Meet the Tees Valley businesses and organisations supporting Pride in Tees Valley 2025.
Pride in Tees Valley, a project coordinated by Hartlepool-based LGBTQIA+ arts charity Curious Arts, is a vibrant and inclusive celebrations of the local LGBTQIA+ community and allies with live performances, creative activities, workshops, market stalls, and more. Working alongside a volunteer committee of local residents and organisations to shape the day, the pilot event promises to be a brilliant celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community through a variety of fun, free activities.
Hartlepool Pride (Saturday 5th July), Cleveland Pride (Sunday 6th July), Stockton Pride (Saturday 26th July) and Middlesbrough Pride (Saturday 27th September) will see the local community come together to celebrate Pride with an array of rainbow fun for all ages all summer long. Pride In Tees Valley also includes Darlington Pride Weekender, organised by Darlington Borough Council, taking place 9th – 11th August.
Sponsors for the event include Utilita, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Foster with North East and Thirteen Group.
Utilita is sponsoring Hartlepool Pride as a Pride Supporter.
Utilita Founder and CEO, Bill Bullen, commented: “At Utilita, inclusivity isn’t just a goal; it’s who we are. Our core values align seamlessly with Pride as we work every day to create a workplace – and a world – that is fair, sustainable, and a little bit smarter.
“That’s why we’re proud to sponsor Hartlepool Pride 2025 and to show our support to the LGBTQIA+ community of Hartlepool.
“We’re committed to building a supportive environment for everyone, from our customers to our team and the communities we serve. Our high street Energy Hubs offer something rare in the energy world – a friendly, face-to-face service.
“Having a presence on the high street lets the public know that the Utilita team are here for everyone and all you need to do is pop down for anything you may need help with, Utilita customer or not.
“Our core values – fairness, smart, and sustainability – are at the heart of everything we do. They drive us to create an honest, inclusive, and nurturing culture for our customers and staff alike.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Hartlepool Pride organisers as regular visitors to our free Community Room facilities. Together, we’re proud to create a brighter and fairer future for everyone – every day of the year.”
Cleveland Fire Brigade are sponsoring Hartlepool, Cleveland, Stockton and Middlesbrough Prides as a Pride Supporter.
Anne Skillcorn, Human Resources Advisor (EDI) at Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “Cleveland Fire Brigade is proud to be a sponsor of Pride in Tees Valley 2025. Our involvement reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment – both within our Service and across the communities we serve.
“By supporting Pride, we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community – not just during Pride season, but every day. We want everyone across Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees to know they are safe, respected, and valued – whether they’re working with us, receiving our services, or simply living in our communities.
“Through our participation in Pride, we’re taking action to champion inclusion, stand up to discrimination, and build stronger, safer communities for everyone.”
Foster with North East are sponsoring the Family Arts Zones at all five Pride In Tees Valley prides! The Family Art Zones allow for families and people of all ages to express their pride by taking part in colourful arts and craft workshops
“There are many misconceptions about who can foster. By attending and supporting all five Pride events across the Tees Valley, we are clearly stating that people from the LGBTQ+ community are not only able to foster but are encouraged to do so. We are looking for carers from all backgrounds who can offer their unique perspectives and experiences that children and young people can relate to. Our priority is finding caring and supportive individuals or couples to care for babies, children, and young people across the North East. We are proud to sponsor Pride in Tees Valley and look forward to welcoming people from all over the region to meet our fostering teams from their local council at each of the events.”
Daniel Kenny, Service Lead, Foster with North East
Thirteen Group are sponsoring Hartlepool Pride as the headline sponsor!
Kathryn Whittle, Thirteen’s director of corporate affairs, said: “Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of all we do. Our staff live these values every day, so when the opportunity to be Hartlepool Pride’s headline sponsor came along, we did not hesitate. As a large employer and housing provider, it’s important for us to support Pride and we’re really looking forward to a fun event that brings communities together.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Utilita, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Foster with North East, and Thirteen Group for being the first to get behind Pride in Tees Valley this year.” said Adam Strickland, Creative Producer at Curious Arts. “Their support is helping bring inclusive Pride events to Hartlepool, Cleveland, Stockton, Darlington and Middlesbrough – events that celebrate and centre our local LGBTQIA+ communities. Pride is a moment for joy, visibility, and togetherness, and having these organisations stand with us sends a powerful message. We’re still welcoming sponsors, and we’d love to hear from any businesses or organisations who want to be part of something positive, community-led, and full of pride.”
If you are interested in supporting and sponsoring Pride In Tees Valley this year, please contact pride@curiousarts.org.uk
Pride In Tees Valley is supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority, Hartlepool Borough Council, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Stockton Borough Council, Darlington Borough Council, Middlesbrough Council, Arts Council England, AXA Hearts in Action, Stockton BID, Wellington Square, ARC Stockton, The PFC Trust, Hartlepool Art Gallery and Stockton Globe.
Find out more on Pride in Tees Valley Social Media:
www.facebook.com/PrideInTeesValley/
https://www.instagram.com/prideinteesvalley/