Under the theme “unapologetically visible” the aim now is to bring thousands of people to Newcastle, by bringing all the festival favourites right into the heart of the city. Our mission is clear.
We’re using our festival to highlight the vibrant and beautiful queer community, the valuable impact they have on society and the richness of their talents.
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.
Nexus has launched a limited-edition Metro Pop card featuring icons from the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate Pride 2024 and champion inclusive travel for everyone.
A whole host of community events are set to kick off from the 5th of July, with a celebration concert at Newcastle Cathedral first on the programme.
Drag icons, a 90s favourite, Top DJs & leading tribute acts
From what's on at the Pride Arena to all the FREE festival zones across the city!
on the meaning of being "unapologetically visible"
About Northern Pride’s Newcastle city centre takeover this year
From festival favourites to new zones, stages and popup entertainment. From the March to the Vigil, it’s all here for you this summer!
On being Unapologetically visible, the importance of queer representation in the music industry, and Chappell Roan.
in their own words for Northern Pride
When I was first approached to create this year's artwork for Northern Pride I knew it had to be political. Yes, Pride is a celebration filled with happy moments, partying and being surrounded by friends but it is so much more.
It’s indisputable that the concept of pride has changed over the years, becoming more widely accepted in the mainstream however, we must acknowledge that we got to this point because queer people fought for our right to party.
Pride is first and foremost a protest, and I think now more than ever, education and solidarity is needed surrounding the issues faced by the queer community.
With this in mind, I created the Northern Pride artwork for this year with the mantra of “Unapologetically Visible”. These bigots want to erase queer culture, experiences and most importantly people; being Unapologetically Visible is the ultimate form of protest.
THIS UNITY NOT ONLY HELPS US OVERCOME CHALLENGES BUT ALSO STRENGTHENS OUR BONDS, ENSURING THAT WE EMERGE EVEN STRONGER AND MORE CONNECTED.
The North-East has a vibrant and supportive queer community that I am proud to be part of. It includes many creative people, performers, and activists who are very important and sometimes overlooked. They work hard to make society notice and value queer art and queerness in general, and they deserve recognition for their impact which is what I kept in mind when creating 2024’s artwork.
With Pride happening in the city this year, I wanted to blend iconic Newcastle imagery with LGBTQ+ themes. Newcastle is famous for its football history, and the Magpie symbolises the local Geordies. I aimed to take this stereotypically “straight” symbol and give it a queer twist by decorating the Magpie's wings with the colours of the progressive pride flag. The theme is Unapologetically Visible, right?
SO LET'S MAKE NEWCASTLE QUEER!
WE’RE HERE, WE’RE QUEER, GET USED TO IT.
In anticipation of a controversial General Election marked by dog whistle politics and a surge in anti-trans rhetoric, I intended the artwork of Northern Pride 2024 to emerge as a beacon of resistance and solidarity.
This year’s event, more crucial than ever, offers a pivotal opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to march against discrimination and make their voices heard amidst the political unrest in the UK.
Historically, Northern Pride has found its home on the Town Moor, providing a vibrant yet somewhat secluded space for celebration.
However, this year's circumstances call for a significant shift.
It is imperative that Pride moves to the very heart of Newcastle's city centre. By doing so, Northern Pride 2024 can powerfully affirm that queer liberation remains a vital issue, solid in the face of adversity.
The decision to bring Pride into the core of the city is not merely a logistical change; it is a bold statement. It symbolises a refusal to be marginalised and an insistence on visibility and recognition.
In a climate where the rights and dignities of LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly under threat, occupying central spaces is an act of defiance and affirmation. It declares undoubtedly that the fight for equality and acceptance continues to persist.
In dedication to the queer community and its unwavering spirit, my artwork for Northern Pride 2024 stands as a testament to…
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by Laura Kingston for High Life North
Northern Pride director Ste Dunn talks to High Life North about the upcoming citywide takeover in Newcastle, being “unapologetically visible” and the challenges facing the Queer community.
