Newcastle once again shouts out for inclusivity, joy, and celebration this weekend, as Northern Pride takes over the city for Newcastle Pride 2025! Building on the success of last year, the festival has grown even bigger, spreading its vibrant message of “Unapologetically Visible” across the heart of Newcastle city centre.
The energy for this year’s celebration started buzzing Friday, July 18th, with Pride events that set a magnificent tone. The highlight of Friday was undoubtedly the Newcastle Frontrunners Pride Run 2025. Leazes Park, with the iconic St. James’ Park as its backdrop, saw runners adorned in bright colours, sparkle, and fantastic fancy dress, truly filling the air with joy and community spirit. It was a brilliant kickoff to Pride weekend!
A huge thank you goes out to Newcastle Building Society and David Gray Solicitors LLP for their sponsorship, and to the brilliant entertainers Gloria Love, Mea T.Cleaver, Costa Fortune, and Northern Proud Voices for adding to the incredible atmosphere on the course. The dedication of all the volunteers, including those from Newcastle Building Society and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, ensured a smooth and memorable event for all participants, from the adult 5K to the children’s 1-mile race.
Newcastle Frontrunners, established in 2014, have quickly become a welcome addition to the local LGBTQIA+ community and the wider running scene. They’re the North East’s first and only running club specifically for LGBTQIA+ people and their allies. Their aim is to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their running ability, feels welcome to participate and connect. From casual jogs to competitive races, they’ve fostered a vibrant community that truly embodies the spirit of inclusivity, making their annual Pride Run a much-anticipated fixture in the Pride calendar.
This year, Northern Proud Voices, the North East’s largest LGBTQIA+ choir, were invited to sing, further enhancing the joyous and inclusive atmosphere of the run. Alix, John, Jenna, and Will from Northern Proud Voices even joined in the run itself, showing their incredible support! Both the runners and the choir responded to each other with enthusiasm. Former choir member Patrick made a point of coming over to say ‘Hi’ – proof that you’re still part of the family, even when other commitments get in the way.
Beyond the run, several venues across the city kept the Pride spirit alive on Friday night: Rusty’s Showbar hosted the Black Heart girl group Stooshe, alongside DJ sets from Rita Moff; The Yard held a launch party with Stacey Recht; The Tipsy Cow featured fabulous cabaret from Glitz & Glamour; The Eagle kicked off with a Leather Men party; Boulevard had a performance of their 5-star rated Pink Pony Club Summer Show; and The Singing Canary and The Bank offered karaoke and lively atmospheres with free entry.
Saturday, July 19th, the energy continues right from the morning at St James’ Park – Magpie Suite. Northern Proud Voices were invited to the Magpie Suite at 9 am to grab a spot of breakfast and mingle with Newcastle Building Society’s finest. A special thanks was also given to all the vital LGBTQIA+ support groups in Newcastle, including Rainbow Homes, Albert Kennedy Trust, Report Out, Pride Action North, and the Newcastle United Foundation for their unwavering dedication to the community.
This morning’s program included an inspiring interview with Zander Murray, who made history in 2022 when he became the first Scottish professional footballer to come out as gay. Zander shared his incredibly moving and uplifting story, offering a powerful reminder of the impact of living authentically. He recounted how his decision to come out as gay in September 2022, initially a quiet Facebook post meant for his teammates while sitting on a balcony in Benidorm, unexpectedly went viral. He awoke the next day to messages from Lorraine Kelly herself, inviting him onto her show, a moment that catapulted his personal journey into the national spotlight.
Since then, Zander has embraced his role as a tireless advocate for inclusivity in sport. His journey hasn’t been without challenges, having candidly spoken about the brutal homophobic comments he’s received on social media and how that impacts mental health. Yet, he consistently turns these experiences into opportunities for education and empathy.
He often asks young athletes three simple but profound questions: “Who’s heard homophobic language this month? In this club? Who’s said it?” He shares how, after he tells his story, “you can see the penny drop,” leading to real shifts in understanding and acceptance. Zander’s work extends to a BBC documentary, “Out on the Pitch,” where he further explored homophobia in football. His dedication to ensuring that no one else endures the struggles he faced in his younger years truly makes him a beacon of hope and a vital voice in the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ equality in sports and beyond. His football shirt, in which he scored his 100th goal, is now even in the Scottish Football Museum, a testament to his groundbreaking impact.
