LGBTQ+ celebrations will take pride of place at Metrocentre this weekend (Sat 3 August) as Gateshead’s month-long festival gets underway. The first ever Pride in Gateshead, supported by Gateshead College and organised by Out North East, will launch at the shopping centre on Saturday.
And, from 11am to 4pm, visitors will be able to enjoy a packed programme of activities for all ages.
Activities
Clothes retailers throughout the mall will be dressing their mannequins in a rainbow display of outfits, while make-up experts from MAC, Flannels, Lush and Boots, among others will be holding beauty demonstrations throughout the day.
There will be face painting and crafts for children – along with appearances from the Metrognomes – and a foliage wall and colourful chairs for photo mementoes of the day – all taking place at Town Square.
Food retailers will be inviting visitors to sample a variety of savoury treats while a Flag in the Map exhibition at Upper Town Square will capture the hope and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing their resilience and the enduring strength of the rainbow flag.
Lumo
And to help visitors explore everything Metrocentre has to offer, train operator Lumo will be giving free rides on the Lumo Pride of the North train from a specially built railway station in lower Platinum Mall.
Lumo will also have a stall at the event as will other LGBQT+ allies including Be Trans, Out North East, Pride Action North, Northern Proud Voices, Gateshead Council, Northern Front Runners, Newcastle Ravens and Newcastle Panthers.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Lumo, said:
“We are thrilled to be supporting some of the most exciting events for our communities, customers and colleagues taking place in Gateshead this summer.
“From our mini-Metrocentre train takeover throughout August to being headline partner for the free concert Pride on Tyne at Baltic Square on Sunday 25, our Lumo team are excited to be helping enable opportunities for everyone to join in the fun.”
Throughout August, members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community will be able to take part in everything from picnics and film screenings to fun runs and sporting events across Gateshead.
“It’s the borough’s first ever Pride and I’m overwhelmed at the excitement it’s generated,” said Peter Darrant, Chair of Out North East.
“We’ve had a vast amount of support and I know Metrocentre will get the month- long celebrations off to a fantastic start.”
Gavin Prior, Metrocentre Centre Director, said:
“We are thrilled to support Pride in Gateshead with festival sponsor Gateshead College for an exciting day at Metrocentre, celebrating diversity and community spirit. With a fantastic line-up of activities and a special appearance by the Metrognomes, we invite all families and friends to join us for a rainbow-filled day of family-friendly fun. From kids’ crafts and market stalls to fashion, music, beauty tables, face painting, and free rides on the LUMO Metro Train, this event will offer something for everyone to enjoy.”
For the full programme visit www.outnortheast.org.uk
