North East businesses back LGBT festival

Companies from across the North East have announced their support for Newcastle Pride, one of the biggest free LGBT events in the UK.

The celebrations, which attracted over 71k visitors to the city last year, are returning this summer with backing from over a dozen North East firms.

Among the lineup of sponsors in 2016 is NE1, the business improvement district company, which will be the event’s headline sponsor for the second year running.

NE1 communications director Stephen Patterson said: “Newcastle Pride brings one of the single biggest boosts to the North East economy every year, with around £9m generated in 2015 alone.

“Being able to support this event is something we are extremely proud of and it’s fantastic to see so many other businesses getting on board.”

This year NE1 will be joined by Newcastle Police and banking firms Barclays and Virgin Money.

Other sponsors include leisure brands Nandos, Eazy Street and Mercure, as well as utility companies Gentoo and EDF Energy. Health agency MESMAC North East is also sponsoring the festival.

Mark Nichols, the chair of festival’s organiser, Northern Pride, commented: “As a charity, Northern Pride relies heavily on the support of private and third sector organisations to host events like Newcastle Pride.

“Those who sign up as sponsors are offered a unique opportunity to engage with the LGBT community on a wide scale and to showcase their brand to a captive and receptive audience.”

He added: “It also sends out a powerful message of tolerance from each organisation and helps support of goal of removing social exclusion all together.”

Newcastle Pride, which primarily takes place at Newcastle Town Moor, is being held from July 15 - 17.