LGBT Charity Bags Top Award

A leading North East LGBT charity has seen off competition from across the region to scoop a top award at an LGBT awards ceremony.

Northern Pride, which organises the annual Newcastle Pride festival sponsored by NE1 – was awarded the Outstanding Contribution To LGBT+ Life accolade at the North East LGBT awards ceremony last night (16 May).

The awards, which are organised by the Rainbow Foundation - who work to improve the visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people in the North East - were held in Washington and the evening was a celebration of positive LGBT+ work across the region, on the eve of International Day Against Homophobia (May 17) 

Northern Pride chairman Mark Nichols, who accepted the award at last night’s ceremony along with the charity’s directors Ross and Stephen Hogarth-Willis, is delighted that Northern Pride has been recognised for its continuous hard work in building stronger LGBT communities in the North East.

“We are so full of pride to have received the Outstanding Contribution To LGBT+ Life award at this year’s ceremony,” he said.
“The Northern Pride team and I work tirelessly to reduce homophobia, promote awareness of equality and to unite LGBT communities across the region, so to be awarded for our efforts is truly humbling.

“This year marks 10 years of free Newcastle Pride: the annual event that brings our community together and enables people to celebrate – and be proud of – who they are. And we hope all of Pride’s visitors – past, present and future – will join us in celebrating this summer.”

The North East LGBT Awards were nominated by the public then judged by a panel of sponsors.

Among the many highlights at Newcastle Pride 2017 will be a weekend of live music and entertainment at Newcastle Town Moor from 21 to 23 July, with a huge musical line-up including A1, Sam Bailey and more.

There will also be satellite events running at venues across the city during June and July, including a black tie ball and LGBT youth prom. 

Many of the events are free to attend, though a limited number of Gold Circle and VIP tickets are available for those who want to guarantee prime viewing spots at the main stage weekend.  

For information about Newcastle Pride visit www.northern-pride.com or search northernprideuk on Facebook and Twitter.