Last year, the stage was set for the annual Northern Pride festival in Newcastle. Over 15,000 people braved the heavy rain to join the march, which then led on to the first day of the celebration at the Town Moor, where many more flocked to the festival.
However, as the rain continued overnight, the organisers had to make the “heartbreaking” decision to cancel the event as the grass site had become “hazardous” and “unsafe.”
The cancellation was devastating for everyone involved, but it also gave the organisers time to reflect.
“It gave us a real opportunity to look at what was important for the event. Why do we do it in the first place? What is the purpose of the event?” Said the director Ste Dunn.
“WE STARTED TO CHALLENGE OURSELVES. AS A CHARITY, WE WANT TO HAVE THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN BEING A FESTIVAL, BUT ALSO A GRASSROOTS PRIDE EVENT.”
This is a hard balance to strike, especially in the cost-of-living crisis where people have less disposable income. Therefore, the idea was born to host a city-wide takeover and hold the festival across Newcastle.
The festival returns bigger than ever with a march, stalls and art exhibitions taking place across the city from July 5-21.
The festival returns bigger than ever with a march, stalls and art exhibitions taking place across the city from July 5-21.
Throughout the main weekend, there will also be performances at Newcastle’s Central Park from a diverse range of different acts from Whigfield, Fat Tony, Angie Brown and Ginger Johnson.
The theme of this year’s festival is “unapologetically visible.” This was an incredibly meaningful and thought-provoking theme because the idea of “visibility” can mean different things to different people.
“When we hear the word visibility, we often think in the literal sense of being seen. When visibility in the Queer community can represent so many different things.
”IT’S BEING ABLE TO HOLD YOUR PARTNER’S HAND WHEN WALKING THE STREET. IT IS BEING ABLE TO RECEIVE YOUR GENDER RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE AND HAVE THAT MOMENT OF JOY. IT IS BEING ABLE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AT WORK OR SCHOOL WITHOUT FEAR OF PERSECUTION”
This idea of visibility will be taken as the key theme for a spectacular march through the city – starting at 12noon on Saturday 20th July, leaving from Newcastle Civic Centre.
Leading up to the event, Northern Pride have commissioned six artworks from various disciplines to interpret “unapologetically visible” in their own way – whether it’s through song, dance, performances, street art or art exhibitions.
“THAT, TO ME, IS WHAT ‘UNAPOLOGETICALLY VISIBLE’ AND PRIDE IN THE CITY IS, IT’S ABOUT EMPOWERING AND ENABLING OTHER ARTISTS AND QUEER PEOPLE TO TELL THEIR STORY”
He added: “It gave us an insight into what Queer people want and what they deserve to have from a Pride organiser. This part of our journey isn’t over. We start with six, but there’s so much more storytelling.
After expanding from a grass site venue to a city-wide festival, Northern Pride have been thrilled with how local businesses and the community have supported the event.
“Not only is the city perfect because of the spaces we have – Newcastle has so many different areas to take over and consume with Queer joy and bring alive the community in these pockets,” said Ste. “But also, the businesses coming forward to say, ‘How can we help and be a part of this?’”
One such establishment that has given great support is the newly renovated Assembly Rooms, which will be host to the largest Family and Youth zone Northern Pride has ever seen. Sponsored by Morgan Sindall, the Family and Youth zone will create an exciting and unique area where families and young people can go to feel inspired and understood.
Ste added “With this year’s theme ‘Unapologetically Visible’ it’s important for young people to see others like them, and to be able to relate to and share experiences with likeminded people and families” In 2022, The Northern Echo reported that LGBT hate crime doubled in the North East in just five years – rising from 458 then to 951 offences in 2020-21.
Statistics like this prove why there is a necessity for such a public display of ‘pride’ for the Queer community as there is still a long way to go. Ste believes that “factbased understanding” can go a long way in helping change people’s attitudes and prejudices in a mature and non-combative manner.
