PREPARE FOR THREE MONTHS OF PRIDE ACROSS THE NORTH EAST
The success of last year’s three major Pride events across the North East is about to be repeated. Charity Out North East organised the ambitious month-long celebrations in Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead, with a full programme of entertainment, education, exhibitions and family-friendly events. And now organisers have announced plans for summer 2025 – with all three areas once again getting behind the festivals.
Kicking it off will be Pride in Sunderland which will run throughout June and include everything from a line dancing event to drag bingo, culminating in a Pride concert in Keel Square on Saturday 28 June.
The events will be launched at the Bridges on 7 June and that will be the springboard for an intensive month of activity, including film screenings, Proudly Preloved – a charity shop takeover, Pride family picnic and an audience with Carl Austin-Behan OBE, who will talk about his life as an advocate for LGBTQ+ military veterans.
Councillor Alison Smith, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and Equalities at Sunderland City Council said she was delighted to see the return of Pride In Sunderland. She said:
“As a welcoming and inclusive city, we are proud to see another great celebration for Pride in Sunderland planned for 2025. We’re looking forward to this month-long programme of events which celebrates diversity and inclusivity in the city.
“We’re delighted to host this event once again with Out North East, Sunderland BID, and key businesses and partners from across city.
“Pride in Sunderland is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and its allies. I’d like to welcome everyone to come and get involved, show their support and celebrate equality and diversity in Sunderland, while having fun.”
Following the Sunderland event, Pride will then move to South Tyneside where once again there will be a full programme of activities throughout July.
Events like popular dog show ‘Pride Pooches’ will return as will Pride in Hebburn which will take place on Saturday 26 July.
Pride in South Tyneside
Pride in South Tyneside concert will take place as part of the This Is South Tyneside summer festival on Sunday 20 July, where acts will include Shayne Ward, The Future is Queer and Shelley Stevens.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said:
“South Tyneside is a warm, welcoming and inclusive place with unique and diverse communities.
“We’re delighted to be working with Out North East to showcase Pride in South Tyneside again over the summer.
“Events like these allow people of all backgrounds to come together in unity, solidarity and friendship, embrace and celebrate our wonderful LGBTQ+ community and promote a culture of acceptance, inclusivity and diversity.”
Gateshead Pride
The final Pride of the summer will move to Gateshead – partnered with Gateshead Council and Gateshead College. – in August, launching on 2 August with a special day at the Metrocentre.
Highlights throughout the month include a town centre takeover on 9 August, Pride Lawn Bowling Tournament on 10 August and the 5k Colour Run on 20 August.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
“Pride in Gateshead last year was a huge success and Out North East, with support from us and other partners, delivered a fantastic programme of events and we are delighted that this now forms an integral part of our event calendar each year.”
“We want our residents to love where they live and to do this people need to be proud of their local community, their local environment and feel safe being themselves.
“The people of Gateshead make us the unique, creative, ambitious and culturally diverse borough that we are all fortunate to be part of. Having the opportunity to celebrate our differences is therefore crucially important. It’s going to be another really exciting month for Gateshead with a fantastic programme of activities and we can’t wait for it to start.”
His words were echoed by David Alexander, Principal and Chief Executive of Gateshead College who said that “last year’s event was truly inspiring, as it brought together so many people from our communities in a celebration of diversity.
“At Gateshead College we look to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels empowered and able to be their true selves. We are therefore thrilled to be able to partner with Pride in Gateshead for the second consecutive year as inclusivity and respect are at the heart of everything we do.
“This year’s Pride takes place in a very special year for us as it’s 80 years since we became Gateshead Technical College. While we proudly celebrate eighty years of history, what truly matters is the impact we make. If we can change even one life for the better, if we can help one person feel safe, valued, and part of our community, then there is no greater achievement and supporting Pride in Gateshead helps us do this.”
Peter Darrant, Chair of Out North East, expressed his gratitude for the support from all the local councils and sponsors.
“Organising three Prides on this scale is a massive undertaking and wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our amazing sponsors and supporters,” he said.
“We look forward to delivering three memorable months of events with something for everyone.”
Full details of all of the Pride programmes are available at www.outnortheast.org.uk
This article is based on a press release by Bernice Saltzer
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