Pride weekend is one of the highlights of the year in NE1, with countless acts, activities and events descending on our city for a couple of days of pure festivities, all in support of LGBQT+ culture. It’s a weekend NE1 are proud to sponsor, and there’s so much on, we wish we could be in two places at once! We’ve cherrypicked our favourite events and put together the ultimate Pride weekend guide.
FRIDAY
WHERE? The Town Moor
WHEN? 6.45pm
Whatever your running ability, the annual 5k is an energetic start to Pride 2017. Get your trainers on and grab a few pals to run or walk alongside you. The race begins at 6.45pm and gates open at 6pm.
WHERE? Newcastle Quayside
WHEN? Friday Night
After you’ve ticked the 5k off your Pride 2017 bucket list, head to a few bars to kick the weekend off in style. Best of the bunch is SR44, Newcastle’s underground gay venue in the heart of the city, opposite the Jury’s Inn. With a buzzing atmosphere and club nights held on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the ideal place to kick back and let the good times roll.
SATURDAY
WHERE? Leazes Park
WHEN? Saturday Morning
The best thing about this year’s Pride? It’s catering to kids as well as adults. Bring your littles down for an inclusive atmosphere at the Family and Youth Zone. With the aim of breaking down prejudices from a young age, it’s a great activity for the family to get involved in.
WHERE? Newcastle Civic centre
WHEN? 12pm
The most iconic event of Newcastle’s Pride Weekend, this year’s march will set off from the Civic Centre at 12 noon. Get those Pride flags out and dress to impress – the march is always the main event and a real feel-good celebration of Northern Pride.
WHERE? The Town Moor
WHEN? 6pm
After you’ve cooled off from a march through the Toon, head to the Town Moor for Saturday’s many music acts. Our pick of the lot is headline act A1, a gig ‘90s kids will certainly not want to miss out on. With five bars and countless food stalls on site, it promises to be a chilled out afternoon and evening of celebrations.
WHERE? The Boilershop
WHEN? 10pm
There’s still plenty to do after you’ve had your fill of the main stage, and the Boilershop after-party looks set to be a fabulous event in one of the city’s coolest venues. We recommend grabbing tickets and dropping in for a few drinks before heading to Newcastle’s best gay bars to party the night away.
WHERE? Powerhouse
WHEN? 11pm
We all know Powerhouse is Newcastle’s most famous LGBT+ club, so what would a Pride night out be without a visit? Open from 11pm, we’ll be heading there after a pit stop at the Boilershop. With the bar open till 5am, you really could party till the sun comes up. We hope you’re feeling fresh in the morning though because there’s still plenty to do and see…
SUNDAY
WHERE? Leazes Park
WHEN? 10am
Recovering from a night on the tiles? Stand on the sidelines and cheer on the competitors in this year’s Pride Health Games at Leazes Park. They’re on for much of the day, but with so much else to cram into the last day of Pride, we recommend just popping in for a couple of events. A sporty little Summer’s morning to start the day with!
WHERE? Leazes Park
WHEN? 11.30am
We’re so excited for Pride’s dog show, Paws with Pride, also held at Leazes Park. For dog lovers, it’s sure to be one of the high points of the weekend, with the region’s pooches showcasing their talents for all to see. Simply wander between the Pride Health Games and Paws with Pride to really get the most out of Pride’s participators, however many legs they have.
WHERE? The Town Moor
WHEN? 6pm
Sunday at the main stage on the Town Moor is just as fun-filled as Saturday, with music acts on from 1.15pm. We’ll be heading across later in the day to catch headline act, Sam Bailey. Add a few drinks and a bite to eat to the mix and you’ve got yourself one amazing afternoon.
WHERE? Newcastle Civic Centre
WHEN? 9pm
The perfect way to end Pride Weekend, a candlelit vigil will be held from 9pm at the Civic Centre. Take a moment and reflect on everything gained and lost in the LGBT+ struggle, and say an emotional goodbye to Newcastle Pride for another year.