“THE COMMUNITY ARE ROBUSTLY CHALLENGED AND HAVE THEIR PURE EXISTENCE CHALLENGED ON A DAILY BASIS AND IT’S FUELLED BY MISINFORMATION AND FEAR”
He added: “Through our Proud Allies Training, when we get into the fact-based detail around this, and when you start to break down the root cause behind someone’s fear and misunderstanding of the Queer community, you start to empower them and their education journey, so they can be informed through the correct information and start to create empathy for the challenges that people in the community have.”
At Morgan Sindall Infrastructure we’re committed to harnessing and increasing the diversity of our people and creating an inclusive culture where everyone is respected for who they are.
Our Allies Group is a central point of reference and support for all our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies. We help everyone feel they belong by nurturing and encouraging inclusivity, giving our people the courage to challenge the status quo and be creative. Scan the QR code and follow us on social media to find out how you can build your career with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure.
@morgan-sindall-infrastructure
@MorganSindallInfrastructure
In partnership with
Following a commissions call out in partnership with Creative Central NCL and Curious Arts, Northern Pride has announced Azula Bandit and Chris Fleming (Ida4) as the two artists selected to receive full creative commissions for this year’s Pride in the City.
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.
The two selected artists will receive £2500 worth of funding to develop and elevate their artistry, which will be showcased during this year’s Pride in the City festival, presented in partnership with NE1.
Multi-talented dancer and DJ Azula Bandit aims to encourage and inspire through cultural representation and self-expression, honouring their heritage through art and providing a different perspective to individuals from a similar background, encouraging people to take ownership in telling their own stories.
Stencil artist Chris Fleming, artist name IDa4, produces bodies of work that remind people that the LGBTQIA+ community has always been, is now and will always be a key part of the wider community, contributing to all sectors of life.
A further four local artists have also been awarded a ‘Get Ready Grant’, spanning dance, writing, physical art, and music. Jenny Chrisp, Emory Southwick, Alison Carr, and The Girls, Theys and Slays Choir led by Maya Torres and Rosie Bowden will receive £750 of funding to enhance their art and explore new ideas.
Vix Leaney, Creative Central NCL Project Manager added:
“WE’RE REALLY PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING NORTHERN PRIDE THIS YEAR TO GIVE THESE ARTISTS THE CHANCE TO SHOWCASE THEIR WORK AND CELEBRATE PRIDE.”
“In total, Creative Central NCL have been able to fund six opportunities for LGBTQIA+ artists and creatives to not just create new work, but test ideas, get some mentoring, develop their career and work with the experienced producers at Curious Arts. I'm looking forward to seeing everything come together at this year’s Pride in the City festival in July.”
When asked about what the theme, Unapologetically Visible, meant to them, all artists agreed that this year it's all about being entirely yourself, in whatever way that manifests itself for you, standing with sheer pride and without any shame or dilution.
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.
Maya Torres, Rhian Jade and the Girls, Theys and Slays Choir are thrilled to be sharing their first original song thanks to the Get Ready Grant
Saturday 6th July - 12:00
Discovery Museum, Blanford Square
Tickets: Free Event
An exhibition that features over 20 new works by artist and life model Emory Southwick, including digital art, gouache and acrylic paintings, and oil pastel drawings. These works capture the diversity of the queer population of the North East and celebrate how beautiful these bodies are in bright and colourful art.
Saturday 6th July - Thursday 11th
Grainger Market, 11 Clayton Street
Tickets: Free Exhibition
This life drawing class is open to everybody and works exclusively with models on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, led by artist Emory Southwick.
Sunday 7th July - 16:00
Grainger Market, 11 Clayton Street
Tickets: Free Event
When Nicola was ten she was crowned Miss Sandy Beach. It was the best moment of her life and now she’s going to recreate it … and you’re all invited! This is a brand new work-in-progress by award-winning North East writer Alison Carr.
