ROUTE UPDATE FOR ANNUAL PRIDE MARCH
- Alex (they/them)
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
DUE to the ongoing development of Northumberland Street, it is with great regret that we today announce that the route for the annual Newcastle Pride march on Saturday 19 July will now change to pass through John Dobson Street.
This is to ensure maximum safety of all attendees as it is not possible to march the planned route with the continued works and associated risks.
The march will commence from the Civic Centre at 12pm as planned, but will this year head down John Dobson Street, before returning to the usual route on Blackett Street then finally onto Percy Street. The march will finish at Civic Centre ahead of the citywide celebrations.
The organisers of Newcastle Pride are working collaboratively with Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police. The groups met earlier this week to review the significant safety concerns for those planning to attend and therefore made the difficult decision together to alter the route.
Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride said: “Whilst we are incredibly disappointed that we cannot march down Northumberland Street, something that is fundamental to Pride and is symbolic to the LGBTQIA+ community and our visibility in the city, the priority is has to be the safety and welfare of everyone taking part.
"We were made aware of concerns by Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police surrounding the ongoing building works on Northumberland Street and the risks related to the march. With this, strict guidance was provided to modify our plans. We are working closely with all partners to ensure that we do everything we can to make this change work.
"It’s paramount that the LGBTQIA+ community is able to march safely while remaining unapologetically visible.”
For more information on the changes to the Pride march route, visit www.northern-pride.com/march.
As a long-time Pride supporter, I understand how crucial route changes can be for participant safety. Having attended several Pride marches, I know these decisions aren't made lightly. It's impressive how Newcastle Pride is prioritizing attendee well-being while ensuring the event's spirit remains intact. The collaborative approach with city officials demonstrates true community care. These adaptive strategies help maintain the march's integrity and protect everyone involved. For those looking for a fun distraction after the event, I might suggest checking out Block Blast for some entertaining downtime.