WITH under three weeks to go until the annual Newcastle Pride festival, the organisers have teamed up with the prestigious Newcastle Theatre Royal, to welcome families and young people of all ages for a day of free Pride fun. The Family & Youth Zone at the Theatre Royal will be open on Saturday 19 July to everyone aged 0-99 who would like to attend Pride together. Newcastle Pride is encouraging everyone to visit, including LGBTQIA+ families or queer young people who would like to meet like minded individuals within the community in a safe space.  Ste Dunn & Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal The Family & Youth Zone will open from 12pm where guests can expect everything from face painting, storytelling with Bookwrym and a live performance by Urban Kaos , to interactive musical events including an ‘ Express Yourself ’ workshop and Lip Sync Battle presented by Curious Arts. There will also be a range of stalls in the Theatre offering support and fun activities, including pop ups from Action for Children, Newcastle Mela, YMCA and ATOMS. The day will then conclude at 4pm with a teen disco hosted by North East cabaret artist, Gloria Love on the temporary Unfolding Theatre stage which will be built inside the theatre. To mark the run up to the festival, Theatre Royal has raised the Pride flag which will proudly fly over Grey Street for the next month to spread a message of inclusivity and hope to all of Newcastle. Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal said: “We’re excited to be working with Northern Pride and to be flying the Pride flag until the festival weekend, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community here in the city. It’s important that local people, businesses and allies are visible in showing their support, and for us there’s no better way than by partnering with Newcastle Pride festival.  “It’s great to be providing a creative space where families can join in on the festivities and take part in free activities. The Family & Youth Zone is set to offer a fantastic programme, so there’s something for all members of the family from young children to teens and adults.” Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Theatre Royal and are looking forward to bringing the Family & Youth Zone to the Saturday of Pride. It’s important that Pride is inclusive and there are opportunities for everyone of all ages to get involved should they wish to, and our Family & Youth Zone offers so many exciting ways for families to celebrate in their own way.” For full details of the Family & Youth Zone programme and lineup for Newcastle Pride, visit www.northern-pride.com . Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

Northern Pride 2025 has announced a key official event in collaboration with the award winning international Inclusive collective HE.SHE.THEY. , taking place on Saturday 19 July at NX Newcastle.  It’s a night for both LGBTQIA+ and allies alike and as always everyone is welcome regardless of sex, gender or race.   Having formally brought artists from Groove Armada to Folamour to the region as well as queer icons Maya Jane Coles and Honey Dijon, this instalment will feature performances from Bimini, Horse Meat Disco, with very special guests soon to be announced.    A Rare UK Pride Appearance from Bimini   Bimini - HE.SHE.THEY.’s new resident - first rose to prominence winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK - has become a powerful voice in the global queer community. Known for their bold style, strong political voice, and presence in both fashion and pop culture, Bimini’s only other UK Pride performance in 2025 is at Leeds HE.SHE.THEY., making Newcastle one of just two cities to host them during Pride season.   Dancefloor icons take the stage   Joining Bimini are Horse Meat Disco, one of the UK’s most respected DJ collectives. Founded in 2004, the four-strong crew have redefined disco for new generations, playing everywhere from Glastonbury to Berghain. Their sets are inclusive, high-energy and rooted in queer nightlife history - bringing a legacy of connection, movement and joy to the dancefloor. Bimini will be headlining the Northern Pride Afterparty A Personal Homecoming for Steven Braines   For Steven Braines, co-founder of HE.SHE.THEY., the event is more than just a collaboration - it’s a return to his roots.  Nominated for LGBTQ leader of the year at the  National Diversity Awards,  as well as making international queer lists from IQ to Billboard, born and raised in the North East, Braines began his career promoting events in Sunderland and Newcastle, and has since gone on to manage many award winning artists such as the regions Nadine Shah to Tricky to DJs such as Annyma in Tale of Us and Emily Nash (who recently cowrote MK’s monster hit “Dior”, and his flat mate at the time KDA to UK number 1 on his debut release. Steven is also global head of events for Defected & Glitterbox and on the board of the NTIA.   “This pride event in Newcastle is a true full circle moment,”   said Steven Braines. “When I originally lived in the North East, I was in the closet. This line-up is my love letter back to young me. I love that the region has grown in tolerance and the queer scene is thriving here and we get to celebrate that alongside Northern Pride.”    HE.SHE.THEY. is now active in over 20 countries, taking over stages from Coachella to Glastonbury to Creamfields, with a multiple year residency at Ibiza Super club Amnesia. with a growing record label, fashion line, and a mission to make dance music spaces more inclusive and representative. The brand has been recognised by DJ Mag , Billboard  and IQ Magazine  for its work in music and LGBTQ+ visibility.   Northern Pride Continues to Champion the North   “This event shows what can happen when local Pride organisations collaborate with global names to bring something special to the region,”   adds Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride. “It’s about celebrating culture and identity here in the North, on our own terms, with talent that reflects the diversity and creativity of our community.”   With a strong mix of local pride and global talent, the HE.SHE.THEY. and Northern Pride event offers something more than a club night - it’s a platform for a city that continues to show up, speak out, and dance together. LGBTQIA+ community and allies alike. Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