Monday 8th July - 18:30
Prohibition Cabaret Bar, 25-27 Pink Ln
Tickets: Free Event
A collection of queer icons by IDa4 made from hand cut stencils and spray paint. Celebrating the diversity & contribution of the queer community.
From Wednesday 10th July - Public Exhibition Cross Street, Charlotte Square
Tickets: Free Exhibition
Iphathi (Party) Kubantu (To the people), brings musical flavours from South Africa from Amapiano, Gqom, TechHouse & More. Despite facing its struggles through colonialism & apartheid; South Africa has came a long way preserving its richness in culture with music & dance as means to resist & protest against oppression.
Where there is power there is celebration therefore power in party. Join us in celebrating the growing Rainbow Nation in an UNAPOLOGETIC AFRO-STANCE!
Friday 12th July - 19:30
The Lubber Fiend, 81 Blandford Street
Tickets: Showcase - Pay as you feel. Club Night £5
A dance theatre work that will take you on a personal rollercoaster ride exploring the ups and downs of motherhood, queer identity, loss and visibility.
A sharing of Sorry, Are You Lost? in its early stages of development followed by a Q&A with audience members. 5pm til 5:45pm relaxed sharing (children welcome) with Q&A 7pm til 8pm sharing with Q&A.
Wednesday 17th July - 17:00 & 19:00 Dance City, Temple Street
Tickets: Free
Nexus has launched a limited-edition Metro Pop card featuring icons from the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate Pride 2024 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, 20 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 new 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 Northern 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, 20 July, at the Market Village next to Monument Metro station.
“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 its new Pride in the City format.
More information about the Pride Pop Card and the icons featured, head to www.northern-pride.com/popcard
Pride in the City presented in partnership with Newcastle NE1 announces a host of exciting satellite events to lead into its annual LGBTQIA+ celebration in July.
The main event which will take place over the weekend of 19-21 July, has moved from the Town Moor to various locations across Newcastle. The Pride Arena, at Central Park, Times Square will host Drag icons, 90s favourites, top DJs, leading tribute acts and local stars for this year’s new look Northern Pride.
Across the city, the Curious Arts Stage will take over Northern Stage, Family and Youth activities will consume the newly renovated Assembly Rooms and the vibrant market stalls will take over the streets surrounding Greys Monument and Old Eldon Square, truly encompassing a city-wide take over.
But for those looking to join the celebrations a little earlier, a whole host of community events are set to kick off from the 5th of July, with a celebration concert at Newcastle Cathedral first on the programme.
Comedian Elaine Robertson brings political satire to the Chamber of Laughs
Singer-songwriter Catch the Sparrow join a stella line up at Jaws (but Gay)
Maya Torres, Rhian Jade and the Girls, Theys and Slays Choir are thrilled to be sharing their first original song thanks to the Get Ready Grant Friday 5th July - 18:00
Newcastle Cathedral, Mosley Street Tickets: Give As You Feel (£8 suggested)
Join Northern Pride and a cast of creatives as we celebrate 30 years of the cult classic, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, with a night to remember featuring live performances, hosted by PlastiQ
Wednesday 10th July - 19:30
Tyneside Cinema, Pilgrim Street
Tickets: £12.75
Calling all Beach Boys, Sea Guurls and fisherthems! Mama Rhi and Mack are back for a Big Queer Under the Seashow.
Friday 12th July - 19:30
Alphabetti Theatre, St James Boulevard
Tickets: £3-£10
Championing queer comedy, criticising queer politics. Join some of the best North East’s LGBTQIA+ comedians as they take over the civic chambers, to put queer voices at the centre of political debate in a humorous post General Election satire.
