Travel partners rally behind Newcastle Pride

A Newcastle festival has secured support from the region’s travel organisations to help make this year’s celebrations more accessible and inclusive.

Newcastle Pride has announced Nexus, British Airways Flying Proud, Newcastle Airport and Stagecoach as travel industry partners for Pride Festival 2026.

The event will take place across Newcastle city centre on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, featuring live entertainment, community activities, markets, performances and the annual Pride march.

Nexus, operator of the Tyne and Wear Metro, has been named official City Host Partner, supporting safe and efficient travel across the city during the festival.

Cathy Massarella, managing director of Nexus, said: “Inclusivity is the cornerstone of our brand, so we are thrilled to be the official city host partner for this year’s Northern Pride Festival. 

“Metro is a great way to get to and from this brilliant event.

“Accessibility has always been a core value for us, and we are passionate about creating a transport system where customers can feel safe, comfortable and encouraged to be themselves, celebrating individuality and identity, free from discrimination.

“As a responsible employer we are fully committed to championing equality and diversity. 

“These values are echoed throughout our organisation.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle International Airport returns as official accessibility partner, helping support the charity’s aim of ensuring the event remains welcoming for all attendees.

Dean Ward, director of commercial and executive sponsor for Newcastle Airport’s LGBTQIA+ Allies Network Group, added: “Pride is about celebrating people for who they are and accessibility is about making sure everyone can be part of that celebration. 

“As an airport, connecting people is what we do every day – and we’re proud to stand with Newcastle Pride to help make it welcoming, inclusive and accessible for all.”

Stagecoach has been named official travel partner, while Lumo will support artist travel and British Airways Flying Proud will sponsor the Trans+ Stage, supporting a programme of trans+ artists, discussions, markets and cabaret.

Steve Walker, managing director of Stagecoach North East, added: “We’re proud to support Newcastle Pride and celebrate the diversity, inclusion and sense of community that make the North East such a vibrant place to live and work. 

“As a business that connects people and communities every day, we believe everyone should feel welcomed, respected and valued, whether they are travelling on our services or working within our organisation.

“Newcastle Pride is an important celebration of equality, visibility and belonging, and we’re delighted to support an event that brings people together and showcases the region’s commitment to creating inclusive communities for all.”

The festival will be fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access across all official venues, accessible toilets and AccessoLoo facilities available in the Pride Arena. 

British Sign Language interpreters will also support programming on the Arena Stage and Trans+ Stage, as organisers continue efforts to ensure the event remains welcoming and inclusive for all attendees.

Phil Douglas, chief executive of Curious Arts, added: “We’re delighted to be working alongside and have the support of such notable travel brands here in the North East. 

“These partners share our commitment to removing barriers to attendance, improving access and connectivity for those travelling into the city, and helping to ensure Newcastle Pride remains a space where everyone feels valued, supported and free to be themselves. 

“We can’t wait to welcome thousands of festivalgoers into the city this July with the help of our partners.”

Newcastle Pride is also continuing to seek support from businesses and organisations as it works to grow the festival and its year-round community programmes. To find out more, click here.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.