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MORE than 50,000 people came together in the heart of Newcastle for a joyful weekend of celebration and solidarity as Newcastle Pride returned on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July. Marking the first Newcastle Pride festival delivered by Curious Arts, this year’s celebrations brought the theme of City of Hope, Streets of Joy to life through a citywide programme of live entertainment, community spaces, creative activities and events championing LGBTQIA+ culture and talent. From community events and free festival zones to the Newcastle Pride Arena, Market Village and annual Pride March, the programme created opportunities for people of all ages to celebrate, connect and stand together. Ahead of the big festival, Pride fun included banner making workshops at Newcastle Cathedral ready for the Newcastle Pride March to heritage workshops ensuring all ages were catered to. A recap of the Pride weekend, Video by @tj.mov The weekend began with 10,000 community members, allies, families, local organisations and businesses joining the annual Newcastle Pride March. For the first time, the March followed a new route through the city centre, ending at Grey’s Monument, where huge crowds gathered for a series of powerful speeches delivered by North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness; Deputy Leader of Newcastle City Council, Councillor Mark Mitchell; UNISON Branch Secretary Christine Jackson and Green Party Councillor for Gateshead’s Bridges ward, Melissa Harker, the first openly trans councillor. Across the weekend, more than 3,000 people attended the Newcastle Pride Arena at Times Square for two days of unforgettable live music, drag and celebration. Festivalgoers enjoyed performances from a packed line-up of artists and Pride favourites, including pop icon Nadine Coyle, dance music favourite Katy B and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK icons Bimini and Danny Beard, alongside a whole host of Newcastle’s LGBTQIA+ creative community including live acts, DJs and performers. Free spaces across the city ensured that the celebrations offered something for everyone. The Family and Youth Zone at Newcastle Theatre Royal welcomed LGBTQIA+ families, children, young people and allies for a programme of creative and inclusive activities, while the Trans+ Zone created a dedicated space celebrating trans+ identities, creativity and community. The weekend came to a close on Sunday evening with a candlelit vigil, providing a moment for reflection and remembrance. A special dedication was made to everyone affected by the deadly attack at Berlin Pride over the same weekend. The vigil gave Newcastle’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies an opportunity to stand alongside the people of Berlin and send a clear message that hatred and violence will never diminish the community’s strength, visibility or pride. Thousands marched through the city centre. Phil Douglas, CEO of Curious Arts, said: “We are incredibly proud to have delivered Newcastle Pride 2026, welcoming more than 50,000 people to celebrate with us across the city. “City of Hope, Streets of Joy was more than a theme. It could be seen and felt throughout the weekend. From the thousands who joined this year’s March to the artists, families, young people and allies who filled our venues and festival spaces, the atmosphere was joyful, diverse and welcoming. “Our priority was to deliver a Pride that felt safe, accessible and rooted in the needs of our communities. We are hugely grateful to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, worked behind the scenes or supported the festival alongside all our incredible partners and sponsors. “The candlelit vigil was a moving and important way to conclude the weekend. It allowed us to remember those affected by the AIDS crisis, the appalling attack in Berlin, and so many others impacted by hate around the world, those lost and those struggling. To stand together and reaffirm why Pride, visibility and community remain so important. “This weekend demonstrated the strength and generosity across the region. We are proud of what we achieved together and of the message Newcastle sent to the world: that this is a city of hope, with streets filled with joy, solidarity and Pride.” Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd, the Business Improvement District Company for Newcastle city centre and a long-time supporter of Pride said: “NE1 is extremely proud to have sponsored and supported Newcastle Pride once again. Working alongside Curious Arts and its partners we helped deliver one of the biggest Pride celebrations the city has ever seen with a newly expanded programme that involved more people and businesses across Newcastle. “More than 50,000 people took part in events and activities across the weekend, creating a vibrant atmosphere and demonstrating the positive impact major inclusive events can have on local communities, visitors and city-centre businesses. Pride sent out a powerful message that Newcastle is a city that champions inclusion, celebrates diversity and inspires hope. “The route of this year’s march and gathering at Grey’s Monument brought the Pride celebrations into the heart of the city, giving thousands of people the opportunity to come together and celebrate the diversity, pride and sense of community that makes our city such a special place.”

