Everything You Need to Know About… Pride in the City
Our guide to getting the most out of Pride in the City
Over the last few years, Northern Pride has evolved into one of the biggest, most inclusive and definitely most fabulous events not only in Newcastle but in the whole North East.
This year’s Pride promises to be bigger and better than ever and has made some big changes to its format, moving from the Town Moor into the heart of the city.
We’re here to pre-empt all your questions in this special Pride in the City round-up – where to go, what to expect, ticket details and all the rest – so you can get on with having a great time while celebrating our fabulous LGBTQ+ community.
What is Pride in the City?
Formerly known as Northern Pride, Pride in the City is Newcastle's annual celebration of our LGBTQ+ community. Each year, the festival brings thousands and thousands of people into the city with a weekend-long programme of entertainment and activities under a specific theme.
What is this year’s theme?
The theme for this year is “unapologetically visible” and the goal in mind is to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community being seen and being heard.
When and where is it happening?
The Pride in the City programme runs from 19th to 21st July this year and in a change from previous editions, it's moving from its usual home at the Town Moor to Newcastle city centre. The action will take place at multiple venues across the city centre, so there's likely to be something Pride in the City-related no matter which corner of Newcastle you're in that weekend!
There'll be free festival zones spread across Newcastle with a Family & Youth Zone at The Assembly Rooms, a Health & Well-Being Zone at Newcastle Civic Centre and a Sport & Active Life zone at Northumbria University alongside a Market Village at Grey's Monument and Old Eldon Square featuring a collection of stalls selling products and sharing LGBTQ+ related information.
Local LGBTQIA+ arts organisation Curious Arts will be taking over Northern Stage with programme of queer art and culture and there's the Pride in the City Arena at Times Square too.
What is the Pride in the City Arena?
It's pretty much the focal point of the Pride in the City weekend and is located at Times Square next to Life Science Centre. It's going to have an epic stage playing host to some top-class entertainment over the three days, kicking off with Kroud Karaoke on Friday 19th July featuring hostess Ophelia B and a DJ set from Hits Radio presenter James Barr.
On Saturday, there are stage takeovers from Newcastle Mela, The Future is Queer and Queerdo before sets from Little Mix tribute band Little Fix, Kelly Llorenna and Swedish pop sensation Whigfield and finally on Sunday, there's even more entertainment from Taylor Swift tribute act Totally Taylor, The Voice winners Jen & Liv, Drag Race UK winner Ginger Johnson and gay clubland legend DJ Fat Tony.
What else is happening?
One of the most attended and well-known parts of the festival is the annual Pride March which this year starts at 12pm on Saturday 20th July at Newcastle Civic Centre before winding its way down Northumberland Street and through the city. Last year, despite an epic downpour, over 15,000 people joined the march and even more are expected to attend this year. Another local Pride tradition is its closing candlelit vigil - a chance to reflect on the struggles faced by the query community and remember those lost along the way - which is will taking place at the Pride in the City Arena at 9pm on Sunday 21st July.
There are lots of great satellite events taking place in the run-up to the Pride in the City weekend - including Jaws (But Gay) Cabaret at Alphabetti Theatre on 12th July and Priscilla: The Interactive Sing-a-Long Screening at Tyneside Cinema on 10th July - and a Hits Radio DJ Truck on Grey throughout the weekend on Grey Street pumping out queer pop classics.
With so much going on, it's a good idea to check out the full Pride in the City schedule to make sure you don't miss out!
Is it family-friendly?
Pride seeks to be as inclusive as possible, but while there are no age restrictions in place generally, each venue might have its own rules. For example, the Pride in the City Arena lets kids in during the day but they must be off site by 8pm. It’s best to check online for specific venues to avoid disappointment.
Do I need tickets?
The majority of the Pride in the City events are free but the arena is ticketed. It’s £7.50 for Friday, £15 for Saturday and Sunday, and weekend tickets are £30 – all available here. Kids under 5 go free and the arena will become open to all 10 minutes before the closing candlelight vigil.
Pride In The City is set to be a beautiful, inclusive, celebratory weekend of queer-positive gatherings, performances and activism that will paint the city in a rainbow and make everybody welcome. Get into the city and get involved - it’s good for the soul AND it’s a lot of fun!
Pride in the City takes place in Newcastle city centre from 19th to 21st July 2024. For more information visit www.northern-pride.com/prideinthecity.
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