Â鶹ÊÓƵ

South Tyneside is set to celebrate and promote inclusivity and diversity as plans get underway to deliver the Borough's first major free Pride event this summer.

The Council is working with new LGBTQ+ charity Out North East on a vibrant month-long series of events and celebrations in July. Pride will also be integrated into the Borough's annual Summer Parade and Sunday Concert series.

'Pride in South Tyneside' was launched at South Shields Town Hall by Deputy Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ Councillor Audrey Huntley and Peter Darrant, Chair of Out North East.

They were joined by Councillor Shane Smith, Member Champion for Equality, Inclusion, Diversity and LGBTQ+ and Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities.

Councillor Huntley said: "We're very excited to be developing our first major Pride event for South Tyneside this summer. This is something that we have wanted to do for a few years.

"It's fantastic to be working in partnership with Out North East to help bring this forward and create an exciting programme of events and activities where people can come together to embrace and celebrate our wonderful LGBTQ+ community.

"South Tyneside is a welcoming and inclusive place with unique and diverse communities. Our events will be safe spaces for people of all backgrounds to stand together in unity, solidarity and friendship.

"They will also provide a platform to promote acceptance and equality, champion LGBTQ+ rights and raise awareness of the challenges faced by this community as well as encourage everybody to be proud of who they are."

Key 'Pride in South Tyneside' events include Pride Pooches dog show and fun day in Jarrow - led by Out North East.

Pride will also feature in this year's colourful and creative Summer Parade as members of the Borough's LGBTQ+ community join local groups to parade through the streets of South Shields.

The theme will also be incorporated into one of the legendary Sunday Concerts that takes place in Bents Park, South Shields.

More events will be developed over the coming months.

Peter Darrant, Chair of Out North East, said he was delighted to be working with South Tyneside.

"I spent many years working in the Borough so it's very exciting for us to be able to collaborate with the council and other partners to bring the very first Pride to South Tyneside," he said.

"Bringing large scale and exciting entertainment to the area is something that South Tyneside is well known for, so it's very special to add Pride to the calendar. As well as getting the opportunity to celebrate inclusivity and diversity."

More information about the 2024 event will be made available in due course as the plans develop. Keep checking for further details.