A partnership between the North East’s leading LGBTQ+ organisation, a community radio station and a shopping centre has led to a prestigious award nomination.

OUT North East, which is behind events including Pride in Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead, has long been supported by the Metrocentre, in Gateshead, through a series of initiatives.

That relationship, which includes working alongside Pride Radio, has resulted in being shortlisted in the Best Arts & Business Partnership category in the North East Culture Awards.

Peter Darrant, CEO of OUT North East and Gavin Prior, centre director at the Metrocentre. | Contributed

placeholder image — Peter Darrant, CEO of OUT North East and Gavin Prior, centre director at the Metrocentre. | Contributed

Peter Darrant, CEO of OUT North East, said: “For us, this partnership is about much more than individual events.

“It's about allyship, visibility and the incredible platform that one of the UK's leading retail destinations gives our charity and the communities we represent.

“It's also about Metrocentre's commitment to diversity and inclusion, demonstrating what it means to be a proud ally to its customers, retailers and their staff.”

Gavin Prior, Metrocentre centre director, said: “Our relationship has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of, from our annual Pride takeovers which bring retailers, creatives, musicians and performers together to celebrate our LGBTQ+ communities, to the Emerald 55 and Flag in the Map Exhibitions and, most recently, the fantastic Top 40 Community Voices initiative.

“At Metrocentre, we’re committed to diversity and inclusion, and being a proud ally to our customers, retailers and their teams is something we take seriously.

“Working with OUT North East has helped us do that in a meaningful way and it’s been a joy to be part of such a vibrant, welcoming and inspiring collaboration.”

The results of the awards will be revealed at an event at Stockton’s Globe Theatre on Thursday, November 26.