One of the UK’s largest free LGBT+ festivals will have double the entertainment this year, with a host of activities on offer at a second site.
THE Northern Pride Festival returns from July 19 to 21, with the Festival Arena setting up at the Town Moor and the Community Village taking place at nearby Exhibition Park.
Organisers have now announced a packed programme across the Community Village site, with plenty for all ages to take part in.
The popular Family and Youth Zone returns this year, with a sensory tent offering a range of activities created with input from creative specialists Sensory Spaces.
Seven Stories will be showcasing a selection of LGBT+ children’s books in the tent and youngsters can take part in a cardboard city workshop facilitated by Thought Foundation.
There will also be a photo booth caravan, arts and crafts themed around the Dippy the Dinosaur exhibition at the Great Museum of the North and messy church from Northern Lights MCC, with a range of activities for children to get creative with.
New for this year, the Community Village will also be home to the Stonewall Remembrance Village, with a range of information and images highlighting key moments in LGBT+ history.
Elsewhere on the site, festival organisers are taking steps to make sure a range of services are available in the Health and Wellbeing Zone, for those who may otherwise be unable to access them.
There will be free on-site STI testing on Saturday (20), supplied by sexual health services MESMAC and SHINE, along with information stands from a range of other organisations including the Albert Kennedy Trust, REACH and Talking Helps.
Then, the following day (Sunday 21), a range of workshops and classes are on offer in the tent to encourage a healthy body and mind, including yoga, Zumba, meditation and appearances from life coach and spiritual guide, Char Bailey.
Festival-goers will also be able to browse stalls from a range of exhibitors, businesses and charities at the Rainbow Village.
Not for profit organisation Curious Arts have curated a second stage, showcasing a diverse line-up of LGBT+ performance art across the weekend.
Ste Dunn, chair of Northern Pride, said: “We’re shaking things up a bit this year with a second site and this has allowed us to bring back all the festival favourites, while adding a few new additions too.
“We have some really exciting things planned over the weekend and it is looking to be one of our best events yet.”
Over at the Town Moor, music fans can enjoy top stars on the main stage including Fleur East, Saara Aalto and Liberty X, along with a fun fair and the platinum bar and garden.
The weekend will kick off with a Bongo’s Bingo launch night on Friday July 19, hosted by Jonny Bongo and with performances from Big Brovaz and Booty Luv. Tickets start at £22 plus booking fee.
To purchase Bongo’s Bingo tickets or to buy Platinum Passes for a prime viewing position at the Festival Arena, click here:
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