Crowds descended on a rainy Newcastle at lunchtime on Saturday for a spectacular parade marking the start of this year’s Northern Pride.
Thousands joined the march through the city centre at noon not deterred by the rain, carrying rainbow umbrellas and flags and wearing flamboyant costumes.
Youngsters from communities across the region led the parade to highlight the struggles still being faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
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It marks the beginning of this year’s pride celebrations with a host of events scheduled across the weekend.
Acts including Steps’ Lisa Scott-Lee and X Factor stars Louisa Johnson and Amelia Lily have spots on the bill at the ‘United as One’ stage on the Town Moor.
The parade started at Newcastle Civic Centre, passing through the city down Northumberland Street, Blackett Street, Percy Street, Barras Bridge, Claremont Road and onto the Town Moor.
Prior to the march organisers reminded those attending to bring sensible footwear with the weather not on side.
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The march marked 20 years since the repeal of Section 28 – laws which prohibited “the promotion of homosexuality” and which was seen as discriminatory.
Ste Dunn, director of Northern Pride believes that repercussions from Section 28 can still be felt today. Speaking ahead of the event he said: “The legislation, which forbade teachers from even acknowledging the existence of LGBTQIA+ people in the classroom had profound effects on young people at the time, effects which are still being felt today.
“The march will remember the impact it had at the time, pay homage to those who lived through it and are still experiencing its effects today and rise up against further legislative attempts to undermine the community and our rights to live as we are.”
See our pictures from the event here (courtesy of North News and Pictures):
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