NE1’s Guide to Pride in the City: 10 Ways to Celebrate in Newcastle
Pride weekend is almost here and we’ve got the lowdown on what’s happening in the city
Pride in the City, the new city centre incarnation of Northern Pride’s annual LGBTQ+ celebrations, is almost here (19th-21st July) and while that might be the main event, there are tonnes of other things going all weekend long.
From dance theatre and raves to Pride takeovers at some of the city’s best-loved LGBTQ+ bars, there’s enough going on to keep you entertained throughout Pride in the City’s run.
Check out a selection of our favourite Pride-related events below and get planning some rainbow-infused fun in the city this July!
Bobby’s Pride Weekender @ Bobby’s
Bobby’s bar always has a whole load of fun planned when Pride weekend rolls around and this year is no different. On Friday 19th July, drag star Fatt Butcher is taking over their stage while Saturday’s line-up includes local singing sensation and Bobby’s mainstay Gloria Love who’ll be joined by fellow North East drag icon Ophelia Balls and DJ Poni for an evening of top tunes, cabaret and prize giveaways. Finally, on Sunday, there’s even more drag-tastic fun with Dahliah River and Monarchy who’ll be wrapping up the weekend with a party set to run into the small hours. Better yet, it’s all free too!
19th-21st July, free
Pride Style Garden & Arts and Crafts @ Eldon Square
Whether you’re a fashionista or a family, Eldon Square has you covered this Pride weekend. Head to their Pride Style Garden opposite New Look where you’ll find colourful backdrops and a rainbow flower wall perfect for photo opportunities alongside plenty of Pride fashion inspiration, or stop by the Community Quarter (opposite Chatime) from 20th-21st July for rainbow-themed arts, crafts and face-painting. All activities are completely free, but donations are welcome and all proceeds go towards supporting Northern Pride’s vital work.
8th-21st July (Pride Style Garden) / 20th-21st July (Arts & Crafts), free
Pushback Pride Rave: The Final Pushback @ The Lubber Fiend
All you ravers out there have probably already heard the bad news: Pushback, Newcastle’s favourite queer rave, is sadly calling time on their much-loved events. The good news? They’ve organised one last big blowout for Pride weekend with the Pushback Pride Rave at The Lubber Fiend! Join Wes Baggaley, aka ‘Wigan’s finest DJ’, for a euphoric night of music and dancing as the city says a fond farewell to this legendary event.
19th July, £16.70
Community Jam @ One Strawberry Lane
Hosted by the LGBT+ Northern Social Group, Community Jam is a neuro-divergent-friendly space for the LGBTQIA+ community that’s taking over One Strawberry Lane for two days during Pride weekend. There’ll be stalls, crafts and spaces to enjoy a cuppa while socialising alongside a designated sensory zone to relax and decompress. It’s open from 12pm to 5pm on 20th and 21st July and changing facilities are available from 10am on the Saturday for anybody who needs to get changed into the Pride outfit before the big Pride march.
20th-21st July, free
Sorry, Are You Lost? @ Dance City
Over at Dance City on Blandford Square, they’re kickstarting the Pride festivities a little early on 17th July with Sorry, Are You Lost? – a piece of dance theatre currently in early stages of development created by local dance artist and teacher Jenny Chrisp. Expect a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Jenny explores the ups and downs of motherhood, queer identity, loss and visibility through dance followed by an audience Q&A session.
17th July, free
Pride Weekend Scene Pass @ Multiple Venues
It should come as no surprise that the Pink Triangle community of bars are going all out for Pride in the City and with their Pride Weekend Scene Pass you get a golden ticket to a stellar line-up of entertainment at seven venues all weekend long. The pass includes priority entry at Rusty’s, Rusty’s Showbar, The Bank Bar and Switch, free entry to Powerhouse and Pink Room before 2am and a standing ticket for Boulevard’s Summer Show – and all from just £7.50 for a one-day pass or £20 for a weekend pass!
19th-21st July, from £7.50 plus booking fees
Pride Bottomless Drag Brunch Bonanza @ Rusty’s Showbar
Speaking of Rusty’s Showbar, it’s the place to be on the final day of Pride in the City as they’re hosting a drag-tastic bottomless brunch set to round-off the weekend in style. Hosted by the hilarious Rusty’s Girls, it’s going to be an afternoon of uproarious fun with cabaret, games, karaoke and fantastic prizes teamed with free-flowing drinks and a ‘sassy meal’ box. That’s not all either – tickets include a one-day Scene Pass for Sunday too so there’s even more fun to be had!
21st July, from £35 plus booking fees
Mini Pride in the City @ Old Eldon Square
As part of NE1’s Summer in the City, we’ve joined forces with the amazing team at Curious Arts to host two days of fun, free activities at Old Eldon Square to help kids and their families celebrate Pride. Suitable for kids aged 3 to 7, there’ll be interactive storytelling from Curious Arts and colourful arts and crafts to enjoy. It’s free to attend too and no booking is required – just rock up and have fun!
20th-21st July, free
Pride Takeover @ Screen on the Green, Old Eldon Square
But wait, there’s even more fun to be had at Old Eldon Square during Pride in the City weekend too! Our much-loved open-air cinema Screen on the Green is screening two amazing family-friendly LGBTQ+ films on 20th July perfect for a popcorn-fuelled Pride activity. Catch Disney’s animated sci-fi adventure Strange World at 1pm followed by teen rom-com Love, Simon at 3pm.
20th July, free
Newcastle Frontrunners LGBT Festival of Running @ Exhibition Park
Sprint your way into Pride weekend with Newcastle Frontrunners’ annual LGBTQ+ run at Exhibition Park. Aimed at supporting and celebrating the North East’s LGBTQ+ community, there’s a 5k run for ages 11+ and a 1-mile race for children. Fancy dress is encouraged with prizes to be won for the best dressed and there’ll be tasty food and drink to enjoy onsite alongside entertainment from the likes of compere Gloria Love.
19th July, £17.90 (members) / £19.90 (non-members) / £6.40 (kids)
As you can see, Newcastle is going all out for Pride in the City so you’ve no excuse not to don your brightest rainbow-coloured outfit and celebrate our region’s amazing LGBTQ+ community!
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