Three months of Pride events return to North East this summer
The North East will once again host a summer of Pride celebrations, following a successful run of events last year.Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside will host separate Pride festivals from June until the end of August.Peter Darrant, chair of the charity Out North East, said organisers were looking forward to "delivering three memorable months of events". The series of events will begin in Sunderland on 7 June, and will come to a close on 30 August with a concert in Gateshead.
David Alexander, principal and chief executive of Gateshead College, said this year's event was taking place in a "very special year", marking the 80th anniversary of college.He said the 2024 event had been "truly inspiring" and brought together "so many people from our communities in a celebration of diversity".
Pride In Sunderland will launch the summer of celebrations on 7 June at the city's Bridges shopping centre.Events taking place across the month include drag bingo film screenings and Carl Austin-Behan OBE talking about his life as an advocate for LGBTQ+ military veterans.The Sunderland festival will culminate with a concert in Keel Square on 28 June.Pride will then move to South Tyneside in July, with a dog show and a concert among the planned activities.
The Gateshead festival will kick off on 2 August at the Metrocentre, taking Pride activities into their third month.Highlights of the festival will include a town centre takeover, a bowling tournament and the 5k-colour run.
Local authorities have welcomed the return of Pride celebrations.Councillor Alison Smith, portfolio holder for corporate services and equalities at Sunderland City Council, said she was "proud to see another great celebration".Councillor Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, said the local authority was "delighted" to see the event's comeback. "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," said Dixon. Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said it was going to be "another really exciting month" for the town.
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