Monday 15th July - 19:30 Civic Centre, Barras Bridge Tickets: £10
Pride in Leadership is a CIC that works to elevate, connect and support LGBTQIA+ leaders and make them more visible. Having successfully built a community of LGBTQIA+ leaders in Manchester and London, we are now coming to Newcastle. Featuring a talk with Nick Forbes, former leader of Newcastle City Council.
Thursday 18th July - 17:30
Eversheds Sutherland, Gallowgate Tickets: Free Event
By Izzy Smith for O Agency
In line with our aim to highlight the vibrant and beautiful queer community, the valuable impact they have on society and the richness of their talents, it seemed fitting for Director of Northern Pride, Ste Dunn, to catch up with the North East’s very own L Devine ahead of this year’s celebrations.
Born in Whitley Bay, L Devine (Liv), released her debut album ‘Digital Heartifacts’ earlier this year, before embarking on a UK wide tour to share her art. With an upcoming headline gig at this year’s Generator Live, proud patrons of Northern Pride, we found out what being unapologetically visible means to her, how important it is to have queer representation at all levels across the music industry and gained some words of wisdom for emerging artists.
Visibility in the queer community can represent so many wonderful things, individual to each person based on their personal and lived experiences.
“Being unapologetically visible means to live truly authentically. Which holds meaning in both my experience as an artist and as a queer person. I’ve found so much power and inspiration in my experiences as a queer person or as someone who was deemed an outsider growing up. I think people underestimate the strength it takes to constantly have to show people who you are and what it is you stand for in the face of so much prejudice and queer people do this every day with so much spirit.”
A common experience amongst the LGBTQIA+ community, and something that often acts as an obstruction to people living their truth, is a lack of representation, in your surroundings, in your special interests, and in the media.
Queer artists are consistently showing up for the community, and by curating music that expresses her truth and represents her individuality, Liv is amongst those paving the way, giving permission for others to live authentically.
Touching on the importance of queer representation across the music industry, Liv said:
“I THINK THE MUSIC INDUSTRY HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE LISTENING TO THE MUSIC.
WHETHER THAT’S IN THE STUDIO OR IN LABEL ROLES, THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CURATING WHAT WE HEAR, AND I THINK IN ORDER FOR THEM TO TRULY UNDERSTAND OUR QUEER AUDIENCES THERE NEEDS TO BE REPRESENTATION IN EVERY ROOM.”
When asked about where she looks to for inspiration, she added: “The next generation of queer young people and the shoulders we stand on, all the pioneers of the LGBTQIA+ movement.”
Being unapologetically visible is a journey, and every individual’s trajectory to this is different. For emerging artists looking to be more visible, Liv advises:
“I think every proper trailblazer, or really iconic artist you look up to is truly individual and when it comes to art, we view that kind of uniqueness as a superpower.
A lot of parts of myself that felt so different to everyone else when I was growing up, and often I felt shame about, are the parts of me that have really thrived in my career as an artist. So, hold onto those unique parts of yourself, nurture your individuality, that’s your superpower!”
Last year, over 15,000 people braved the heavy rain to join the pride march, which then lead on to the first day of the celebration at the Town Moor where many more flocked to the festival.
“I love the true sense of community in the North East, especially where I’m from, its always felt like everyone really has each other’s backs.”
By bringing events such as Pride in the City to the North East year on year, we aim to bring consistent visibility to the region.
“I think it’s so important to bring visibility to the North East, and showcase the diversity and local culture that flourishes in our region. I think growing up I felt the town I lived in was too small to truly be myself.
“EVENTS LIKE THIS CREATE A SAFE BUT ALSO VIBRANT, CELEBRATORY SPACE THAT COMBAT THOSE FEELINGS OF ISOLATION QUEER PEOPLE MAY FEEL IN SMALLER TOWNS.”
The queer community, past, present and future is full of some of the most iconic, unique and rich talent, and so it’s no surprise that when we asked Liv who her all-time favourite queer icon was, it was too difficult to pin down one name.
“Of all time is way too tough sorry! But right now, I love Chappell Roan.”
