Business Improvement District Company, NE1, has signed up to sponsor leading LGBT festival Newcastle Pride.
The popular event, which attracted more than 71,000 visitors and contributed more than £9m to the economy in 2015, is returning with its largest ever line up in June, and July.
This will be the second year the event, organised by the Northern Pride charity, has been sponsored by NE1, which works to raise the profile of Newcastle and maintain its status as a modern European regional capital city.
Stephen Patterson, Director of Communications for NE1, said: “Newcastle Pride is one of Newcastle’s biggest and most popular events.
“Not only does it attract tourism and contribute millions of pounds to the local economy, but it also helps to highlight the diverse array of attractions we have in the city.
“Having been involved in the festival in various capacities since its launch, NE1 is delighted to be sponsoring the event for the second successive year and look forward to another exciting summer.”
Among the many highlights in Newcastle Pride 2016 will be a weekend of live music and entertainment at Newcastle Town Moor on July 15 and 17, including headline performances by boyband 5ive and 90s songstress Heather Small.
There will also be satellite events running at venues across the city during June and July, including a black tie ball and candlelit vigil.
Many of the events are free to attend, though a limited number of Gold Circle and VIP tickets are available for those who want to guarantee prime viewing spots at the main stage weekend.
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, which organises the event said: “Newcastle Pride is specifically designed to be as inclusive as possible and part of that comes from keeping costs low.
“We are currently one of only a few festivals of this scale that is still free to attend and maintaining that status relies very heavily on the support of key partners like NE1.
“We are thrilled that an organisation of such standing is backing us again this year and hope to give them and the city of Newcastle many more reasons to #beproud.”
For information about Newcastle Pride, including a full line up, visit www.northern-pride.com or search northernprideuk on Facebook and Twitter.
Further details about NE1 and its work around the city centre can be found at www.newcastlene1ltd.com