Pride Fringe Programme for This Week: As we head into the final stretch before Pride weekend, the Pride Fringe 2025  programme is serving up a spectacular week of events celebrating queer creativity, community, and visibility. From singing to fashion and swimming, there's something for everyone. Here’s what’s happening this week: 🎶 Northern Proud Voices – Cathedral Concert 📅 Friday 4 July 2025 🕖 19:00 – 20:30 📍 Newcastle Cathedral, St. Nicholas Sq, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PF Join us for an uplifting evening of music in one of the city’s most iconic venues. Northern Proud Voices , the North East’s largest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ choir, will perform a powerful setlist of pop and rock hits — all delivered with heart, harmony, and Pride. Mutha Tucka will be hosting the Queer Bodies Fashion show! 🏊 Out to Swim – Inclusive Swim Session 📅 Saturday 5 July 2025 🕥 10:45 – 12:00 📍 Heworth Leisure Centre, High Lanes, Gateshead NE10 0PD Dive into Pride weekend with Out to Swim , the new LGBTQIA+ swim club making waves in Newcastle. Whether you're a total beginner or just fancy a splash, join us for a fun and welcoming taster session. Enjoy free coaching , meet fellow queer swimmers, and get moving in a relaxed, body-positive space. 💃 Queer Bodies – Fashion Show 📅 Thursday 10 July 2025 🕖 19:00 – 23:00 📍 Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JA Step into a space where style meets statement. Queer Bodies  is a runway presentation spotlighting the voices, aesthetics, and identities of local queer fashion designers from the North East. Expect bold looks, personal narratives, and fashion that pushes boundaries while celebrating self-expression in every form. These events will feature as part of Northern Pride’s exciting Pride Fringe 2025. To learn more, head to www.northern-pride.com/fringe Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

As Pride weekend gets closer, Newcastle is already buzzing with events celebrating queer culture, creativity, and connection. Pride Fringe 2025  is officially underway, and the next ten days offer a packed line-up of must-see moments across the city. Here’s what you can expect: 🌍 Queer Planet 📅 Thursday 3 July 2025 🕢 19:30 – 21:00 📍 Alphabetti Theatre, St James' Blvd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4HP Award-winning drag king and London’s loveable nature boy, Bi-Curious George , invites you into a raucous, joy-fuelled celebration of queerness and the animal kingdom. Expect camp creatures, wild facts, and unapologetic queer energy in a show that’s as informative as it is unhinged. Presented in partnership with Curious Arts , Queer Planet  is where natural history meets drag cabaret, and absolutely no one’s playing it straight. 🎶 Northern Proud Voices – Cathedral Concert 📅 Friday 4 July 2025 🕖 19:00 – 20:30 📍 Newcastle Cathedral, St. Nicholas Sq, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PF Join us for an uplifting evening of music in one of the city’s most iconic venues. Northern Proud Voices , the North East’s largest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ choir, will perform a powerful setlist of pop and rock hits — all delivered with heart, harmony, and Pride. Northern Proud Voices 🏊 Out to Swim – Inclusive Swim Session 📅 Saturday 5 July 2025 🕥 10:45 – 12:00 📍 Heworth Leisure Centre, High Lanes, Gateshead NE10 0PD Dive into Pride weekend with Out to Swim , the new LGBTQIA+ swim club making waves in Newcastle. Whether you're a total beginner or just fancy a splash, join us for a fun and welcoming taster session. Enjoy free coaching , meet fellow queer swimmers, and get moving in a relaxed, body-positive space. These events will feature as part of Northern Pride’s exciting Pride Fringe 2025. To learn more, head to www.northern-pride.com/fringe Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