WITH less than a month to go until Newcastle Pride, Curious Arts has revealed a line-up of further sponsors supporting this year’s event. Following the announcement of its travel sector sponsors earlier this month, a host of North East businesses have joined the growing line up, partnering with the annual festival, which is delivered in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council, to sponsor Pride zones across the city, spread the important shared message of ‘City of Hope, Streets of Joy’ and support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in Newcastle. Newcastle College will be the official Market Village Partner for 2026 which will take place across Old Eldon Square, Grainger Street and Grey Street on 25th July, bringing together different organisations and community groups to celebrate and demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community. PR and content business Tyger Comms, will this year sponsor the Monument Stage with a packed schedule of vibrant live performances from local talent and queer artists from 12pm on the Saturday. The Market Village Returns To Grey St! The Maldron Hotel on Newgate Street is revealed as the official Hotel Partner for 2026, proudly hosting the LGBTQIA+ community and allies who are visiting from further afield for the weekend, greeting them in the city with a warm Geordie welcome. Coming on board as the Outreach and Community Partner is trade union, UNISON, who will be in attendance leading on-the-ground engagement across the weekend, spreading a message of love and solidarity and helping promote positive conversations around diversity and equality. Pride Radio will once again be the Media Partner for the event, helping bring the music, local storytelling and good vibes to the festival weekend, broadcasting live from the celebrations. Printed.com are this year’s Print Partner, producing the official Pride guide, event banners and signage free of charge from their Cramlington factory, ensuring that attendees can navigate and enjoy the celebrations throughout the weekend. Other official partners for Pride this year include Arriva, Sky, Eldon Square and Newcastle Cathedral who will be engaging with the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate self-expression, inclusivity and visibility, as well as hosting free, family-friendly events, activities and workshops over the weekend. Phil Douglas, CEO of Curious Arts said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce our full line up of partners for next month’s Newcastle Pride. At a time where we desperately need less division and more unity, it’s fantastic to see so many North East brands and businesses showing their support for Pride and helping us make it an unforgettable celebration. We’re set to have a packed schedule of free events for attendees of all ages in addition to our ticketed Pride Arena, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy across the city.” Lee Baston, Dean of Newcastle commented: “Newcastle Cathedral is committed to being a place where everyone can encounter joy and peace, love and acceptance – or simply find a moment of quiet in the heart of the city. We are delighted to welcome all those visiting Newcastle for Pride this summer and are dedicated to extending this warm welcome throughout the entire year." Clare Williams, Northern Regional Secretary at UNISON said: “UNISON Northern is proud to support Newcastle Pride and stand alongside our LGBT+ workers and communities. Pride is not only a celebration of identity and solidarity, but also a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality, dignity, and respect in our workplaces and wider society. As a union, we are committed to championing equality and ensuring every worker can be themselves without fear of discrimination. We are delighted to back Newcastle Pride and the vibrant, diverse community it represents.” Jemma Cross, Director of Sales and Marketing at Maldron Hotel Newcastle added: “Maldron Hotel Newcastle has been a hotel partner of pride since the first year we opened in 2019. This is one of the most important partnerships we have in the city. Here at the Maldron we believe that everyone should have the ability to be exactly who they are, everyone is welcome here, everyone is safe and it's the variety of life that makes it so interesting. Pride will remain important until everyone else believes the same and we couldn't be prouder to be part of it." Previous Years' Celebrations at the Monument Stage Richard Kell, Director at Pride Radio said: “Pride Radio is delighted to be partnering with Newcastle Pride for our 16th year as the official radio partner. It's an honour to celebrate this incredible weekend, sharing the atmosphere, stories and spirit of Pride with thousands of listeners across the UK and around the world. We can't wait to be part of another unforgettable celebration of love, diversity and community.” Jane Imrie, Founder and Director at Tyger Comms added: “As a values-based comms and PR business that helps organisations tell stories that matter, partnering with Newcastle Pride 2026 felt like the natural extension of what Tyger Comms stands for. Given the protest roots of Pride and the growing hostility that the LGBTQIA+ community is experiencing in the UK and beyond, it’s crucial that this celebration of love and freedom is protected and championed. I’m really proud that by supporting Newcastle Pride, Tyger Comms is able to build on Newcastle’s legacy as a city that proudly celebrates the diversity of its people.” Nexus, operator of Tyne and Wear Metro and longstanding supporter of the festival, was announced as the official Host Partner in early June, alongside Newcastle Airport (Pride’s Official Accessibility Partner) plus British Airways Flying Proud and Stagecoach. Those wishing to support Newcastle Pride or find out more about fundraising and sponsorship opportunities can visit Newcastle Pride’s website and social channels. www.newcastlepride.co.uk

