ONE of the UK’s largest free LGBT festivals will return for the tenth year this summer, thanks to festival sponsor NE1.
Newcastle Pride – which brings thousands of visitors to the region every year – has confirmed the event will be returning, with NE1, the city’s Business Improvement District, back on board for the third year as festival sponsor.
The popular festival, which attracted more than 73,000 visitors and contributed more than £10.4m to the economy in 2016, is returning with its largest ever line up in July as part of a whole programme of events which will take place in the run-up to the Pride weekend.
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, which organises the event said: “This year marks ten years of free Newcastle Pride.
“We are currently one of only a few festivals of this scale that is still free to attend and without the support of key partners like NE1, this wouldn’t be possible.
“Newcastle Pride is organised completely by a team of volunteers so without our sponsors and their backing, it couldn’t take place.
Sean Bullick, Chief Executive for NE1, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting one of Newcastle’s largest and most popular events once again this year.
“Not only does it bring thousands of tourists to the city and boost the local economy by millions, but Newcastle Pride helps to celebrate diversity in Newcastle.
“We’re already looking forward to what is bound to be another amazing summer in the city,” he added.
Among the many highlights in Newcastle Pride 2017 will be a weekend of live music and entertainment at Newcastle Town Moor from 21 to 23 July, with a huge musical line-up to be announced.
There will also be satellite events running at venues across the city during June and July, including a black tie ball and LGBT youth prom.
Many of the events are free to attend, though a limited number of Gold Circle and VIP tickets are available for those who want to guarantee prime viewing spots at the main stage weekend.
For information about Newcastle Pride visit www.northern-pride.com or search northernprideuk on Facebook and Twitter.
Further details about NE1 and its work around the city centre can be found at www.newcastlene1ltd.com