Everything You Need to Know About: Newcastle Pride
Our guide to getting the most out of Newcastle Pride this July
Over the last few years, Newcastle Pride has evolved into one of the biggest, most inclusive and definitely most fabulous events not only in the Toon but the whole North East too.
This year’s Newcastle Pride promises to be bigger and better than ever and we’re here to pre-empt all your questions in this special round-up – where to go, what to expect, ticket details and all the rest – so you can get on with having a great time while celebrating our fabulous LGBTQIA+ community.
What is Newcastle Pride?
It’s Newcastle's annual celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community and each year it brings thousands and thousands of people into the city with a weekend-long programme of activities and entertainment.
Where and when is it happening?
This year, Newcastle Pride takes place from Saturday 19th July to Sunday 20th July at various locations in Newcastle city centre.
What’s happening during Newcastle Pride?
So much – there’s tonnes to do all weekend long, in fact!
One of the biggest and best-known parts of the event is the annual Pride March which sees thousands of people fill the streets of Newcastle city centre in a riot of rainbow colour and with a message of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, the Pride March starts at Newcastle Civic Centre at 12pm on Saturday 19th July and weaves its way down Northumberland Street and through the city before ending up back at the Civic Centre.
There’ll be zones dedicated to certain themes across the city too – a Family & Youth Zone at Theatre Royal, a Health & Wellbeing Zone at Newcastle Civic Centre and a Trans+ Zone at Alphabetti Theatre – offering advice, support and activities.
There’s also a Market Village around Grey’s Monument and Old Eldon Square filled with community groups, charities, makers and creators and a Platform Stage on Grainger Street with live entertainment from queer stars of the future. That’s in addition to a Newcastle Pride / Screen on the Green takeover showing the best queer films in cinema and a Curious Arts takeover at Northern Stage with a programme of queer art and culture.
That’s not all either. There are tonnes of amazing acts scheduled to perform at the Pride Arena (more on that below!) and the event will close with another Newcastle Pride tradition – the Candlelight Vigil. It’s a chance to reflect on the struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and remember those lost along the way and is taking place at the Pride Arena from 9pm on Sunday 20th July.
What is the Pride Arena?
It's pretty much the focal point of the Newcastle Pride weekend and is located at Times Square next to Life Science Centre.
It's going to have an epic main stage playing host to some top-class entertainment over the two days. The star-studded line-up on Saturday 19th July includes acts like Pixie Lott, Gok Wan, Livin’ Joy and RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist Michael Marouli, and on Sunday 20th July, there’s performances from tribute acts including Totally Taylor, A Taste of Sabrina and That Freddie Queen.
There’s also a dance and cabaret stage, a huge bar to keep the drinks flowing and lots of fabulous street food vendors selling delicious eats.
Do I need tickets?
The majority of Newcastle Pride events are free, but the Pride Arena is ticketed. It’s £25 for the Saturday and £10 for the Sunday and weekend tickets are available for £30. VIP tickets are also on sale priced at £35 for Saturday, £15 for Sunday or £45 for the whole weekend which include access to a premium front of stage area with an exclusive bar, serviced toilets and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities. Pride Arena tickets are available to buy via Fatsoma.
Is Newcastle Pride family-friendly?
Pride seeks to be as inclusive as possible, but while there are no age restrictions in place generally, each venue might have its own rules. For example, the Pride Arena lets kids in but all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and under 5s (who go free!) must leave the site by 8pm. It’s best to check online for specific venues to avoid disappointment.
Newcastle Pride is set to be a beautiful, inclusive, celebratory weekend of queer-positive gatherings, performances and activism that will paint the city in a rainbow and make everybody feel welcome. Get into the city and get involved - it’s good for the soul AND it’s a lot of fun!
Newcastle Pride takes place in Newcastle city centre from Saturday 19th July to Sunday 20th July 2025. For more information visit www.northern-pride.com/2025.
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