Northern Proud Voices expressed their thanks in song with Good luck, Babe – Tattoo – Mr Blue Sky – Faith – Only You and Go Your Own Way. What a wonderfuls start to Saturday Pride.
16,500 people marched through the heart of Newcastle today, a bold and beautiful display of unity, protest, and Pride.
We showed the world that the LGBTQIA+ community is unapologetically visible, fiercely resilient, and absolutely not going anywhere.
Through downpours and grey skies, you showed up in your thousands, with flags flying, drums beating, heels clacking, and voices raised, to honour our past, fight for our future, and celebrate who we are.
Whether you marched, cheered from the sidelines, or supported from afar, thank you. You made today unforgettable.
This is what solidarity looks like.
This is what Pride means.
#NorthernPride #Pride2025 #UnapologeticallyVisible #LGBTQIA
With such an incredible start, the party has only just begun! Newcastle continues to live up to its reputation as “Where Pride is Welcome” throughout today, Saturday, July 19th, and tomorrow, Sunday, July 20th. The Pride Arena at Times Square is the ultimate hub for music and celebration! Today, Saturday, July 19th, you can expect an electrifying lineup including pop sensation Pixie Lott, the multi-talented Gok Wan (DJ set), and 90s dance legends Livin’ Joy, alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist Michael Marouli.
Tomorrow, Sunday, July 20th, the arena will light up with top tribute acts celebrating global icons like Queen (That Freddie Queen), Taylor Swift (Totally Taylor), Lady Gaga (Donna Marie), and Sabrina Carpenter (Taste of Sabrina). The Dance & Cabaret Stage, hosted by Miss Rory, Plastiq, and Paris Munro, will keep the energy high with dazzling performances all weekend. The iconic annual Pride March, dedicated this year to the Trans+ community, steps off at 12 noon today, Saturday, July 19th, from the Civic Centre. Thousands will march down John Dobson Street, Blackett Street, and Percy Street, filling the city with a powerful and colourful message of hope and visibility.
Newcastle Pride ensures there’s something for everyone with a host of free-to-attend festival zones across the city. You can browse stalls from LGBTQIA+ businesses, community groups, and independent creators at the Market Village at Grey’s Monument and Old Eldon Square. Immerse yourself in queer art and culture at the Curious Arts Stage at Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, with a packed programme including a brand-new free drag kings’ performance featuring North East talent. The Family & Youth Zone has a new and expanded home at the Theatre Royal on Grey Street, open today from 12 pm to 4 pm, offering a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ families and young people of all ages with face painting, storytelling, live performances, Lip Sync Battles, and a teen disco.
New for 2025, the Trans+ Zone at Alphabetti Theatre on St. James Boulevard is a welcoming space for the Trans+ community to connect, participate in workshops, and enjoy a Trans+ Cabaret after dark with “The Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret” on Saturday night. Discover new acts and local artists bringing vibrant live performances to the city centre at the Lumo Platform at Grey’s Monument, where Newcastle Mela will also be joining with a rich mix of culture. You can also enjoy screenings of the best queer stories from the world of cinema at Screen on the Green in Old Eldon Square. Find a multi-sensory installation by sculptor and drag king Lady Kitt, offering a space for pause and contemplation amidst the festivities, at Inviting Magic (Grainger Market – external unit at the corner of Clayton Street and Nelson Street). Plus, the Health & Wellbeing Zone at the Civic Centre is available for advice, support, and signposting to organisations and groups to help body and mind.
Northern Pride is deeply committed to making the festival accessible to all, with events being fully wheelchair accessible, featuring step-free access, accessible viewing platforms, and BSL interpretation on stages. Nexus is the official travel and accessibility partner for 2025, working to ensure easy transport for all attendees. The weekend will conclude with the powerful and reflective Candlelit Vigil at 9 pm on Sunday, July 20th, at the Pride Arena, offering a moment of remembrance and unity for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Newcastle is truly living up to its reputation where Pride is “Unapologetically Visible”, offering a diverse and inclusive celebration for everyone. Happy Pride!