Newcastle bursts with Pride after record-breaking event

More than 12,000 people took part in the Newcastle Pride parade.

The warm weather and a host of top acts attracted more than 73,000 people to the free weekend of music and entertainment.

Chart-topping boy band 5ive and M People songstress Heather Small were headliners at the ninth annual event.

More than 73,000 people attended Newcastle Pride events, making it the biggest yet.

They were joined by a string of other top acts like Sonia, Jake Quickenden and Nathan Moore, plus a number of emerging North East acts.

The weekend kicked off on Friday with the LGBT 5K run on the Town Moor, followed by a screening of Sing Along A Mamma Mia.

On Saturday afternoon a record-breaking 12,500 people brought the city to a standstill as they took part in the annual parade up to the Moor, and their arrival launched the official start of the music and entertainment at the site.

As well as a feast of live music over the two days, visitors enjoyed a variety of stalls and entertainment, including a family zone, dance tent, food and drink stalls and a fun fair.

Northern Pride Chairman Mark Nichols said: “This has been without doubt our biggest Newcastle Pride to date.

"With more than 73,000 visitors to the festival we have beaten all our previous records and surpassed all expectations.

“It was fantastic to see so many people of all ages coming together to celebrate the LGBT community and enjoying a host of amazing music, great food and top entertainment.”

Newcastle Pride, sponsored by NE1, is now officially recognised as one of the largest free LGBT events in the UK, with visitor numbers growing year on year.

Last year it boosted the North East economy by more than £9m, and although figures are still currently being calculated for this year’s event, organisers are confident it will be even higher.

Sean Bullick, Chief Executive at NE1 added: “This is the third year that NE1 has supported Newcastle Pride.

“It always has the most amazing atmosphere and it’s just getting bigger and better each year - 73,000 people from all over the world having a fantastic time, as well as giving the local economy a huge boost. We look forward to 100,000 next year!”