With only a month to go, the site map for Newcastle Pride Arena has been revealed for festival goers to start planning their weekend celebrations.  Our Pride Arena site map! Following the hugely successful move into the heart of Newcastle last year, The Pride Arena site map highlights some exciting changes being introduced for 2025, including two stages within Times Square  – with an even bigger and better main stage and a lineup of amazing artists to soundtrack the weekend – plus the exclusive area for VIP ticketholders. Presented in partnership with Newcastle NE1, Newcastle City Council and North East Combined Authority, the festival, which will take place across the 19th and 20th July, has expanded to create even more space for festival guests to enjoy the weekend of live music, drag, and culture. The event organiser, Northern Pride, has worked closely with Evnt Inspirations and Life Science Centre on the new layout at Times Square, including the new second stage within The Pride Arena which will play host to the highly popular Dance and Cabaret zone. There will also be delicious street food, retail stands and a selection of bars within the Arena, making it a real destination in the city. Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride said: “Following a transformative year launching Newcastle Pride as a city-wide takeover in 2024, and the incredible feedback were excited to be back and even better than last year. . Not only will our new and improved main stage host star-studded acts, but with the addition of the Dance and Cabaret Stage making its long awaited return, even more incredible artists from the LGBTQIA+ community can join the fun at Times Square. ” Headline entertainment on Saturday 19th July in The Pride Arena includes pop sensation, Pixie Lott, as well as a DJ set from icon Gok Wan, a spectacular drag performance from Drag Race UK finalist and Newcastle favourite, Michael Marouli, plus 90s hits from Livin’ Joy.  Sunday will champion local entertainment from the North East and iconic tribute acts including ‘Taylor Swift’, ‘Sabrina Carpenter’, ‘Lady Gaga’, ‘Freddie Mercury’ along with queer collective, The Future is Queer.  Weekend tickets are available to purchase from £25.00, or individual Saturday tickets can be secured from £20.00 and Sunday tickets from £7.50.  For full details of the programme and lineup for Newcastle Pride, to buy tickets, visit www.northern-pride.com . Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

Newcastle’s Pride Fringe 2025 is shaping up to be a week full of celebration, creativity. And the city is ready to come alive with events that champion LGBTQIA+ voices, art, and expression. From spoken word to sequins, here’s what not to miss this week: 🌈 Queer Exchange – Queer Market 📅 Sunday 22 June 2025 🕙 10:00 – 16:00 📍 One Strawberry Lane, NE1 4BX The beloved Queer Exchange Market boasts a vibrant collection of pride crafts, music, zines, art, and more — all from local LGBTQIA+ creatives and independent vendors. This is your chance to shop small, support queer makers, and soak up community energy in the heart of the city. 💃 A Life NOT in Heels – Ophelia Balls 📅 Friday 20 June 2025 🕢 19:30 – 23:30 📍 Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, NE1 7RH Join local legend Ophelia Balls  for an unfiltered and totally unmissable evening of drag cabaret. A Life NOT in Heels  promises big laughs, camp storytelling, and outrageous charm. It's Ophelia: unplugged, unscripted, and completely out of your head. Ophelia Balls ✍️ Out of Your Head! – Poetry Night 📅 Thursday 26 June 2025 🕖 19:00 – 22:00 📍 Tyne Theatre and Opera House, NE1 4AG Celebrate queer identity through spoken word with Out of Your Head! A powerful night of poetry and performance centred on the theme of being Unapologetically Visible . Featuring a stellar all-queer line-up of six poets, including host Amy Langdown , this is one for those who love words that hit hard and hearts that speak loud. These events will feature as part of Northern Pride’s exciting Pride Fringe 2025. To learn more, head to www.northern-pride.com/fringe Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

Step into the spotlight with Queer Bodies  – a fashion showcase celebrating bold perspectives from some of the North East’s fiercest queer designers. This is a night of unapologetic expression, style, and pure queer joy. 🗓️ Thursday 10th July 🕖 7PM 📍 The Great Hall, Discovery Museum Curated collections will explore what it means to be queer in 2025 – loud, proud, and unapologetic. Hosted by the iconic Mutha Tucka , the night closes with a jaw-dropping performance by the Newcastle Ballroom Community . HOSTED BY: MUTHA TUCKA  – @muthatucka A seasoned drag powerhouse who’s been serving looks and turning heads for years. As co-creator of Shade  — the scene-changing drag night in Newcastle — Mutha Tucka has helped redefine queer nightlife in the North East. PERFORMANCE BY: NEWCASTLE BALLROOM COMMUNITY  – @nclballroomcom A fierce collective of queer people celebrating ballroom culture and the art of vogue. With members from all walks of life, their mission is to create safer, bigger queer spaces while honouring the trans POC legends who laid the foundation for ballroom. Your host for the night Mutha Tucka! DESIGNERS: HAUS PASTICHE  – @sam.barley.creative "I’m Sam and I’ve been studying fashion design since I was 16, developing my craft, evolving my style, and elevating my practice for almost a decade. My influences mirror my identity and self-image: queer history, bespoke tailoring, camp silhouettes, unapologetic forms of expression, and the punk movement." Designer and co-founder HAUS PASTICHE  – Sam Barley CHRISTOPHER NIARI  – @christopherniari "I’ve been designing and making clothing for nearly two decades, specialising in creative, theatrical eveningwear and corsetry that’s fashion-forward with a strong queer sensibility. I dress Drag Queens and queer artists locally, nationally and internationally — from performances to red carpet moments." Designer and co-founder Christopher Niari REESE WETHERSPOON  – @reesespeeses_ "My name is Reese Wetherspoon. I’ve been designing and creating clothes since lockdown. Being self-taught and not always using ‘proper’ sewing methods is what makes my outfits unique – my favourite pieces have come from experimentation and play." LEVIATHANNE  – @leviathanne_designs "My name is Leviathanne. As a designer, I’m proudly tacky on purpose – taking inspiration from avant-garde subcultures and the idea of being ‘rotten but nice.’ I love a good animal print. I’ve been designing for about four years in education and three years independently." LOVE DULUXE EROTICA  – @lovedeluxeerotica "My name’s Oliver and I’ve been designing for around a year now. I take inspiration from ‘90s runways and Bob Mackie — combining fashion and costume references to create garments that are extravagant, eclectic and maximalist." Love Duluxe Erotica, Leviathanne and Reese Wetherspoon This event will be part of Northern Pride’s exciting Pride Fringe 2025. To learn more, head to www.northern-pride.com/fringe Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

After a hilarious start to our Pride Fringe this week with Laugh Out Proud and Mark Bittlestone, we are excited to bring you next week's program - you don't want to miss it! We’re so excited to be teaming up with Eldon Square  this Saturday to bring a joy-filled, family-friendly Pride celebration  right into the heart of Newcastle! Join us on Saturday, June 14,  for a day packed with  colour, creativity, and community  as the centre transforms into a hub of Pride activity, and you’re all invited! 📍 Eldon Square Newcastle – Community Quarter (opposite Chatime) 🕒 10am – 3pm 🎉 FREE & open to all EVENT PLAN: 11am – 1pm: Stilt Walkers Be wowed as towering stilt walkers bring the centre to life with Pride-themed costumes and dazzling energy. Roaming the malls of Eldon Square, Newcastle, throughout the day. 12pm – 2pm : Drag Castle Superhero Performances Don’t miss our superhero-style drag performances bursting with energy! Keep your eyes peeled – you never know which of your favourite Marvel characters may appear! 10am – 3pm: BookWyrm Pop-Up Bookshop & Storytime Step into a world of imagination with BookWyrm, a pop-up bookshop featuring storytime sessions in the Community Quarter. Perfect for little readers and curious minds! 10am – 3pm: Curious Arts Craft Zone Get creative with two inclusive craft experiences led by Curious Arts. These hands-on activities are designed for all ages. 10am – 3pm : Free Face Painting Add a splash of colour to your day with free face painting – rainbows, glitter, and fabulous designs for everyone! NQ64, where our Arcade Allies event will take place! ARCADE ALLIES And next Thursday join us as we’re levelling up queer connection with a night of Pride Speed Friending at NQ64. Inspired by the arcade's legacy as a social hub, this private event invites you to meet new people through a mix of games, chats and chilled out vibes. 📍 NQ64 Newcastle  🕒 6-9pm  🎟️ £10 + free cocktail on entry! These events will feature as part of Northern Pride’s exciting Pride Fringe 2025. To learn more, head to www.northern-pride.com/fringe Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

