passionate break-up, make-up anthem for the modern age. Hearing Martha speak up for artists, creatives, and performers with such dedication is truly admirable. Every time I listen, I learn how to be better." @marthahillmusic

Terf Wars Jade Mai Broadhead "I’m in awe of Jade. If anyone’s lyrics deserve to be heard right now, it’s hers. A beautiful soul, inspiring many through music, activism, and being unapologetically visibility." @jademiabroadheadmusic

From Grassroots scenes to global stages, Generator is driving cultural and creative change across the North Generator is the North’s leading music development agency. Since 1991, who’ve been breaking barriers, building careers, and pushing boundaries. They don’t just talk about the future - they create it.

They give talent, creative entrepreneurs and industry professionals the tools, connections and platforms they need to grow and thrive. Whether it’s developing artists, backing startups or opening doors to global opportunities, Generator turns Ambition into action. @generatorhq www.generator.org.uk www.northern-pride.com

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Newcastle Pride 2025

WITH OUR LOVE AND REST WELL JANET X THANKS, We are heartbroken to share news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Janet.

Janet was a much-loved member of the Northern Pride committee and the heart behind our Health and Wellbeing Zone.

Though she retired from the team some years ago, her influence never left us, even now, we often find ourselves asking, “What would Janet say?” or “What would Janet do?” She set the standard for care, compassion, and integrity in everything we do.

Janet brought a wealth of knowledge and experience from her work at Mesmac, where she championed sexual health, wellbeing, and LGBTQIA+ support. Her passion for uplifting others helped shape spaces that were welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone.

She also played a vital role in the early work of Rainbow Homes Newcastle, offering unwavering support to LGBTQIA+ people seeking asylum. Her commitment to justice and community touched so many lives and continues to inspire our work.

We are so grateful for everything Janet gave, to us, to the wider community, and to every person she supported with such heart. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will always be part of us.

We’re sending all our love to Janet’s family and her partner, Debbie, at this incredibly difficult time. www.northern-pride.com

In loving memory of Janet If you are able to, we invite you to donate to Rainbow Home, a charity very close to Janet’s heart and her passion for supporting our community.

Scan to donate

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