Last Friday, July 4th, Newcastle Cathedral resonated with an extraordinary symphony of voices, as Northern Proud Voices – the North East’s largest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ choir – held their third annual Pride Concert. It was an evening that, as this blog post is titled, featured the powerful song “A Beautiful Noise,” filling the historic space with harmony, joy, and an undeniable message of inclusivity and pride.
The setting itself was profoundly symbolic. Newcastle Cathedral, with its centuries of history and grand architecture, provided a magnificent backdrop for an event celebrating modern diversity and acceptance. As The Very Reverend Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle, shared, “This concert is more than a celebration of music – it reflects our commitment to being a place of welcome for all. We are proud to open our doors and hearts to everyone in the city and region, including the LGBTQIA+ community, and to play a part in the city’s Pride celebrations.” The juxtaposition of ancient stone and vibrant contemporary spirit created a powerful atmosphere, underscoring how spaces can evolve to embrace all communities.
Northern Proud Voices, founded in 2011, aims to offer a welcoming and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to connect through music, combat social isolation, and promote mental wellbeing. This year’s concert was part of Northern Pride’s first-ever Pride Fringe, a dynamic city-wide programme leading up to Newcastle Pride on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July.
The concert program itself was a thoughtful blend of musical performances and poignant speeches, guiding the audience through a journey of reflection and celebration. The evening began with a warm welcome from The Dean, whose words resonated with genuine warmth and acceptance, immediately setting an inclusive and inviting tone for all attendees. This was followed by the uplifting opening song, “Go Your Own Way,” a powerful anthem of self-acceptance and determination that perfectly captured the spirit of Pride.
Lucy then offered an introduction and welcome, her words weaving together the themes of community and shared joy, leading into the instantly recognisable and joyful “Mr Blue Sky” (a feel-good favourite from previous concerts that brought smiles to many faces) and the heartfelt “Only You,” sung with a tenderness that filled the vast space.
A powerful “Pride Poem” delivered by Holly provided a moment of profound reflection, its verses celebrating identity, resilience, and the ongoing journey towards full equality, before the choir moved into the tender and evocative “A Thousand Years.”
John then spoke on the enduring significance of Stonewall, describing the pivotal 1969 uprising at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, which served as a catalyst for the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement. His words grounded the celebration in its vital historical context, reminding everyone of the struggles and triumphs that paved the way for today’s freedoms. The programme continued with the vibrant energy of “42nd Street,” a lively performance that brought a theatrical flair, followed by the spirited and uplifting “Faith.”
Steve then shared engaging insights into “Local History,” connecting the rich past of Newcastle and the North to the broader narrative of LGBTQIA+ lives and activism within the community. He spoke with particular resonance about the early days of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE), sharing personal history and insights into how this groundbreaking organisation, which began in 1964 as the North Western Homosexual Law Reform Committee, worked tirelessly to campaign for decriminalisation and later broadened its focus to achieve wider social equality and create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals across the UK. The local anthem, “Big River” then filled the space with its expansive sound.
Jenna then delivered an important and insightful speech on “Bi Visibility,” detailing the unique experiences and challenges faced by the bisexual community. These often include “bisexual erasure,” where their identity is dismissed as a phase or not “real” by both heterosexual and other LGBTQIA+ communities, leading to feelings of invisibility and isolation. Bisexual individuals also face specific stereotypes, such as being perceived as promiscuous or indecisive, which can impact their relationships and mental well-being. This can result in higher rates of mental health disparities, including depression and anxiety, compared to other sexual orientations. The energy continued with the anthemic “Good Luck, Babe” and the evocative “Creep,” performed with raw emotion.
Claire’s speech on “Allyship,” where she spoke with affection for her Aunts, their history and the families support, reinforced the crucial message of solidarity and the importance of support from non-LGBTQIA+ individuals, leading into the powerful and resonant “Tattoo” (another popular choice from past performances that showcased the choir’s vocal strength).
The evening culminated with Kate’s moving address on the 25th Anniversary of Lifting the Gay Ban in the Armed Forces. This ban, which prohibited openly LGBTQ+ individuals from serving, was officially lifted on January 12, 2000, following a landmark ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. Prior to this, many service personnel faced dismissal, loss of pensions, and even imprisonment due to their sexual orientation. Her address served as a poignant reminder of progress achieved and the ongoing fight for equality, seamlessly transitioning to the powerful final song, “A Beautiful Noise.”
The atmosphere was truly heartening. It felt like a deepening dialogue between the choir and the audience. An appreciation that was palpable and ‘Had’ to be responded to with an encore of “Go Your Own Way.”
Northern Proud Voices delivered a performance that was both moving and exhilarating. Their passion was palpable in every note, from soaring anthems to heartfelt ballads. The choir’s dedication to their craft, combined with the sheer joy of their collective expression, created an experience that captivated everyone present. The enthusiasm of Jonathan, the musical director, and Andrew, accompianist, in the arrangements they craft, the professionalism they instill and the community they embody is something everyone can easily see.
The event even made the local news, featuring recordings from a rehearsal session and an interview with Kate Husband, speaking on behalf of the choir. As Kate eloquently put it, “Music has the power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. You’ve got people from all ages and backgrounds coming together for one purpose: enjoyment and singing. That community aspect is so important – it’s a safe space where people can connect regularly. This will be our third concert at the Cathedral, and our relationship continues to grow and blossom.” She added, “When people work together, that’s where change happens, and I’ve always said that when hate shouts, we have to love louder. Right now, if you look at what’s going on around the world, hate feels louder than ever. So, on July 4, we’ll be lifting the rafters with music and love – I think that’s really important.”
The numbers performing with the choir had doubled from last year and so had the Audience. There were moments of quiet reflection, bursts of joyous applause, and an overwhelming sense of shared purpose. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of Pride, not just as a parade, but as a continuous affirmation of love, acceptance, and the right to be authentically oneself.
All attendees were invited to stay for refreshments and informal networking in the Cathedral’s beautiful nave after the concert, further fostering the sense of community. Tickets were available on a ‘Give as You Feel’ basis), with proceeds shared between Northern Proud Voices and Newcastle Cathedral, supporting initiatives like the Cathedral Lantern Project, which assists visitors facing difficult circumstances.
The evening was an affirmation that every voice matters, and that true harmony comes from embracing all parts of our collective human experience. Northern Proud Voices continues to be a beacon of hope and celebration in the North East, and their annual Pride Concert at Newcastle Cathedral is fast becoming a cherished highlight of the region’s cultural calendar. The choir and Newcastle eagerly await next year’s performance!