THE North East is set to burst with Pride this summer after a new charity succeeded in bringing three councils together in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside have all thrown their weight behind Out North East (ONE), formed to create a continued programme of events, education, inclusivity and diversity.
This summer each will hold its own Pride festival, organised by ONE – with Sunderland building on its well-established event and Gateshead and South Tyneside embracing festival fever for the first time.
Pride in Sunderland is planned for the entire month of June, coinciding with International Pride Month which takes place around the world and this year’s 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which were the birth of the Pride movement.
It will be followed by Pride in South Tyneside in July, a vibrant month-long series of events and celebrations including the Pride Pooches dog show and fun day in Jarrow – led by Out North East.
Pride will also feature in this year’s colourful and creative Summer Parade as members of the Borough’s LGBTQ+ community join local groups to parade through the streets of South Shields.
The theme will also be incorporated into one of the Sunday Concerts taking place at Bents Park, South Shields.
Taking place throughout August, Pride in Gateshead will offer a rich programme of events from Picnic in the Park, at Saltwell Park, to a Pride in Gateshead concert on Gateshead Quays.
Pelaw Community Bowling Club will hold a Pride in Bowling celebration and a variety of satellite events will take place in community venues.
Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland is welcoming and inclusive, and we’re delighted to be launching Pride in Sunderland with Out North East, Sunderland BID and key businesses and partners from across city.
“We look forward to a month-long programme of events celebrating diversity and inclusivity being held here this summer.”
Out North East has brought together experienced members of the LGBTQ+ community chaired by Peter Darrant, a former chair of Northern Pride and head of award-winning business, Pride World Media.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted that these three major councils have embraced Pride so wholeheartedly.
“The result of their forward thinking approach will be three months of LGBTQ+ focused events which, along with celebrating our rich and diverse community, will be educational and informative.”
