NORTHERN PRIDE is pulling out all the stops to ensure that the year it is the host of UK Pride is one to remember.
Following the recent announcement of an exciting line-up for the free festival, which includes a DJ set by Spice Girl Melanie C, Louise and local hero Joe McElderry, organisers have also added new names to the Friday night fund raiser event on 22 July.
Along with performances from Todrick Hall, Bimini and Jodie Harsh, attendees will be able to enjoy a set from singer/songwriter Katy B and BBC Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough.
Dean McCullough is a television and radio presenter who hosts his own show every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am on BBC Radio 1, and will get the Launch Party underway when gates open. Attracting 3.3m listeners to Radio 1 Dean is Attitude Magazines’ Top 10 LGBT+ ‘Broadcaster of The Year‘ and has also been nominated at the British LGBT Awards for ‘Broadcaster of The Year’.
The dance-orientated electronic pop artist, Katy B, has achieved a number one top spot for her second album ‘Little Red’ and clocked up 5 UK Top 10s including hits ‘Katy on a Mission’, ‘Lights On’ and ‘Crying for No Reason’. Award winning Katy B will warm up the crowds ahead of Todrick Hall, with organisers promising a opening night to remember.
Todrick Hall, who found widespread success after appearing on American Idol, and judging on tv shows including RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Greatest Dancer will be joined by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourite, Bimini and Northern Pride Online 2021 star DJ Jodie Harsh.
While the Saturday and Sunday events which form this year’s Pride – which has Barclays as its headline sponsor – are free, the paid for Friday night helps cover some of the huge costs putting on a weekend of this size incurs, and ensures paid opportunities for the artists, performers and creatives that will help make this year’s event extra special.
Early Bird tickets are sold out with limited first release remaining, with second release on sale soon.
Ste Dunn, director of Northern Pride, hopes people will buy tickets and support the event.
“Pride simply wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for the support given to us by amazing sponsors like Barclays,” he said.
“And we also hope our own community and other allies can see the importance of coming to the only paid for event of the weekend, which helps towards the cost of staging a Pride on this scale.
“We’re delighted to be able to add some fantastic new names to the line up, which is going to make the launch party even more exciting.”
ickets for the launch party start at £18 for first release and can be purchased at www.northern-pride.com.
Platinum Passes are available to purchase for Friday night and across the weekend, which includes the best view of the stage and access to a premium bar, garden and toilets.
Organisers will also gift a number of tickets for Friday’s launch event to North East LGBTQ+ charities, not for profit organisations and community groups to continue its commitment to support those hardest hit in the community.
For more information about Northern Pride, visit www.northern-pride.com or search northernprideuk on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Youtube.