A Guide to Gateshead Pride 2024

On the opposite banks of the River Tyne, Gateshead is ready to celebrate Pride in grand style with the town’s first month-long festival running throughout August 2024. Organised by local charity Out North East, they will be hosting a variety of exciting events throughout the month and providing safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to celebrate.

Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend or the entire month, here’s an overview of what to expect from some of the key events:

Pride in Gateshead alongside festival sponsor Gateshead College will officially kick-off the month-long festivities at the Metrocentre on Saturday August 3^rd.

Expect kids craft sessions, market stalls, fashion giveaways and even special appearances from none other than the Metrognomes! Hop on and off the Lumo Metro Train which will be giving free rides around the centre.

Queer culture and exhibitions are an important part of Pride, as they celebrate and affirm diverse identities, histories, and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and visibility. Pride in Gateshead will host two excellent exhibitions throughout August:

• Flag in the Map Exhibition (August 3rd - September 2nd) at Upper Town Square: This free event is an international exhibition showcasing the global presence of the Pride flag and its power to inspire LGBTQIA+ people around the world.
• Latrine’s Haus of Art (August 7th - 10th) at Orbis Community: A celebration of Pride through art at Vane. Gateshead-born artist, Chris Fleming has curated an impressive collection of both local and national artists to celebrate queer excellence.

The film festival will showcase some of the most poignant films on important topics within the LGBTQIA+ community, across several venues.

• Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community on August 6^th at The Customs House.
• The Times of Harvey Milk on August 13^th at Pride Media Centre.
• The Sons of Tennessee Williams on August 20^th at Pride Media Centre.

Family is at the heart of Pride, and Pride in Gateshead is no exception with plenty of events and fun for families of all ages.

• Family Picnic at Saltwell Park on August 11th: A relaxing afternoon with food, games, community spirit and even a fancy dress competition!

Grab your trainers and take part in some sporty fun in an accessible and laid back environment, welcoming to all ages and abilities.

• Pride in Gateshead Tennis Open Day on August 17^th at Blaydon Tennis Club. Whether you’re already a dab hand at tennis or have never played before, this event is perfect to enjoy the game in a LGBTQIA+ environment.
• Pride Lawn Bowling Tournament on August 18^th at Pelaw Bowling Club. Take part in what could possibly be the region’s first Pride Lawn Bowling Tournament!
• 5k Pride Colour Fun Run on August 21^st at Chopwell Wood. Organised by Forestry England, enjoy Gateshead’s first 5k Pride colour run, accompanied by market stalls and kids activities.

Music and poetry lovers rejoice as Pride in Gateshead brings an evening of performances from local artists as well as a huge celebration at Baltic Square with incredible headliners.

• Evening of Music and Poetry on August 17th. Enjoy performances from local poets and musicians in an inclusive atmosphere at the Kittiwake Trust Multilingual Library.
• Pride on Tyne on August 25th. Dance the day away with headliners such as Sonia, Alex Party and Soraya Vivian at Baltic Square.

Creativity is key in these fantastic workshops which will see participants making, crafting and creating memories.

• Postcards and Placards Workshop on August 29th at Baltic Business Quarter: Create your own statement placard and learn about the history of protest in the Pride movement.
• Zining Workshop Thursday 29^th August at Gateshead College. Step back in time and explore the creative world of zining, the DIY magazine culture that blossomed in the LGBTQIA+ community during the 70's and 80's.

The first ever Pride festival in Gateshead is set to be a fantastic celebration for everyone to be involved with. For more details and information head to: https://www.outnortheast.org.uk/weekly-events-gateshead