For those on Chappell Roan TikTok - it turns out she really is our favourite artist’s, favourite artist.
is proudly presented by Generator in collaboration with BBC Music Introducing.
Leading on this year's open call, BBC Music Introducing boasts a longstanding reputation for championing emerging talent. Since its inception in 2007, it has provided support to a diverse array of artists, from Marina and The Diamonds to The 1975.
We’re immensely proud to join forces, incorporating their professional expertise into Generator Live. Together, we aim to celebrate the abundant talent across the region and provide opportunities for artists from the North East to network, build connections, and showcase their skills in front of industry leaders right here in their hometowns.
Friday 19th 5pm-11pm
Saturday 20th 2pm 11pm
Sunday 21
Central Park, Times Square
Pride in the City presented in partnership with NE1, will see the annual celebration move from the Town Moor to various locations across Newcastle over the weekend of 19-21 July.
And at its centre will be the Northern Pride Arena at Central Park, Times Square, where an exciting and eclectic mix of performers will take to the stage across the weekend.
On Friday 19 July Pride will launch with Proud Karaoke, brought by the team behind the popular KROUD KARAOKE.
The evening will include a DJ performance by Hits Radio’s JAMES BARR. James is a regular tv presenter and stand up comedian as well as presenting the award-winning podcast, A Gay and a Non-Gay. The evening will be hosted by acclaimed drag queen, OPHELIA B, tickets are available from £7.50p each.
Kroud Karoke has
On Saturday singer WHIGFIELD – best known for her 90s hit Saturday Night –will take to the main stage, alongside KELLY LLORENA and Little Mix tribute act, LITTLE FIX. The arena will welcome back its popular stage takeovers, with NEWCASTLE MELA returning for a third year.
Local talent showcase –THE FUTURE IS QUEER-will head up one of the takeovers, along with QUEERDO
The queer ran organisation is committed to making everyone feel welcome, regardless of their identity and will feature performances from ELEKTRA FENCE from Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK. Also, on the line up for a stage takeover is CURIOUS ARTS YOUTH MUSIC back for a second year.
Joining the line-up is DJ, music producer, and creative curator MIXSTRESS providing her eclectic and soulful good vibes to the arena’s soundtrack.
Sunday features an award-winning line up, with a live DJ set from acclaimed performer, Fat Tony, GINGER JOHNSON who won season five of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK and Jen and Liv aka HUNNI 2023 The Voice winners.
Returning from their rained off visit to Newcastle last year, critically acclaimed queer icon, TOM ASPAUL will bring his iconic anthems fans will recognise from his UK wide tour Planet Fantastic. Tom has penned tracks for Kylie Minogue, Becky Hill, May Muller and Celeste. We’re in for a treat!
And “swifties” will not want to miss TOTALLY TAYLOR – a tribute to Taylor Swift. As well as top of class local DJs not one, but two local LGBTQIA+ choirs, NORTHERN PROUD VOICES and GIRLS, THEYS AND SLAYS will perform.
Michael T Ogilvie founder of The Future is Queer, brings Gloria Love, Louis Chrisp and Northern Pride’s very own MXYM to the main stage
Get ready for pure festival vibes as you dance to an iconic soundtrack thanks to DJ and producer Mix-Stress
Back to take to the stage after last year’s cancellation is queer icon and fan favourite Tom Aspaul
Day tickets for the Saturday and Sunday event start at £15
Tickets on sale from £7.50 for the brand-new arena.
