A whole host of performance art is on offer at Newcastle’s most colourful event this summer.
Organisers of the Northern Pride Festival, which is sponsored by Barclays and returns to the Town Moor and Exhibition Park from 19 to 21 July, have teamed up with not-for-profit organisation Curious Arts this year to curate a second stage.
And the diverse range of acts taking to the Curious Arts stage over the two days has now been revealed, with a variety of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, sponsored by video game company Ubisoft.
On Saturday, festival-goers can hear a DJ set from Poke, see tribute act and drag king Stevie Wonderful, an alternative queer performance from DGA Collective and enjoy a BSL interpreted Spectacular Drag Storytime suitable for anyone aged 3 and above.
Performer Honey L will take to the stage later that afternoon, followed by drag artist Mutha T, before Kay Greyson closes the show with a musical performance.
The next day, Jackie Hagan will entertain the crowd with a comedy set, Jamie Tansley shares an excerpt of SPACE: A Herstory, Holly Stamp will perform spoken word and there will be another reading with Spectacular Drag Storytime.
There will be lip syncs from cabaret artist Melody Sproates, followed by a another chance to see Mutha T and then another spoken word performance, this time from Your Pride Your Voice, which will close the Curious Arts stage programme for the weekend.
Festival-goers can also enjoy pop-up poetry and outdoor arts from Sean Burn and performance art with street theatre company Neighbourhood Watch Stilt International on Saturday, and street arts from Wild Flower on Sunday.
Ste Dunn, chair of Northern Pride, is delighted to offer a second stage of performance at this year’s festival.
“It is brilliant to be working together with Curious Arts to feature a diverse programme of acts over the weekend,” said Ste.
“The festival is growing bigger and bigger every year and with this summer’s event being spread across two sites, it was the perfect opportunity to introduce another stage.
“We are huge fans of what Curious Arts does and I can’t wait to see all of the performances over the weekend.”
Phil Douglas, Executive Producer at Curious Arts, believes the stage will be a popular addition.
“We work with incredibly talented artists and it is amazing to be able to showcase them and different types of LGBTQ art at the Northern Pride Festival this year,” said Phil.
“There is a real range of performance on offer over the weekend, from music to comedy to poetry, so there really is something for everyone.
“I would encourage anyone attending the festival to come along and see what we have planned over the two days.”
Sarah Hinchcliffe-Smith, HR Director at Ubisoft, said: “We are thrilled to be backing the Northern Pride Festival this year and, as a creative company, it made sense to support the Curious Arts stage.
“Curious Arts have planned a really varied line-up suitable for festival-goers of all ages it is certain to be a brilliant feature.”
The Curious Arts stage is part of the Community Village at Exhibition Park, where there will also be a Rainbow Village, Health and Wellbeing Zone, Family and Youth Zone and the Stonewall Remembrance Garden.
Nearby Town Moor will be home to the Festival Arena, which includes the Manchester Airport Los Angeles Stage, with performances from stars such as Fleur East, Saara Aalto and Liberty X, a fun fair and a range of bars and food outlets.
The festival is free to attend but those looking to secure a viewing spot close to the main stage and access to the platinum bar and garden at the Festival Arena can purchase a Platinum Pass, which starts at £37.71.
For more information or to purchase a Platinum Pass, visit www.northern-pride.com or search northernprideuk on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.