Rainbows are coming to the railway in celebration of one of the UK’s largest, free LGBT events.
From tonight (Wednesday July 15), Newcastle Central Station will be temporarily turning multi-coloured to coincide with Newcastle Pride 2015.
The popular festival, organised annually by Northern Pride, returns to the city’s Town Moor from Friday (July 17), with three days of live music and entertainment marking 45 years of world Pride.
In honour of the occasion – and to help welcome the event’s estimated 65,000 attendees – leading rail operator, Virgin Trains East Coast, is lighting up the exterior portico at Central Station with six vibrant rainbow colours.
The lights will be switched on this evening by My Gay UK, Stuart Hatton, who is from South Shields and a selection of specially designed drapes, glitter balls and flags will also be displayed throughout the weekend.
David Horne, Virgin Trains East Coast Managing Director, said: “Newcastle Central Station is an iconic landmark in the city and we are proud to light up this historic building in such a bright and modern way. We are looking forward to welcoming the thousands of extra visitors that this event attracts, and hope that people will enjoy the extra sparkle we have added.”
Newcastle Pride, now officially recognised as one of the largest, free LGBT events in the UK, is being backed by a number of organisations, including Virgin Trains East Coast and Newcastle City Council.
The event, which is expected to boost the regional economy by an estimated £8m, will offer live music and activities for all ages from Friday (July 17) toSunday (July 19), including headline performances by girlband B*Witched and 80s star Belinda Carlisle.
There will also be a parade from Newcastle civic centre on Saturday, a candlelit vigil on Sunday and themed areas, such as the family zone, which will be open throughout the weekend.
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, which organises the annual event, said: “This is a very special year for Newcastle Pride, marking 45 years of Pride marches around the world.
“We’re absolutely delighted that Virgin Trains East Coast are supporting the occasion and I’m sure that the rainbow effects at Newcastle Central Station will serve as a fantastic welcome for those visiting the city throughout the weekend.”
Newcastle Pride 2015 is free to attend, with a limited number of Gold Circle and VIP passes on sale for those who prefer to get closer to the action.
For more information, including full listings for Newcastle Pride 2015, visit www.northern-pride.com, search Northern Pride on Facebook or Twitter or download the free Newcastle Pride app.