2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm 10pm
Your host OPHELIA B
DJs JAMES BARR KROUD KARAOKE
SATURDAY 20th SUNDAY 21ST
Your hosts MISS RORY, PARIS MUNRO PLASTIQ and MXYM
DJs
DJs NORTHERN PROUD VOICES NEWCASTLE MELA THE FUTURE IS QUEER
LITTLE FIX MIX-STRESS QUEERDO
CURIOUS ARTS YOUTH MUSIC GIRLS THEYS & SLAYS HUNNI REESE WETHERSPOON TOTALLY TAYLOR TOM ASPAUL GINGER JOHNSON ANGIE BROWN FAT TONY
WHIGFIELD KELLY LLORENA MIX-STRESS
CANDLELIT VIGIL (free entry)
Open from
12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm
LUMO PLATFORM FAMILY & YOUTH
An amazing line up of entertainment across the city on Saturday 20th LOVE, SIMON (12A)
CURIOUS ARTS STAGE SCREEN ON THE GREEN
Northern Stage Greys Monument Assembly Rooms Old Eldon Sq
PATTI BOO RAE
JOSEPH BELL TINY TEMPER VICK RENDEZVOUS DANCE
Recommended 16+
PATTI BOO RAE
TITO BONE LILLY SNATCHDRAGON SWEET BOY RENDEZ VOUS DANCE DJ EMPTY
BENFIELD SCHOOL BUSKING NEWCASTLE MELA
LADIES OF MIDNIGHT BLUE RYAN
PETITJEAN CARMEN SILK
BOOKWYRM ATOMS EDUCATION TRUE COLOURS DRAG CASTLE TEEN DISCO WITH LUCY PHURR
With arts, crafts and story time all day
Old Eldon Sq, Grey St, Grainger St 12pm – 5pm
CREATIVES, SERVICES
PROVIDERS, INFORMATION STALLS AND HITS RADIO DJ TRUCK
DISNEY’S STRANGE WORLDS (PG)
HEALTH & WELLBEING Civic Centre 12pm – 5pm
HEALTH SERVICES
PROVIDERS, INFORMATION STALLS AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES
Traditionally Northern Pride has been held on the outskirts of the city, having taken place at both Exhibition Park and the Town Moor in previous years. Our mission is clear. We’re using our festival to highlight the vibrant and beautiful queer community, the valuable impact they have on society and the richness of their talents, from makers and creators, to performers and activists.
The Curious Arts Stage will this year move to Northern Stage, where a full programme of queer art and culture will be performed. The Family and Youth Zone will be housed in the recently refurbished Assembly Rooms. The Health and Wellbeing Zone will be based at Newcastle City Centre, where a range of organisations will offer advice and support.
Whilst The Market Village, which traditionally host a number of market stalls sharing information and selling a range of unique products, will also return, staged around Grey’s Monument, Old Eldon Square, Grey Street and Grainger Street. Joining the festivities will be the Sexual Health Zone offering full screening service, event based PrEP and much more. More entertainment with the arivial of the Lumo Platform Stage, Screen on the Green and the Hits Radio DJ Truck Stop –read on to learn more!
The Northern Pride March Saturday 20th 12pm Start and end, Newcastle Civic Centre
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.
Streets walked will include: Ceremonial Way, St Mary's Place Northumberland Street, Blackett Street Percy Street, Barras Bridge
Supported by
15,000 JOINED US IN 2023, EVEN IN THE RAIN!
Thousands in the march and many more on the city streets
Curious Arts Stage Saturday 20th 1pm-7:30pm Northern Stage, Barras Bridge
Join Curious Arts for a celebration of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture with live performances at Northern Stage as part of Northern Pride’s Pride in the City 2024 Festival!
Drop-in to experience performances from some of the best local and national LGBTQIA+ artists and performers. From drag and comedy to music and theatre!
Family Showcase - 1:30pm - 3:30pm Age: All ages (Under 14yrs accompanied by an adult)
Supported by
BACK FOR THE FOURTH YEAR, BUT UNDER COVER!
Lilly SnatchDragon is an international, award – winning political comedy drag queen, burlesque artist and compere.
