A LEADING LGBTQ+ charity has teamed up with the North East’s biggest beer garden to help Pride supporters celebrate the event in style this summer.
Northern Pride Online 2.1 – sponsored by Barclays – takes place on 24 July, hosted by queen of comedy Miss Rory and award-winning presenter Gok Wan, with renowned DJ Jodie Harsh headlining the eight hour stream.
And music fans can still enjoy the show with friends this year as Central Park, at Newcastle’s Times Square, will be streaming the event live on the big screen from 12 noon – with the addition of an after party to continue the celebrations into the evening.
Entirely outdoors and filled with picnic style seating, the space is also home to a variety of street food and drink traders which music fans can make the most of throughout the day.
Along with entertainment from the headliner and hosts, Pride supporters can enjoy performances from a range of local groups and singers, dance and spoken word pieces from not-for-profit LGBTQ+ arts organisation, Curious Arts, and performances from local drag artists, including Drag Idol 2021 winner Frida Sapphic.
Other places streaming the event include NE1’s Screen on the Green and LGBTQ+ venues across the city, while IKEA Gateshead employees will also be able to catch up in their staff areas.
Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride, believes the virtual event has something for everyone.
“Northern Pride Online 2.1 has been many months in the making and we can’t wait for everyone to see it for themselves later this month,” he said
“The event may be virtual this year but there’s no reason why the community can’t get together in a safe and socially distanced way so they can enjoy Pride with their friends and loved ones.
“We’re very grateful to all of the businesses who are showing their support by streaming the event and I think this will be one of our most memorable shows yet.”
Mike Hesketh, the organiser at Central Park, is delighted to be backing the event.
“Northern Pride’s annual festival is a huge occasion in the city, so we’re very proud to have our final weekend hosting such an event, especially as it is the first weekend after restrictions are lifted.
“It’s going to be an incredible day of performances and entertainment with Gok Wan hosting virtually, the sun shining and a lots of happy people in Central Park – we can’t wait.”
The eight-hour event has been filmed at a specially built studio and is being produced by award winning entertainment production company ISG, which supplied a full 360 production service, including stage, sound and a full video recording media suite.
For more information, search northernprideuk on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or visit www.northern-pride.com // Reserve your table for Central Park Northern Pride at www.centralparknewcastle.co.uk or search centralparknewcastle on social media
