Cathedral Pride Concert to Celebrate 15 Years of Music and Visibility

In the run-up to Newcastle Pride, the North East’s largest LGBTQIA+ and allies’ choir will perform at Newcastle Cathedral next month in a special concert marking its 15th anniversary year.

Northern Proud Voices will return for its fourth annual concert at the Cathedral on Friday 3 July at 7pm, as part of a wider programme of activities celebrating inclusion.

Founded in 2011, Northern Proud Voices is a non-audition community choir that provides a welcoming and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to connect through music. The choir also seeks to reduce social isolation and promote positive mental wellbeing.

Kate Husband, representing Northern Proud Voices, says: “It is a huge privilege to be invited to perform again at the Cathedral.

“We are a non-audition community choir that is thriving as a space to sing, socialise and feel safe in a world that is increasingly challenging. We are flourishing and growing and take great comfort in knowing it is a place where people can come to simply enjoy singing in a non-judgemental and inclusive space. If hate is shouting, we will sing and love louder.

“We are so pleased that the Cathedral continues to welcome us with open arms and support our vision of singing out loud and proud in Newcastle.”

As part of its summer programme, the Cathedral will also host all-ages banner-making workshops on Saturday 11 July at 10:30am and 1:30pm, run by Newcastle Pride, presented this year by the charity Curious Arts. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is recommended.

On Saturday 25 July, the day of the Newcastle Pride march, the Cathedral will provide a Sacred Quiet Space from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, alongside a contemplative trail running throughout July, developed with support from the Diocese of Newcastle LGBTQI+ Chaplaincy Service.

The Dean of Newcastle, Lee Batson, says, “Newcastle Cathedral is committed to being a place where everyone can encounter joy, peace, love and acceptance – or simply find a moment of quiet in the heart of the city. We are dedicated to extending this warm welcome throughout the year and are particularly pleased to partner with Northern Proud Voices and support Newcastle Pride later in July.”

Tickets for the Northern Proud Voices concert on Friday 3 July, as well as for the Newcastle Pride banner-making workshops and further events, are available on a ‘Give as You Feel’ basis through the Newcastle Cathedral website: newcastlecathedral.org.uk/whats-on.