Top 4 ways to kick off Pride Month in the ‘toon
It’s almost that time of year again… That’s right — Pride Month!
Whether you’re a member of the LGBT+ community, or simply a proud ally, Pride Month is the perfect time to embrace the diversity of your city, and support some of the queer spaces it has to offer. With that in mind, here are our top 4 ways to get into the spirit of Pride Month in Newcastle this June.
Culture
If you’re looking to embrace local LGBT+ spaces, but you’re not sure where to start, don’t panic — we’ve got you covered. Newcastle is known as one of the UK’s leading LGBT+ friendly cities, and not without good reason.
From queer collectives to planning your Pride festival weekend, there are plenty of ways to get involved this June. Why not check out our favourites below?
Check out the Canny Queer Collective
Set up in January 2022 with an aim to provide safe, friendly spaces for the LGBT+ community in the North East, the Canny Queer Collective was founded by Newcastle local Ella Willis after she realised most events catered towards the LGBT+ individuals are often ‘saturated with people who do not identify as part of the community’.
Offering casual meetups like café quizzes and art gallery visits, the Canny Queer Collective have had resoundingly positive feedback from Newcastle’s queer community.
To find out more about their next meet-up and how you can get involved, follow the Canny Queer Collective on Instagram at @cannyqueercollective.
Prep for Northern Pride 2023
With the iconic Northern Pride festival a month away, now’s the time to get planning your weekend if you’re wanting to attend. This year is set to be a showstopper, with big names rumoured to perform on the Festival Arena’s Main Stage. That’s not all that’s on offer, though, with a VIP Platinum Bar and Garden, Rainbow Village, and funfair, along with a whole host of local food and drink vendors in attendance on the day.
Another must-visit is the Curious Arts Stage, where the local charity will be championing Newcastle-based LGBT+ artists and creatives.
Sounds like the perfect way to spend a weekend, right? Don’t miss out and secure your ticket for the 22nd-23rd July today.
Nightlife
We can’t write about the ‘toon’s LGBT+ pride without giving a shoutout to its utterly fabulous nightlife. Whether you’re after cheesy pop, or themed cabaret, there’s something for everyone in Newcastle’s thriving Gay Village. Can’t decide where to head first? Here are a few of our favourites to get you started.
The Yard
A firm Newcastle favourite, and having served the LGBT+ community in the ‘toon for over 38 years, The Yard more than deserves a mention in our list. This iconic bar is open daily, with live entertainment from some of the city’s best performers downstairs.
And if that’s not quite your scene, no worries — The Yard’s upstairs bar, Heaven’s Above, has a rotation of Resident DJs that are sure to get you dancing. Don’t just take our word for it, either — follow their Instagram @theyardnewc to find out more.
Powerhouse
The biggest and longest running nightclub in Newcastle, Powerhouse spans four floors and boasts great music, great drinks, and, most importantly, great vibes! Originally starting off life in the 1980s as a strict gay club, Powerhouse is now open to members of the community and allies alike.
So, what are you waiting for? Get dolled up, grab your mates, and give Powerhouse a visit — we promise you won’t be disappointed.
How are you celebrating Pride Month this June? We’d love to hear about it over on our socials @ncapartments_.
