Success of North East Pride events leaves 'lasting legacy' say organisers but abuse needs to be tackled
by Barbara Hodgson · ChronicleLiveOrganisers have hailed the success of this year's Pride festivals in the North East but at the same time revealed the abuse they suffered, saying there is still a lot of work to be done to 'change hearts and minds'.
Out North East ran popular month-long Pride events Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside over the summer and its newly-published report reveals the positive effect each had upon local businesses and the 'lasting legacy of engagement' they left behind. But the celebrations of the LGBTQ+ communities also suffered online abuse.
The report revealed that from May to September, Out North East received more than 2,000 negative comments on social media about the Pride festivals. Its chair Peter Darrant said: “There is still a lot of work to do to change hearts and minds."
But the festivals proved enormously popular, with aspirit similar to that enjoyed by the well-known annual Northern Pride in Newcastle. Besides the celebrations, the Out North East's festivals, which took place between June and August, included talks, discussions and exhibitions to help raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
And their locations benefitted too. Peter said: “Not only did people of all ages turn up in their thousands to our events but businesses, councils, third sector organisations and charities all lent us their support to create three fantastic month-long festivals.”
The South Tyneside Pride, a first, featured the likes of Joe McElderry’s Big Pride Party at The Customs House and a big After Pride Party with Jade Thirlwall at the Arbeia Roman site. Around 20,000 people attended a Pride in South Tyneside concert while other events brought together retailers and community groups in Hebburn; libraries displayed LGBTQ+ books and there was even a Pride Pooches event for dog lovers in Jarrow.
Coun Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Events like these make a powerful statement that encourages people to be proud of who they are and for everyone to stand together in unity, solidarity and friendship.” Others agreed on the impact made by Pride.
In Sunderland, around 700 families attended a Pride family picnic and more than 2,000 attended a Pride in the City concert. The Bridges shopping centre reported a 14% increase in shoppers on the day of the festival launch and, following it, Sunderland football club established its first LGBTQ+ supporters club, called Pride in Wearside.
Out North East also teamed up with the Red Sky Foundation charity, which fully supported the festival, to provide the city with a Pride flag-branded defibrillator. Coun Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, called Pride "a huge asset to the city", saying: “It was a fantastic celebration of our LGBTQ+ community and its allies as well as being a very successful event for the city - and I was delighted to see so many residents and visitors coming together to enjoy the celebrations.”
In Gateshead, August events included celebrations in and around the town centre; a day of Pride at the Metrocentre where stalls and activities attracted thousands of people; a first Pride Lawn Bowling Tournament at Pelaw; a Pride Family Picnic at Saltwell Park for thousands of families and a 5k Pride Colour Fun Run in Chopwell Woods.
Coun Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said it has been an "incredible celebration", adding that it helped bring people together and celebrate our differences. “This year was a great success and I know it will continue to go from strength to strength in the future," he said.
Despite the work still needed to change negative views around the festivals, Peter said they showed that people are proud of who they are, their family, friends and the community they live in. He added: "For every negative comment we received, hundreds cheered, took part in activities and celebrated their Pride.
"And that’s what Out North East aims to build on. It’s also been a great opportunity to educate people that Pride is still essential and important.” For more about the Out North East report, see here.
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