Aycliffe Radio have once again brought a successful first to Newton Aycliffe – previously entertaining crowds in Aycliffe Town Centre with small festivals, blue light days, sports days, local organisations, Christmas lights and, not forgetting, the many drive in events during the Covid pandemic at ROF59 Arena.
On Saturday 6th August, Aycliffe Radio, in conjunction with Sponsors Aycliffe Town Centre management and McDonalds, brought to Newton Aycliffe its very own first Pride Festival.
At one point, when ticket sales were lagging, there was discussion about cancelling the event, but Carrie and Paul Howarth (Aycliffe Radio) pushed ahead with an expanded publicity campaign across the whole of the north east, including collaborating with BBC Look North, ITV regional news, Pride Radio, setting up Aycliffe Pride Festival Facebook page and many other outlets who assisted in pushing the event to make it a huge success.
All the artistes performing on the day were magnificent, entertaining and interacting with the audience, ensuring everyone had an enjoyable day.
Our brilliant stall holders also had a profitable day, many of them selling out the stock they had brought, our burger van had to refill their stock of buns and meat, twice!
The organisers would like to give a special thank you to the event sponsors (Aycliffe Town Centre management and McDonalds), MC for the day, drag queen, ‘Lavender Love’, all the fantastic volunteer marshals; especially Tyler and Anthony, who worked tirelessly to ensure the sound was perfect. Northern Productions Ltd for their assistance and advice, ROF59 for the use of their land and Darran Weston Photography.
A final ‘well done’ to main organiser, Carrie Howarth. All profits from the event are to be donated to local charities, £250 each will go to Five Acres, Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group, Lifeline and Lavender Love’s chosen charity, The Charlie & Carter Foundation.
Aycliffe Pride Festival will return in 2023 on Saturday 1st July – make a note in your diary now, join the Aycliffe Pride Fest Facebook page to keep updated. Members of the Facebook page will also be asked what they would like to see at next year’s event.
Reserve the date for next year
Aycliffe Pride Fest
Saturday 1st July 2023
ROF59 Arena