Everything You Need to Know About… Newcastle Pride Fringe
We’ve got all the key details about the inaugural Newcastle Pride Fringe
The Newcastle Pride celebrations are kicking off early this year, as Pride Fringe comes to the Toon with a jam-packed programme of exciting events starting from June!
There’s everything from live entertainment and theatre to LGBTQIA+ networking opportunities, so to make sure you don’t miss a moment, here’s everything you’ll need to know about the very first Newcastle Pride Fringe.
What is Pride Fringe?
Pride Fringe is a jam-packed programme of events, taking place across the city in some of its most iconic venues. For their debut year, there’ll be plenty of live entertainment, comedy and theatre to keep you busy – plus inclusive networking opportunities and enlightening panel discussions.
When is Pride Fringe?
The Pride Fringe programme begins in June, ahead of Newcastle Pride on 19th and 20th July 2025. There’s different dates for each event, but you can check out the full listings at the official Pride Fringe page.
Where is Pride Fringe?
Each event in the Pride Fringe programme takes place in a different venue. From The Stand comedy club and NQ64, to Northern Stage and Ward Hadaway, it’s also a fantastic chance to visit some new (or some of your old favourite!) venues in the city.
What should I expect to find at Pride Fringe?
There’s loads going on at Pride Fringe! At Northern Stage, for example, North East drag royalty Ophelia Balls will be debuting their very own one-woman show A Life Not in Heels, sharing heartwarming stories from their life as a legendary local drag queen.
That’s not forgetting that NQ64 will be hosting their very own Pride Speed Friending event “Arcade Allies” – complete with classic arcade games, cocktails and tournament style speed friending. You’ll leave with some new pals in no time! Down on the Quayside, Ward Hadaway will also be hosting networking event “Out of Office: Bold Voices, Bright Futures”, featuring a panel of influential LGBTQ+ voices from across business and industry and an evening of informal networking over drinks.
And how could we not mention The Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret over at Alphabetti Theatre! Mack and Mama Rhi are celebrating trans icons and celebrity crushes with their new show, so expect drag, poetry, live music, and a brilliant night out.
That’s just a taste of some of the events that’ll be taking place as part of the Pride Fringe, but for the full line-up, check out the Northern Pride Fringe site.
Who can attend Pride Fringe?
Loads of the Pride Fringe events are open to LGBTQ+ folk, and supportive allies! If you’re looking for Pride events to bring the family along to, then don’t forget about the Family and Youth Zone at the Theatre Royal, open at Pride’s free festival on Saturday 19th July.
How much are tickets to Pride Fringe?
Tickets for Pride Fringe vary from event to event, from free to attend to ones costing around £15 for a ticket. We’d recommend checking out the individual listings for more detailed info.
Is there anything else I should know about Pride Fringe?
We’ve given you just a flavour of some of the events that’ll be happening for the very first Pride Fringe, so keep an eye out for more announcements! And of course, don’t forget to grab your tickets to the Newcastle Pride Arena event on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July, featuring the likes of Pixie Lott, Gok Wan and Northern Proud Voices.
So whether you’re headed to Pride Fringe as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or a supportive ally, there’s loads to see, do and enjoy this June. Embrace the festival’s ethos of being “unapologetically visible”, and make the most of it!
Main image: Newcastle Pride 2024, Photo byTynesight Photography
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