GET IN THE HEALTH ZONE AT NEWCASTLE PRIDE …

HEALTH is to take centre stage this summer at one of the North East’s biggest free festivals. Newcastle Pride 2014 – one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender festivals in the country – returns on Friday 18 July for three days of parades, live entertainment and events. And, in response to demand, its Steve Paske Health Zone will be extended to house around 30 stalls and provide space for workshops and health testing facilities. Along with information on health issues specific to the LGBT community, there will be the chance to try complementary therapies and obtain advice on everything from nutrition and food issues to weight management and mental health, drug or alcohol abuse. The zone, sponsored by MESMAC North East - a gay and bisexual men’s sexual health project – will also house a designated testing area for a range of sexually transmitted infections, from chlamydia to HIV. “While the festival is about fun, entertainment and celebration our focus is also very much on the mental and physical health of members of the LGBT community,” said Mark Nichols, Chairman of Northern Pride which organises the event. “Last year, the Health Zone team carried out STI tests on around 260 people and handed out thousands of free condoms to visitors – and we plan to build on that this year.” On Sunday 20 July, the Health Zone will also play host to Sports Gay, when volunteers will be able to take part in a range of light-hearted races and challenges. This year’s Newcastle Pride has been extended beyond one day for the first time in its seven year history and other highlights this year include a parade through Newcastle city centre on Saturday 19 July and the Paws with Pride pet show on Sunday 3 August. For more information about Newcastle Pride and to see the full line-up for this year’s event visit www.northern-pride.com or follow @northernprideuk  on Twitter.