City turns pink as record numbers flock to celebrate gay pride
12000 people turned out in Newcastle upon Tyne on Saturday July 17 for Northern Pride, North East England's biggest gay pride event.
The fun started at 12 noon when 1500 members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community, their families and friends set off from Newcastle Civic Centre to march through the streets of the city in a colourful and celebratory Pride Parade.
The parade arrived at Leazes Park for the Pink Picnic at 1pm, where a crowd of 12000 gathered for an afternoon of free music entertainment.
The picnic began with a speech by renowned gay rights activist Peter Tatchell who celebrated the achievements of the LGBT community but reminded them that the battle for equality is not yet won.
He told them: “We won’t stop fighting until we win full equality – it is our right to be free.”
Speaking afterwards, he said, “Congratulations to the organisers of Northern Pride for putting on a fabulous event.
“Northern Pride has the potential to grow and become a major cultural event in the North East.
“People coming from all over the region and the UK to Northern Pride gives a big boost to the local economy and I hope more businesses will sponsor the event in years to come.”
The music line-up was headed by dance music superstar Basshunter who wowed the crowd and led them in a chant of “We are party people, we are sexy people.”
Asked about his experience of performing Northern Pride, he said “One word – fantastic! I hope they invite me back next year.”
Basshunter was joined on the bill by Lisa Scott Lee, Andy Scott Lee and Same Difference and by rising stars on the Newcastle and UK music scenes.
People were also able to enjoy performances by dancers, comedians and burlesque and drag artistes; try out swing and line-dancing; have a consultation with the Northern Pride street doctors at the B-Smart Health Circus; and burn off a few calories at the Sports Gay.
There were face painters and entertainers for kids and activities for young people; a variety of stalls; a licensed bar and lots of people did of course bring a picnic!
Newcastle City Council’s Lord Mayor, Brenda Hindmarsh, Chief Executive, Barry Rowland, and Deputy Leader of the Council, David Faulkner, joined the crowd.
“This is a great event for the city,” said Councillor Faulkner.
"It was wonderful to see the happy faces of the crowds as they watched the parade go by – it shows what a tolerant and welcoming city Newcastle is today.
“I’m thrilled by how much Northern Pride has grown since it started in 2008. And I’m very pleased to see our partners in the police and fire brigade are also here getting involved with Northern Pride and engaging the LGBT community.”
Tom Gorman, Chair of Northern Pride, was delighted with the number of people at Northern Pride.
“We’ve had an amazing day. It’s completely blown me away seeing a crowd of 12000. It makes all the effort worthwhile.
“It’s wonderful to see so many families here and such a diverse range of people from all parts of the community. Northern Pride 2010 truly has been incredible – and I’m sure next year will be even better!”
People can find out more about Northern Pride on www.npride.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to editors
For further information please contact Jane Byrne at The Communications Cooperative on 07794 290 176 or email: jane@thecommunicationscooperative.co.uk
Images of Basshunter and the Pride Parade are attached. Further images are available from:
http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/7882679/1/Northern%20Pride?h=cf6446
Please credit photos to Paul Highmoor, Dare2flare.com
Pride events celebrate the LGBT community and commemorate their struggle for equal rights. The first Pride events were held in the USA in 1970 and they now take place all over the world.
2010 was the third Northern Pride; the first took place in 2008.
Northern Pride is organised by Northern Pride Events Limited a not-for-profit community interest company whose senior management committee comprises of members of the local LGBT Communities.
Northern Pride is sponsored by NHS Northeast, Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, Your Homes Newcastle (YHN), Gentoo, Gateshead Housing Company, Unison, Unite the Union, ARCH, Mesmac, NASUWT, FBU and Fat Boy Leisure.
Jane Byrne
07794 290 176
jane@thecommunicationscooperative.co.uk
thecommunicationscooperative.co.uk
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