Get ready for double the LOLs, sass, and stand-up  as Laugh Out Proud  brings you back-to-back queer joy and belly laughs. It’s a comedy double bill you won’t want to miss, all taking place at The Stand Newcastle . The Hilarious Chris Hall Monday: Laugh Out Proud Fundraiser Date:  Monday 9th June Time: 7:30 pm Location:  The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle We’re kicking off the week with the Laugh Out Proud Fundraiser , a night of fierce, feel-good comedy hosted in support of Newcastle Pride. Expect a brilliant lineup of queer talent, community vibes, and plenty of sparkle. The fabulous Plastiq will host the evening, featuring performances from  Connor Read ,  Al Stevenson ,  Lilian Larkin , and  Nicola Mantalios. The evening will be topped off with our headliner, the hilarious Chris Hall , known for his high-camp, high-energy style that’s guaranteed to leave you in stitches. Comedian Mark Bittlestone! Tuesday: Mark Bittlestone – I Need a Straight Guy* Date:  Tuesday 10th June Time: 7:30 pm Location:   The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle Following Monday’s fundraiser, we’re back at The Stand for a solo show that’s equal parts outrageous, honest, and laugh-out-loud funny. Mark Bittlestone  brings his critically acclaimed show I Need a Straight Guy*  to Newcastle. A hilariously unfiltered deep dive into modern queer dating, identity, and heartbreak. With his sharp wit and chaotic charm, Mark explores what it means to desire the deeply unavailable, in a set that’s painfully relatable and endlessly entertaining. These shows will feature as part of Northern Pride’s exciting Pride Fringe 2025. To learn more, head to www.northern-pride.com/fringe Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

We’re so excited to be teaming up with Eldon Square  this summer to bring a joy-filled, family-friendly Pride celebration  right into the heart of Newcastle! Join us on Saturday, June 14,  for a day packed with  colour, creativity, and community  as the centre transforms into a hub of Pride activity, and you’re all invited! 📍 Eldon Square Newcastle – Community Quarter (opposite Chatime) 🕒 10am – 3pm 🎉 FREE & open to all EVENT PLAN: 11am – 1pm: Stilt Walkers Be wowed as towering stilt walkers bring the centre to life with Pride-themed costumes and dazzling energy. Roaming the malls of Eldon Square, Newcastle, throughout the day. 12pm – 2pm : Drag Castle Superhero Performances Don’t miss our superhero-style drag performances bursting with energy! Keep your eyes peeled – you never know which of your favourite Marvel characters may appear! 10am – 3pm: BookWyrm Pop-Up Bookshop & Storytime Step into a world of imagination with BookWyrm, a pop-up bookshop featuring storytime sessions in the Community Quarter. Perfect for little readers and curious minds! 10am – 3pm: Curious Arts Craft Zone Get creative with two inclusive craft experiences led by Curious Arts. These hands-on activities are designed for all ages. 10am – 3pm : Free Face Painting Add a splash of colour to your day with free face painting – rainbows, glitter, and fabulous designs for everyone! Whether you’re here to support, celebrate, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, Eldon Square Newcastle is the place to be. Come as you are and be part of a day where everyone belongs. Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

