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WITH just over a week to go until Newcastle Pride, the organisers have announced the line up for the free Pride festival zones. In addition to the ticketed Pride Arena with headline performances, there will be a programme of free events, performances and activities for everyone to attend and enjoy. Newcastle Pride 2025, presented in partnership with Newcastle NE1, Newcastle City Council and North East Combined Authority, will commence from 12pm on Saturday 19 July across Newcastle, with entertainment starting over on the Lumo Platform located at Grey’s Monument. Here local artists and new acts will take to the stage across the day, bringing the city’s queer community and allies together. This includes Newcastle Mela who will be joining the celebrations again for 2025, bringing a vibrant mix of culture, music and community in both the LGBTQIA+ and South Asian communities.  The Newcastle Pride Market Village will also return alongside the Lumo Platform at Grey’s Monument and Old Eldon Square and will feature stalls from LGBTQIA+ businesses, community groups and independent creators. Queer art and culture will be celebrated over on the Curious Arts stage, located at Northern Stage at Barras Bridge. Brand new for 2025 will be a free drag kings’ performance, which will see talent showcases from North East drag artists, Veggie Stripper, Boob Ross, Jack Boxx and Stan Doubt from 2pm.  Last year's Lumo Platform Stage! For the first year ever, Newcastle Pride will host a new free zone for the Trans+ community at Alphabetti Theatre. This will include the opportunity for everyone under the Trans+ umbrella to meet, take part in workshops and make new friends in a safe space.  One of Northern Pride’s commissioned creative artists for this year, sculptor and drag king, Lady Kitt, will be creating a free multi-sensory installation for the festival which will answer the question “ What do we need to remain Unapologetically Visible in troubled times?” , bringing to life the lived experiences of local LGBTQIA+ people.  The Family & Youth Zone will be in partnership with Newcastle Theatre Royal this year, which will be open to all ages, including LGBTQIA+ families or queer young people who would like to meet like minded individuals within the community in a safe space. The zone will include activities such as face painting, storytelling and live performances across the day, followed by a teen disco hosted by North East cabaret artist, Gloria Love. Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive at Newcastle NE1 said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Pride in the heart of Newcastle for the 11th consecutive year. “It is a vibrant, inclusive celebration for everyone to enjoy, bringing people together and showcasing the best of our city. “Last year’s move into the city centre was a game changer, creating exciting new opportunities for local businesses to support the festival and delivering a multi-million pound boost to the local economy. This is great news for businesses and for the event. The impact exceeded all expectations and we’re incredibly proud to play our part." Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome back Newcastle Pride this weekend along with everyone who comes to celebrate. “It promises to be a very colourful, vibrant and fun weekend, offering a whole array of activities and events. Many of these are free to attend, something which is vital to ensure the festival is accessible and can be enjoyed by all. “Newcastle is a city united, famed for our warm Geordie welcome. I hope everyone who comes into the city centre this weekend has a fantastic time.” Vibrant scenes at the Pride March Kim McGuiness, North East Mayor said: “Pride is a demonstration of love and solidarity and a reminder of how important it is we have the freedom to be ourselves and to be proud of who we are. It’s a privilege to support to Newcastle Pride 2025 to help make the festival bigger, better and more inclusive, right in the heart of Newcastle.   “It’s a massive event for the city and for the region as a whole; providing a warm North East welcome, unrivalled free entertainment, community, activities and safe spaces.   “Happy Pride everyone.” To see the full programme for the free Newcastle Pride festival, visit www.northern-pride.com .

Hosted at Alphabetti Theatre in collaboration with Newcastle Pride,  The Trans+ Zone  aims to be a safe, celebratory, and empowering area for the region’s trans+ and non-binary community. The event includes: fun and relaxed workshops for participants to engage with; merch stalls by some awesome queer artists; helpful information leaflets; The Radical TJOY exhibition; plus food and drinks available to purchase from the Alphabetti Bar. This event is free and drop in, so feel free to pop by the Trans+ Zone and soak up some good, kind vibes or hang around and get excited for the chaotic queer cabaret: The Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret happening in the evening.   Either way, we'd love to see you there!  Here are some more details on some of the exciting activities, stalls and art for you to check out throughout the day… Chill & Chat Badge Making Make your own good vibes gender, pronoun or silly little badges with the option to have a relaxed chat while you make.  Zine Making Make your very own zine (a self published mini magazine) full of gender affirmations, your identity journey, helpful trans+ tips or advice, or just fill it full of things that make you feel happy and good, using collage, comics, poetry and creative writing.  Post Card Making Unleash your passions and activism by designing your own unique Trans Joy postcard. Come up with a bold concept, create interesting visuals or powerful messages. You will also have the option of designing a postcard to feature in the Radical TJOY art exhibition, which will also be used as a backdrop for an exciting cabaret on the evening.   Radical TJOY Exhibition Curious Arts have commissioned a selection of incredible local Trans+ artists to design some artwork to feature in the Radical TJOY Exhibition held in Alphabetti’s Main Theatre. The art work aims to spread trans hope and joy, whilst also celebrating some of our fantastic talented artists in the community. Information Stall A stall full of helpful charities that support trans+ and non-binary folks and allies, with information about youth groups, support groups, websites and more.  Ilex Mori @ilex_mori - Merch Stall Ilex Mori sell a mix of character prints, stickers and keychains of various designs from franchises like Pokemon, Mario, Pikmin (a lot of nintendo), but also with a large lean to LGBTQIA+ with pride animal stickers and also some exciting new keychains on the way. PyDesigns @pydesignsuk - Merch Stall Conveniently cute accessories and trinkets inspired by queerness, neurodiversity, and Japanese culture. Pydesigns is created by Miller Power, a trans, disabled, and autistic artist. They will also be stocking a fantastic protest postcard art by Dan Draws Stuff who is a trans traditional artist. The Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret (7.30PM - Late) This chaotic queer cabaret includes a star-studded line up of acts ranging from drag, poetry, live music and more, celebrating trans icons, celebrity crushes and a homage to Stars In Their Eyes…but Trans. Open to all LGBTQIA+ Folks, their allies, Zaddies and of course, most importantly Pedro Pascal! 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 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.