10 Things to Do in Newcastle to Celebrate This Pride
As the North East prepares to celebrate Northern Pride 2025 this weekend (July 19th/20th), Printed.com is proud to partner with Queers of the North to shine a light on the many vibrant, inclusive, and joyful events taking place across the region.
With the empowering theme of “Unapologetically Visible”, this year’s Pride is about more than just one weekend. From drag shows to wrestling matches, coffee socials to comedy gigs, there’s a whole season of activity helping to celebrate LGBTQIA+ identity, creativity and community in Newcastle and beyond.
Whether you’re planning your first Pride, a regular parade-goer, or just looking for new ways to connect with the queer community, here are 10 unmissable events and experiences that deserve a spot on your summer calendar.
10 Things to Do During Northern Pride 2025
1. Join the Northern Pride Parade (19 July)
Newcastle’s city centre becomes a sea of colour as thousands take to the streets for this iconic Pride march, passing landmarks like Grey’s Monument and Northumberland Street. The celebrations will encompass the entire city center, with the main events taking place in Times Square.
It’s one of the region’s most powerful displays of solidarity and visibility. Whether you’re attending solo or with your allies, Queers of the North are welcoming all, just sign up here.
2. Newcastle Pride Arena: See Pixie Lott, Gok Wan and Livin’ Joy Live
The Main Stage at Times Square will host a weekend of live music and entertainment, headlined by pop superstar Pixie Lott, DJ and fashion icon Gok Wan, and dance legends Livin’ Joy. The vibes will be unmatched.
3. Sip and Connect at The Queer Coffee Club
On the first Saturday of every month, Queers of the North hosts a relaxed, sober meet-up supporting independent cafes and local businesses across the city. It’s a welcoming space for anyone looking to connect outside of Newcastle’s nightlife. Check their Eventbrite page for the latest choice.
4. Newcastle Fringe Festival
The Newcastle Fringe Festival is back with a bold and brilliant line-up, including a night of big laughs and even bigger personality.
Kicking things off on Wednesday 24 July, The Big Gay Gala takes over The Old Coal Yard for a rapid-fire hour of comedy hosted by local favourite Nicola Mantalios, followed by a no-holds-barred karaoke session. Bring your biggest laugh – and your best Beyoncé.
At Alphabetti Theatre on Friday 1 August, catch The Delta Quadrant’s Open Door Policy – a chaotic blend of stand-up comedy, drag performance – it’s weird, it’s wild, it’s unmissable.
Rounding off the weekend at Alphabetti on Saturday 2 August, Drag Idol 2024 Finalist Sweet Boy debuts their one-clown drag extravaganza UP IN LIGHTS!. This 60-minute musical storytelling show is a high-energy deep dive into the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that shaped the clown they are today – with plenty of glitter, heart, and hilarity.
5. Climb with the Queer Climbing Club
Every Tuesday at Eden Rock, Newcastle’s queer bouldering group brings adrenaline and inclusivity together. Whether you’re scaling the wall or cheering from below, it’s a safe space to try something new and build connections.
6. Discover Local Talent at Open Drag Night
Held every other Wednesday at Oscars Bar (just upstairs from The Yard, Newcastle’s oldest gay bar), this open mic-style drag show welcomes rising stars and seasoned queens and kings alike. Expect lip-syncs, live vocals, and plenty of local love – and maybe even take to the stage yourself!
7. Experience Stacey Rhect’s ‘That’s So – Get Out My Pub’
After her sell-out Glee parody, Newcastle drag queen Stacey Rhect returns with a soap-inspired spectacular. Think Eastenders drama, drag sass, and all the ‘duff duff’ moments you know and love.
8. Watch Drag Royalty in Great MXspectations
Drag Idol 2024 winner Reese Wetherspoon hosts this Snatch Game-style fundraiser in support of Pride Action North and the Charlie and Carter Foundation. Expect big wigs, big laughs, and even bigger personalities.
9. Get Ringside at Wrestling with Pride
This Byker-based LGBTQIA+ wrestling collective, Wrestling with Pride fuses athleticism and theatre into one electrifying experience. Whether you’re a wrestling regular or just up for something new, this is a match made in queer heaven.
10. Book the Pink Pony Summer Show at Boulevard
Hosted by the ever-glamorous Miss Rory, Boulevard’s legendary summer cabaret features Danni Dee and the Broadway Dancers in a glittering celebration of camp, comedy, and cabaret. A must-see for any Pride visitor.
Pride with Purpose
Supported by Newcastle City Council, Creative Central NCL, and Curious Arts, Northern Pride is committed to amplifying queer voices through art, performance, and activism. The Fringe Festival, running until August, offers dozens more events and workshops across the region.
“At Printed.com, we’re passionate about celebrating creativity in all forms,” says Chris McShane, Marketing & Product Director at Printed.com . “We’re proud to partner with Queers of the North to help elevate the voices, events and individuals that make the North East’s LGBTQIA+ scene so special.”
From merchandise to banners for parades, Printed.com continues to support local LGBTQ+ artists, organisations and small businesses with the high-quality print they need to express themselves.
Get Involved
Find out more about events by following @Printedcom and @QueersOfTheNorth on social media, or search #UnapologeticallyVisible to discover how you can take part.
Whether you’re marching, mingling, or marvelling at cabaret, there’s a place for everyone at Northern Pride 2025.
Let’s get visible. Let’s get proud. Let’s celebrate – together.