Curious Cabaret - 4:30pm - 6:30pm Age: 16yrs+ (Under 18yrs accompanied by an adult)
Screen on the Green Saturday 20th
Disney’s Strange Worlds – 1pm Love, Simon – 3pm Old Eldon Sq, Blackett Street
‘Strange Worlds’ is up first, which is the first ever Disney movie to feature an out-gay character named Ethan Clade, played by gay comedian Jaboukie Young-White.
Supportedby
Later in the day, filmgoers can relax in the famous blue deck chairs at Old Eldon Square to watch teen favourite, ‘Love, Simon’.
Summer on the big screen kicks off with a Pride in the City takeover!
Lumo Platform Stage Saturday 20th 1pm-5pm Greys Monument, Grainger St.
The Lumo Platform, a live performance stage hosted by performer PlastiQ, will bring the queer community together in the city centre like never before.
Taking to the stage on Saturday 20th July, will be an array of talent, including the Ladies of Midnight Blue, Ryan Petitjean, a North East singer song writer and host and performer Carmen Silk, who will bring show tunes with vaudeville silliness. To add to the celebrations, Newcastle Mela is brining Punjabi Roots to the platform.
Supportedby
Ladies of Midnight Blue are an AfroLatin percussion & brass duet comprised of Hannabiell Sanders and Yilis del Carmen Suriel
Hits Radio DJ Truck Stop Saturday 20th 12pm-5pm Grey Street Gathering, Grey Steet
We welcome you to boogie with the best DJ's in town with Hits Radio and Gateshead College!
We've got the best music and an interactive experience, so pop down!
Supported by
Join Hits Radio DJs as they bring summer vibes to Grey Street
Health and Wellbeing Zone
Saturday 20th 12pm-5pm
Newcastle Civic Centre
The iconic building has been the starting point of the Northern Pride March since it began, and this year it will be home to our ground-breaking Health & Wellbeing Zone.
Available for advice and support, signposting of organisations and groups to help body and mind, along with our mobile cervical screening van. You’ll also find some hands on activities to help you stay active!
Sexual Health Zone
Saturday 20th 12pm-5pm
Newcroft House, Market Street
We’re here to help adults and young people in Newcastle with all their sexual health and contraception needs.
No need to book, just drop in and get a free cervical screening smear test!
PrEP
Our service offers advice, information, testing, and treatment for sexual health issues, whilst also providing an online option for testing and treatment, and hormonal contraception to make it more convenient for you!!
Supported by
Join the team at Newcroft House for support and vital services.
Family and Youth Zone
Saturday 20th 12pm-5pm
Assembly Rooms, Westgate Road
Northern Pride has curated a special programme of events to keep everyone entertained in the Family and Youth Zone this year.
In line with our mission to showcase local talent, the space will feature a range of performances, workshops and readings, and aims to bring families and young people with shared experiences together, where they feel safe and can see and relate to wonderful families like theirs.
Northern Pride Shuttle Bus
Saturday 20th 1pm-5pm
Newcroft House, Market Street
Pulling up at bus stops across the city where our key festival zones are taking place, the Pride Shuttle Bus will be free for you to hop on and off! From 1pm with the last stop at 5pm, Central Park.
Stops include:
Barras Bridge – Northern Stage
Supported by Supported by
Drag Castle will be back with their family show
St Mary's Place – Health & Wellbeing
Blackett Street – Market Village
Westgate Road - Assembly Rooms
Central Station - Northern Pride Arena
Watch out for the Northern Pride shuttle bus zipping around the city
Candlelit Vigil
Sunday 21st 9pm
Central Park, Times Square
Northern Pride's Pride in the City comes to a close on Sunday night with the annual Candlelit Vigil that takes place immediately after the last act on our new stage at the Northern Pride Arena, Central Park at Times Square.
Whilst tickets are needed for the arena, the vigil will be free and gates will open 10 minutes before the start of the service for non ticket holders to arrive. This is an important part of the Northern Pride Festival, giving those in attendance time for reflection and remembrance.
FREE ENTRY To the Northern Pride Arena, Central Park from 8:50pm
