The countdown is ON – just 9 days  to go until Northern Pride 2025! ✨ While we wait for the big weekend, don’t miss these amazing Pride Fringe events happening across the city: Here’s what’s happening this week: 👠 Queer Bodies 📅 10 July 🕖 7–11PM 📍 Discovery Museum A runway celebration of local queer fashion voices from the North East. Expect bold looks, fresh perspectives and unapologetic self-expression. 🌊 Paddle With Pride 📅 15 July 🕔 5:45–8:45PM 📍 NE1 City Marina, Quayside Take to the Tyne in our flag-draped kayaks for a joyful paddle set to LGBTQ+ anthems. Hats, sunglasses, good vibes encouraged! 🧚 Inviting Magic 📅 19 July 🕙 10AM–2:30PM 📍 Grainger Market (Corner of Clayton & Nelson St) A magical new installation by sculptor & drag king Lady Kitt transforms an empty shop unit into a multisensory queer wonderland. Mack and Mama Rhi 🎬 Ye Olde Wishing Well – Film Screening 📅 19 July | 🕠 5:30–6:30PM 📍 Tyneside Cinema This beautiful short film by Deaf non-binary filmmaker EJ Raymond explores identity and transformation in a visually rich fairytale world. 🌟 The Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret 📅 19 July 🕖 7–11PM📍 Alphabetti Theatre Mack and Mama Rhi return with the ultimate cabaret of trans joy, celebrity obsession and chaotic brilliance. Local icons + dreamy crushes = unmissable night. Don’t forget – Pride weekend kicks off 19–20 July  🌈Check out the full Fringe lineup at: 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 part of its ongoing mission to make Pride even more inclusive, Newcastle Pride  is teaming up with Nexus  to champion accessibility for all. Nexus is Pride’s official travel and accessibility partner for 2025, underscoring the charity’s commitment to ensuring that everyone can enjoy this year’s festivities, regardless of ability. The entire festival is fully wheelchair accessible, with all official Newcastle Pride partner venues equipped with step-free access and essential accessibility services, including disabled toilets. This extends to all festival zones and the Pride Arena, where AccessoLoo units will be available for those who require hoist and changing facilities. Several partner venues will also offer quiet spaces, for those that need some time away from the celebrations.  To ensure everyone can experience the magic of the weekend’s performances, British Sign Language interpreters (BSL) will be present at Main Stage, Curious Arts Stage and Trans+ Cabaret performances. Full details of all BSL services will be announced within the programme for this year’s event. New for 2025 is the Trans+ zone, a vibrant and empowering space designed to celebrate and support the region’s trans and non-binary communities. By day, the zone will act as a collaborative space for attendees to take part in some hands-on activities, speak with trans specific support agencies and charities and meet new friends. As night falls, the zone transforms with a dazzling showcase of Trans+ cabaret performed on the iconic Alphabetti stage. The Nexus Team at Pride 2024! In response to the growing popularity of the festival, Newcastle Pride will bring back its free shuttle bus with thanks to Nexus. Running throughout Saturday's main day, the service will connect key locations across the city, making it even easier for festivalgoers to experience everything this year’s celebration has to offer. Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “We’re thrilled to be the transport and accessibility partner for this year’s Newcastle Pride Festival. “Inclusivity is the cornerstone of our brand, right across the communities that we serve. We are looking forward to customers travelling with us for the Newcastle 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. “These values are echoed throughout our organisation, and we are proud to be an inclusive and accessible employer, with a commitment to diversity, inclusion and dignity in the workplace, and have policies in place to ensure our colleagues that identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community are supported and protected.”  Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride, said: “Ensuring that Newcastle Pride is an inclusive and safe space has always been at the top of the agenda, as we want to create an environment that is truly welcoming for everyone who wishes to attend.  “Through our wonderful partnership with Nexus we are committed to removing any barriers that might prevent someone from attending, and helping to make sure Pride is a space where all people feel valued, supported and free to be themselves.” 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.

The time has come for Kings of the North East to take the spotlight! Howay Ladz ladz ladz! A brand new event supporting and showcasing North East Drag Kings Veggie Stripper, Boob Ross, Jack Boxx and Stan Doubt is set to take the Curious Arts Stage this pride. Special guest Chiyo will be performing at the first-ever NE LADZ! Come down to the NE LADZ platform and let’s celebrate King Culture together! It''s a chance to explore & celebrate Drag King talent and excellence. Hosted by Vick The Prick and special king guest Chiyo! 📅 19th July 📍 Northern Stage 🏳️‍🌈Over 18’s only ⏰ 2-4pm 🎟Free Entry For full details of the Curious Arts Stage and NE LADZ Platform 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.

DUE to the ongoing development of Northumberland Street, it is with great regret that we today announce that the route for the annual Newcastle Pride march on Saturday 19 July will now change to pass through John Dobson Street. This is to ensure maximum safety of all attendees as it is not possible to march the planned route with the continued works and associated risks.   The march will commence from the Civic Centre at 12pm as planned, but will this year head down John Dobson Street, before returning to the usual route on Blackett Street then finally onto Percy Street. The march will finish at Civic Centre ahead of the citywide celebrations. The organisers of Newcastle Pride are working collaboratively with Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police. The groups met earlier this week to review the significant safety concerns for those planning to attend and therefore made the difficult decision together to alter the route.    Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride said: “Whilst we are incredibly disappointed that we cannot march down Northumberland Street, something that is fundamental to Pride and is symbolic to the LGBTQIA+ community and our visibility in the city, the priority is has to be the safety and welfare of everyone taking part. "We were made aware of concerns by Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police surrounding the ongoing building works on Northumberland Street and the risks related to the march. With this, strict guidance was provided to modify our plans. We are working closely with all partners to ensure that we do everything we can to make this change work. "It’s paramount that the LGBTQIA+ community is able to march safely while remaining unapologetically visible.”   For more information on the changes to the Pride march route, visit www.northern-pride.com/march .

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.