Five of the North East’s leading housing providers are proving there’s no place like home by sponsoring one of the region’s largest events.
Gentoo, South Tyneside Homes, Places for People, Gateshead Housing Company and Riverside are all backing Newcastle Pride 2015.
The leading LGBT festival, which returns to the city’s Town Moor from Friday July 17, is offering three days of live music and entertainment for all ages to celebrate 45 years of world Pride.
South Tyneside Homes and Gentoo, which was recognised as a Stonewall Star Performer in light of its work to promote equality, are joining forces to co-sponsor the festival’s iconic Parade, which will see more than 7000 people marching from Newcastle Civic Centre to the Town Moor on Saturday July 18.
Places for People and Gateshead Housing Company, which has sponsored Pride since 2008, will both have stalls at the Town Moor throughout the weekend, coinciding with Main Stage performances by stars including Belinda Carlisle and B*Witched.
And Riverside, which provides social housing nationwide, will be sponsoring Newcastle Pride’s silicone wristbands, which will be sold at the event to help ensure it can remain free for years to come.
Steve Ward, Director of Riverside, said: “Pride really raises awareness of LGBT issues facing our tenants and employees and it’s great to see just how many people in our city celebrate diversity.
“I am proud to work for a company that is committed to nurturing equality and I was pleased to see Riverside improving its position in Stonewall’s 100 best employers list. We are equally delighted to be involved in this year’s Newcastle Pride and I know it’s going to be a wonderful event.”
Newcastle Pride is one of the largest free, LGBT festivals in the UK, attracting more than 65,000 visitors in 2014.
Highlights at this year’s event will include live music at the Town Moor on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as themed zones, including a family and youth area, cabaret tent, Steve Paske Health Zone and women’s zone, open throughout the weekend.
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, which organises the annual event, said: “Newcastle Pride has a huge impact on the North East economy and the community as a whole.
“This year we’re running a One Love theme, so it’s extremely apt to see so many of the region’s leading housing providers coming together in support of a single event.”
Newcastle Pride 2015 is free to attend, though a limited number of Gold Circle and VIP tickets are also available, priced from £10 and £25 respectively.
For more information visit www.northern-pride.com or search northernprideuk on Facebook and Twitter.