Join the hilarious Al Stevenson and his pals for a night of feel-good comedy, all in support of a great cause!   As part of Northern Pride’s Pride Fringe 2025, Al’s Pals are bringing the laughs with a comedy takeover that’ll have you howling (with laughter, not just at the dogs).   Best of all? It’s all in aid of Second Chance Dog Rescue, so every chuckle helps a pup in need. Our host for the night, Al Stevenson What can you expect?   Our Headliner Matt Reed:   Matt Reed is a COMEDY LEGEND! There is not a club in the country Matt has not played; he is a man who has been in every situation that comedy can throw his way. Broken ribs up a mountain. On-stage nudity, crowds of 10 and of 25,000. He’s done it all and he’s done it brilliantly.   “Reason alone to attend a comedy night is having Matt Reed.” – BBC Newcastle   With support from:   Maxine Wade – A leopard that lives in Leeds, Maxine is a BBC New Comedy Awards Regional Finalist (As Seen on BBC Three), who is taking the UK comedy circuit by storm, also winning The Yorkshire Comedy Awards “Best Breakthrough Act 2023”.   “A riotously funny comedian, with excellent material and punchy confidence.” – Edinburgh Comedy Awards Ish   Catherine Young – The winner of The Hilarity Bites New Act Competition 2019! From strength to strength, she has been making crowds all over the UK laugh, being tour support for the likes of Scott Bennett and Nathan Caton!   “Catherine is a warm yet electric act who can fearlessly play any room and is a joy to audiences.” – Felt Nowt Comedy   Percy Savage – A Cumbrian funnyman with a bunch of inventive and effortlessly rib-tickling perspectives, which took him all the way to the semi-finals of, So You Think You’re Funny competition 2021!   “Excellent stand up, electrified the room and audience.” – Lancashire Post   Venue:  The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle Date:  Thursday 5th June 2025 Time:  Doors 7:00 PM   This show will feature as part of Northern Pride’s exciting Pride Fringe 2025. To learn more, head to www.northern-pride.com/fringe Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

Get ready to Laugh Out Proud and support a brilliant cause while you’re at it!   The Fringe is nearly here, and we’re announcing a show that’s fierce, funny, and fabulously unapologetic. Laugh Out Proud is our flagship queer comedy fundraiser, bringing the boldest LGBTQIA+ talent to the iconic Stand Newcastle stage.   Expect an electric night of stand-up, sass, and side-splitting joy with:   🎤 PlastiQ (Host) 🎭 Connor Read 🤣 Al Stevenson 🌟 Lilian Larking 🔥 Nicola Mantalios 💥 Headliner: Christopher Hall Internet sensation and raising star Christopher Hall Christopher’s online sketches featuring ’Background Singers’ with his sister Elizabeth, ‘Your Cat’ and ’The Millennial’ have over 12 million likes, 50 million views and spawned collaborations with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain, The Jonas Brothers, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, JoJo, Delta Goodrem and Olly Alexander. A rising star in the comedy world, Christopher is known for his quick wit and infectious energy. With a knack for finding humour in the everyday - he is effortless on stage. Bursting with charismatic stage presence and natural comedic timing, and an ever growing fan base, Christopher Hall is undoubtedly one to watch, poised to leave a lasting mark on the world of comedy.   During lockdown, Christopher took to Instagram and TikTok and started releasing a series of sketches; he has built up an impressive following and a number of characters that have become known across the world. Since then, Christopher has taken his comedy and his charm on to the stand-up circuit and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with sell out shows as well as appearing on ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show. Christopher has recently been delighting audiences in Australia performing Self Helpless as well performing in mixed bill shows up and down the UK. Pride Fringe 2025 Ophelia B stars in a one woman show, a Life NOT in Heels! Festivalgoers won’t need to wait until July for this year’s Newcastle Pride celebrations to begin, with a programme of exciting events announced today for the city’s first ever Pride Fringe, set to take place from June.  A new addition to the North East calendar for 2025, Pride Fringe will offer a wide range of live entertainment, comedy and theatre, along with LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities at a host of local venues across the early summer months ahead of the highly anticipated Newcastle Pride Festival on 19th and 20th July, which is presented in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council.