Northern Pride seek new board members

Organisers of one of the North East’s largest free festivals are looking for a range of experienced volunteers to join its board.

Northern Pride, which delivers a range of events across the year including the highly successful Newcastle Pride in July, is undergoing a restructure and is now asking for people with an interest in LGBT issues to get involved.

The dramatic rise in the numbers attending the annual Pride event, making it one of the largest LGBT festivals in the country, has led to the decision to make some changes.

Mark Nichols, chairman of Northern Pride, said the restructure was necessary to help drive the event to the next level.

He said: “This year we had more than 70,000 people attend Newcastle Pride, along with record numbers taking part in the parade.”

“We are confident the event is going to grow and for it to continue to do that we need a board which will oversee the charity and an organising committee which will run Newcastle Pride.”

Volunteer board members are required with an interest in LGBT issues particularly with specialist knowledge in logistics and operations, marketing, legal and human resources, health and wellbeing and community engagement.

The organising committee requires people who are also knowledgeable about logistics, marketing, entertainment/artists, finance, fundraising, health and wellbeing and someone who can also oversee the operation of the various zones during the Pride weekend.

Newcastle Pride provides a huge boost to the local North East economy, with this year’s event bringing in an estimated staggering £10.4m worth of revenue.

The deadline for applications is November 25 at 5pm, with interviews for the voluntary roles taking place on the evenings of December 12 and 13 in Newcastle.

Anyone wanting to apply or needing further information should email:  recruitment@npride.org.uk

There is also the opportunity for anyone considering applying to find out more at an informal evening being held at Newcastle’s Dance City on November 4 at 6.30pm.

This will include refreshments and also a free ticket to see a performance at 7.30pm of award-winning choreographer James Wilton’s Leviathan.

Places are limited so anyone wanting to attend should email: mark.nichols@npride.org.uk

Northern Pride receives funding from a variety of sources, including Newcastle City Council, NE1, trusts and foundations, sponsorship and donations.