NEWCASTLE Pride today announces its travel industry partners for Pride Festival 2026, with Nexus, British Airways Flying Proud, Newcastle Airport and Stagecoach uniting to support this year’s city-wide festivities. Together, the four sponsors are helping to ensure Newcastle Pride remains representative, inclusive and accessible for all, while reinforcing the importance of safe, reliable and sustainable transport links for attendees travelling across the region and beyond. This year, Nexus, operator of Tyne and Wear Metro and longstanding supporter of the festival, joins Newcastle Pride as its official City Host Partner, helping to support travel across the city and ensuring attendees can move safely and efficiently between celebrations. Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “Inclusivity is the cornerstone of our brand, so we are thrilled to be the official City Host Partner for this year’s Northern Pride Festival. Metro is a great way to get to and from this brilliant event. “Accessibility has always been a core value for us, and we are passionate about creating a transport system where customers can feel safe, comfortable and encouraged to be themselves, celebrating individuality and identity, free from discrimination. “As a responsible employer we are fully committed to championing equality and diversity. These values are echoed throughout our organisation.” Newcastle Airport also returns as a sponsor for this year’s festival, this time taking on the role of Pride’s Official Accessibility Partner for 2026, marking the charity’s commitment to ensuring that everyone can enjoy this year’s festivities and that Pride remains welcoming, safe and inclusive for all attendees. As with previous years, the entire festival will be fully wheelchair accessible, with all official partner venues providing step-free access and essential facilities, including accessible toilets. This extends across all festival zones, including the Pride Arena, where AccessoLoo units will be available for attendees requiring hoist and changing facilities. To ensure the weekend is inclusive for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be present at the Arena Stage and Trans+ Stage. Full accessibility information and schedules will be available in the official festival programme. Dean Ward, Director of Commercial and Executive Sponsor for Newcastle Airports LGBTQIA+ Allies Network Group commented: “Pride is about celebrating people for who they are and accessibility is about making sure everyone can be part of that celebration. As an airport, connecting people is what we do every day - and we’re proud to stand with Newcastle Pride to help make it welcoming, inclusive and accessible for all." Stagecoach are the official travel partner this year and will be supporting the festival's wider ambition to make Pride more accessible for visitors travelling from across the UK and internationally. Throwback to Pride 2024 where Nexus and Newcastle Pride collaborated on a pop card! Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East added: “We’re proud to support Newcastle Pride and celebrate the diversity, inclusion and sense of community that make the North East such a vibrant place to live and work. As a business that connects people and communities every day, we believe everyone should feel welcomed, respected and valued, whether they are travelling on our services or working within our organisation. “Newcastle Pride is an important celebration of equality, visibility and belonging, and we’re delighted to support an event that brings people together and showcases the region’s commitment to creating inclusive communities for all.” Also joining Newcastle Pride this year are Lumo who will be supporting artist travel alongside British Airways Flying Proud, who is the official Trans+ Stage partner, supporting a special programme of activity by trans+ artists on the 25th July including a market, discussion and cabaret bill. Stagecoach are also the travel partner this year and will be supporting the festival's wider ambition to make Pride more accessible for visitors travelling from across the UK and internationally. Kimberley Ryans, Flying Proud Co-Lead, commented: “British Airways Flying Proud is dedicated to supporting our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and customers. This year, our focus is on gender identity, so we’re very excited to sponsor the Trans+ Zone at Newcastle Pride! With many of our teams located in Newcastle too, this partnership helps us to meaningfully support the local community where our people live and work. Phil Douglas, CEO of Curious Arts, added: “We’re delighted to be working alongside and have the support of such notable travel brands here in the North East. These partners share our commitment to removing barriers to attendance, improving access and connectivity for those travelling into the city, and helping to ensure Newcastle Pride remains a space where everyone feels valued, supported and free to be themselves. We can’t wait to welcome thousands of festivalgoers into the city this July with the help of our partners.” Newcastle Pride weekend will take place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July 2026, bringing together live entertainment, community activities, performances, markets and the annual Pride march in Newcastle city centre. Those wishing to support Newcastle Pride with their ongoing fundraising appeals or to find out more about sponsorship opportunities can visit Newcastle Pride’s website and social channels. www.newcastlepride.co.uk