DARLINGTON's first proper Pride Weekender is set to take place with three days of events.

Featuring a family-friendly picnic, live performances and nighttime entertainment, it takes place from Saturday.

Councillor Darrien Wright, Darlington Borough Council’s LBGTQI+ ambassador, said: “We can’t wait for a weekend full of fun and colourful festivities.This brilliant, jam-packed three day event is an important celebration of inclusion and diversity in our town.

"Pride is about promoting equality, increasing LGBTQI+ visibility, eliminating discrimination and coming together to not only celebrate but educate.

"We’re proud to unite in solidarity and as the first council’s LGBTQI+ ambassador, I want to push our town to be at the forefront of the new generation."

The Northern Echo:

Darlington Borough Council is leading the event this year, alongside a team of volunteers.

Last year was meant to be the first Darlington Pride Weekender, but while some events still took place virtually, much of what had been planned did not take place due to the pandemic.

In previous years, a Pride parade has taken place in the town centre.

On Saturday, there will be live bands, speeches, tribute acts, kids activities, information stalls and a variety of performances, including from Darlington Operatic Society, Majestic Theatre and Tracks Darlington in the Market Square from 12pm-6pm.

Special guests include Attitude Pride Award 2021 winner Olly Pike, BBC’s RuPaul Drag Race UK winner Lawrence Chaney, and hosts; TV and radio presenter Dan Westwood, singer and radio presenter Sam Dickinson, and local drag queen Miss Tess Tickle.

There will be giveaways, and information stalls from a range of LGBTQI+ organisations, public bodies and charities.

They include the council, Darlington Police, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Darlington Football Club, counselling support service Arcus, the Alzheimer’s Society and NHS.

On Sunday, from 12pm-3pm, a picnic is taking place in South Park, with music, a story time for children, a family Rainbow Trail and a performance from Voices of Darlington.

The town's Gay Pride night will return to Blackwellgate and in town centre bars on Monday, with themed events and special guests from 5pm until late.

This year's event is being sponsored by LNER and Newcastle Building Society.

David Horne, managing director at LNER, said: “We are committed to creating an inclusive business where our people feel able to be themselves at work. We’re therefore delighted to be involved in the return of Darlington Pride. It’s a brilliant way for us to demonstrate our support for all the community and to help our customers and employees get involved in the celebrations.”

Sarah Colvil, area manager at Newcastle Building Society’s Darlington branch, said: “We’re committed to supporting the community in town, so we’re delighted to be able to sponsor the Darlington Pride Weekender and the LGBTQI+ community. The last 18 months have been a real challenge and although the Pride Weekender went digital last year, we all know there’s nothing better than celebrating in person, so I can’t wait for it.”

For all the latest news and information about the event, visit: facebook.com/darloprideweekender