Pride is a massive date on the North East calendar, a weekend of celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as an opportunity to turn a spotlight on the more serious challenges which that community continue to face.
But before the July event gets underway, people from across the region can enjoy the return of a family friendly event which offers a packed programme of events and entertainment for everyone.
Ouseburn Family Pride is set to return on 28 May, supported by venues across the area, including Ouseburn Valley Farm, The Cluny, Seven Stories, Ouseburn Tunnel, and LGBTQ+ friendly pub The Ship.
Sponsored by Byker-headquartered tech consultancy, Opencast, with support from Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, National Education Union, Curious Arts and Generator North East, the event will run from noon until 6pm.
While the day will see the return of a number of favourite activities, for the first time this year there will be a dedicated youth zone at Cluny 2 which will showcase sets from young and up and coming LGBTQ+ performers.
Participants of Curious Arts Queer Youth Music group, which Northern Pride has been supporting, will take to the stage to perform new music they’ve created together, before the youth zone closes with a disco and live DJ set – aimed at 14-year-olds and upwards.
Also new for 2023 is the opportunity to buy from LGBTQIA+ makers, bakers and creatives for a special pride market at the site of Ouseburn Market – anyone who would like to apply for a stall can do so at www.northern-pride.com/ familypride.
The various venues will hold a range of activities, with a meet the animals workshop and Unfolding Theatre storytelling and craft activities at Ouseburn Farm, along with the opportunity to have a free taster tour of the Victoria Tunnel throughout the day.
The Cluny has a full day of events, including a family drag show with Drag Castle, the chance to meet Disney characters as well as enjoy singing and entertainment provide by True Dreams Inclusive Parties and Events. True Colours Theatre Choir, an inclusive children’s choir, will also be hosting singing sessions, with Makaton signing, and there will also be the opportunity to contribute to a Family Pride Zine with theatre and zine maker Mack Sproats.
Curious Arts will be back with Mini Pride on the Village Green, and their unique story telling character Dinner Lady Pam, will be at Seven Stories throughout the day along with special guest authors.
Sheena Widdowfield, Opencast’s head of learning and culture, said the company was delighted to be supporting the 2022 event.
“As a business, Opencast is committed to diversity and inclusion among its people, as well as in the community. Being headquartered locally in Byker, we are particularly happy to support Ouseburn Family Pride,” she said.
“This is such a great family event where there’s something for people of all ages to get together in one of Newcastle’s most exciting and fast growing areas.
“We know it’s such a joyous occasion and so well received by everyone who attended in 2021, we didn’t hesitate to take up the main sponsor role and we’re over the moon to have been able to help the event grow this year.”
Nimerta Virdee, Family and Youth Engagement Manager, at Northern Pride is also looking forward to the event.
“The first time we held Ouseburn Family Pride back in 2021 it was a bigger success than anyone could have imagined,” said Nimerta.
“Providing a celebration that centres our amazing LGBTQIA+ families and the children and young people who are growing up in them is a special privilege and I am so excited to see the festival return this spring.”