ORGANISERS of one of the UK’s largest free LGBT+ festivals are inviting people to join a colourful procession taking to the streets of Newcastle this summer.
On Saturday 20 July, the Northern Pride Festival returns with the Stonewall Remembrance March, which will kick off the two days of music, entertainment and activities taking place at the Town Moor and Exhibition Park.
And this year’s event will begin with a minute of applause at the start of the route, to show solidarity and thanks to those who have been a part of LGBT+ equality movement over the years.
Registration is now open for groups looking to join the march, which is sponsored by business improvement district NE1 and was attended by more than 20,000 people last year
Organisers are also encouraging those taking part to create and display their own family friendly messages on placards along the route.
Scott Robson, march manager at Northern Pride, believes this year is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
“The march is always a fantastic way to start the event on Saturday and it’s brilliant to see so many people turn out and get into the spirit of things,” he said.
“It is important to remember why Pride exists and why it started and that’s why this year we are doing things a little differently, with a new name for the march and an invitation to join in with our minute of applause.
“It’s amazing how much the community has achieved over the last 50 years and we want to make sure we celebrate all the people who have paved the way for us.”
Ben Whitfield, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1 Ltd said: “NE1 is delighted to be continuing its support and involvement with the Northern Pride Festival for the fifth year in a row.
“This year promises to be even bigger and better, with a larger parade and a second performance stage at the festival. We can’t wait to welcome the tens of thousands of people expected into the city to celebrate and party at the largest, free Pride outside of London.
“We are especially excited about the Stonewall Remembrance March this year. The parade has always been a festival highlight for NE1 as the celebrations come into the heart of Newcastle to be greeted with support from businesses and local people in the city centre.”
All organisations – and public groups of 10 or more – should register online at www.northern-pride.com
The march will end at the Town Moor where there will be a fun fair, platinum bar and garden and the Manchester Airport Los Angeles stage, which will host a star-studded line-up over the weekend including Fleur East, Saara Aalto and Liberty X.
As Northern Pride Festival is held across two locations this year, nearby Exhibition Park will be home to the Curious Arts Stage, Stonewall Remembrance Garden, Rainbow Village and various zones including the Health and Wellbeing Zone and the Family and Youth Zone.
For more information, visit www.northern-pride.com or search northernprideuk on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.