Northern Pride takes off this weekend!

A virtual march, a DJ set from Gok Wan and entertainment for all the family are just some of the highlights of Northern Pride on Saturday, July 18 from 11am. Anyone wanting to join in the event can do so by visiting this website.

While the usual celebration had to be postponed because of Covid-19, organisers were determined that the day would not go unmarked and so have pulled together a full programme of events, sponsored by Barclays, that can be enjoyed via Facebook and Youtube.

The event, which has the theme Protect, kicks off with the first official play of Pride’s charity music video at 11am, followed by a virtual march at 12pm with everyone encouraged to dress up and share the virtual experience.

Organisers have been collecting video and images from past Pride events in the last few months, which will help create a real Pride atmosphere on the day.

A virtual main stage will see a whole range of performances throughout the day, with one of the highlights being a DJ set from TV fashion guru Gok Wan at 6pm.

The event will end with a candlelight vigil at 8pm, then there will be a virtual Pride after party, which will also be broadcast on Pride Radio 89.2 FM.

Ste Dunn, Chair of Northern Pride, said it was important that people still take part in the event, despite the current challenging circumstances. ‘Usually we’d be gearing up for our huge Pride at this point and while this is very different, it is still very important to maintain the spirit of the event.

‘We hope that as many people as possible will take part in the day and we’ve tried to bring all of the usual elements into the virtual platforms.

‘It should be a great day and we look forward to welcoming everyone.’

Also included are performances on the main stage and from Curious Arts and Be Scene, plus content from all of the festival zones – health and wellbeing, family and youth and sport.

It has been organised around a range of key themes, including unity, protect, identity, healing and spirit – all important factors of the Pride movement.

The theme of Protect – one of the core values of Northern Pride – will also be reflected at the event, highlighting the fact that there is still a huge amount of inequality in the world.

Pride will also focus on identity, and about bringing home the message that ‘everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are, regardless of their gender identity or sexuality.’

Anyone wanting to join in the event can do so by visiting this website. 

There is also the opportunity to donate to support this and future Prides by visiting this Crowdfunder website.  

Full line up here: