Newcastle Pride 2026 has announced a major change to the route of its annual march, which will now finish at Grey's Monument instead of returning to the Civic Centre or heading to the Town Moor. The event, running from July 24-26, will also feature Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes as a guest speaker.
March Route Change
The march will still begin at Newcastle Civic Centre, its traditional starting point, but will conclude at Grey's Monument in the heart of the city. This change aims to bring the parade to a more central and accessible location, allowing more people to participate in the celebrations.
Curious Arts, the new organisers of the festival, have designed a packed programme across multiple venues, including the Theatre Royal, Northern Stage, and the Pride Arena in Times Square. The weekend kicks off with the Pride 5K on Friday, July 24, started by Dame Kelly Holmes.
Speakers and Theme
After the march, attendees will hear speeches from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Dame Kelly Holmes, who won gold in the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens Olympics. The theme for this year's Pride is 'city of hope, streets of joy', reflecting priorities of joy, togetherness, and visibility identified in community sessions.
According to organisers, the event feels more important than ever given the rise in hate against the LGBTQIA+ community on social media and the challenging political climate.
Entertainment Lineup
Acts performing at Times Square include Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle, Drag Race UK champion Danny Beard, and singer Katy B, known for hits like 'On A Mission' and 'Lights On'. The festival aims to draw large crowds as in previous years.
