Our Guide to Newcastle Pride 2026

Newcastle Pride is back again in 2026, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community's achievements and highlighting the ongoing fight for equality. The joyful and inclusive event happens each year, with thousands of people taking part in the annual march through the city as well as enjoying the full weekend of activities and fun.

Pride will takeover Newcastle city centre 25th - 26th July 2026, bringing with it a weekend of celebration, community and fun for everyone. So what can you expect from Newcastle Pride this year, where are events taking place and how do you get here? Read on to find out everything you need to know about Newcastle Pride 2026.

This year, Newcastle Pride builds on the theme 'City of Hope, Streets of Joy' with the aim to bring over 80,000 people to Newcastle during the Pride weekend, by offering all the festival favourites right in the heart of the city. The Pride arena will return to Times Square for two days of unforgettable music and energy.

Headliners include pop icon Nadine Coyle, dance floor icon Katy B, drag superstar DJ Bimini and RuPaul's Drag Race legend Danny Beard.

The lineup will also be joined by an incredible array of live acts, tributes and Pride favourites such as QueenZ Live, Chappell Roan by JC, The Harry Styles Show, Ghetto Fabulous, Miss Rory, Dollhaus, Olivia Rodrigo by Good 4 Olivia and Ophelia Balls.

2026 promises to be the most memorable yet with an expanded stage, immersive zones and electric energy. Grab your tickets now!

Each year, thousands of people take to the streets in Newcastle and take part in the annual Pride March. This year, the march is under the theme 'City of Hope, Streets of Joy' and will bring people together to celebrate identity while standing united in the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. The March is free to attend, and is a uniting act of visibility and solidarity, and helps raise awareness and create an incredible sense of belonging and empowerment within our community. Everyone is welcome to take part whether you are a community group, organisation or individual.

The Pride March route

The route for the Pride March in 2026 will begin at Newcastle Civic Centre and end at Grey's Monument, an iconic landmark and fitting gathering place for marchers, supporters and allies. The change of end point this year is in direct response to feedback from attendees, and will give the march more visibility and a deeper sense of community.

Starting at Newcastle Civic Centre, the March will walk along Saint Mary's Place, down Northumberland Street and end at Grey's Monument.

One the March has reached Grey's Monument, there will be a series of powerful speeches to unite everyone and make LGBTQI+ voices heard. Come along and be part of a brilliant and powerful moment for Newcastle Pride.

Accessibility information for the Pride March

• The route is kerb-free so will be wheelchair, buggy and pram-friendly
• If you need a break from the crowds, the Trans+ Zone at Northern Stage will host a quieter, low-stim space
• Gender neutral toilets will be available at the Pride Arena, Northern Stage and Newcastle Theatre Royal
• All venues are wheelchair accessible
• Carer tickets to attend the Pride Arena are available via hello@evntinspirations.co.uk
• Across the weekend friendly team members will be wearing high vis jackets and are available to support.

In 2026, the Market Village will take place on Saturday 25th July across Old Eldon Square, Grainger Street and Grey Street and will be open 12-5pm.

Head to the Market Village and explore over 50 stalls from local artists, businesses and Pride supporters, selling gifts, goods and souvenirs from your time at Newcastle Pride. Help support local makers, grab a gift for a loved one or simply wander through and soak up the buzzing atmosphere.

Based at Grey's Monument, the Tyger Comms Monument Stage will host an afternoon of free performances on Saturday 25th July.

You can expect fantastic performances from Newcastle Mela, Northern Proud Voices, Azula Bandit, Newcastle College Performing Arts and Excellence X Newcastle Ballroom. You'll be joined by hosts Carl Harrison and Gloria Love.

Hosted at Northern Stage 1-5pm on Saturday 25th July, the Newcastle Pride Trans+ Zone celebrates trans+ identities, creativity and community. The afternoon will be full of joy and laughter and will include:

• Mini market with local vendors and information
• Zine swap
• Clothing exchange
• Makeup workshop
• Queer-friendly yoga
• Music from DJ EMpTy
• Cabaret linuep curated by Newcastle drag collective Dollhaus

Fidn out more about Curious Arts' Queering North East History project and help build an online archive documenting the region's LGBTQIA+ heritage. You can add your memories of palces of queer significance to you/ your identity to an interactive map.

Drop in sessions are running at the following venues:

Sat 25th July: Market Village 12-5pm

Sunday 26th July: The Green Room, Newcastle Theatre Royal 10:30am-12:30pm & The Cumberland Arms 1:30pm-3:30pm

Head to Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 26th July for a whole host of family friendly fun at Newcastle Pride's Family and Youth Zone. This is a welcoming and inclusive space open to everyone.

Running from 10:30am - 4:30pm the Family & Youth Zone is a day packed with free fun and creative activities for families, children and young people. Activities include:

• Family sing-along with Gloria Love
• Ghetto Fabulous' Family Catwalk Extravaganza
• Mini disco with Dance City
• Colourful crafts
• Mini Pride market
• Facepainting, dress-up, photo station
• Sensory and Quiet Space with TimbaDash Theatre

Newcastle Pride comes to a close on the evening of Sunday 26th July with the annual Candlelit Vigil 9-10pm.

Taking place at the Pride Arena in Times Square, the vigil will begin following the final performance. The arena is ticketed for all performances however the vigil is free to attend, with gates opening to non-ticket holders ten minutes before the start of service

The Candlelit Vigil is a time of shared remembrance, unity and reflection and honours those who have been lost and also looks forwards to the journeys that are still ahead.

Newcastle boasts a lively LGBTQIA+ scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and LGBTQIA+friendly venues where you can celebrate Pride throughout the year. Why not keep the party going after Newcastle Pride and head to the iconic Pink Triangle, centered around the Times Square area which is a hub for LGBTQIA+ nightlife. Head to Boulevard, Rustys and Powerhouse and join in the celebrations with fellow Pride-goers, dance the night away, and embrace the diversity that makes this community so incredible. Other venues outside of the Pink Triangle include Lubberfiend and Cobalt Studios which host fantastic events all year round.

Pride is a time to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and be an ally. Educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ issues, challenge discrimination when you see it, and promote inclusivity in your own circles. Let Pride be a catalyst for change, and strive to create a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear. If you want to support Newcastle Pride you can donate here.