Northern Pride festival in Newcastle closes due to weather

Organisers said the continuing heavy rain had made the site unsafe and that the decision to close early was “extremely difficult”.

The festival was part of two days of pride celebrations in Newcastle following a flamboyant parade through the city yesterday where attendees were not deterred by the rain.

Read more: 12 photos as crowds battle rain as Northern Pride 2023 begins with spectacular parade

Ste Dunn, the festival’s director, said in a statement: “Unfortunately due to adverse weather conditions, and against all efforts of the team. We’ve had to make the extremely difficult decision to close the festival site.

 “We need to ensure pride is safe and accessible for all. After making changes to the site to ensure most of the festival site could open, the continuation of heavy rain has now made the site unsafe.

 “We’re also aware that access to the site from Exhibition Park has become hazardous with flooding under the bridge.

 “Seeing over 15,000 LGBTQIA+ people and allies join us on the march and many more on the festival site, brave the weather has been heartwarming and we’re incredibly grateful for all the support.

 “We’ll be in touch during the week to ticket holders. Please bear with us as we manage the onsite situation as our priority now focuses on keeping everyone safe.

 “The Northern Pride team would like to thank our community, allies, creatives, performers, staff, contractors and volunteers for their support this weekend.”

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The Northern Echo was at the event just half an hour before the decision was made to close it. Newcastle’s Town Moor was starting to become boggy and an entrance at Exhibition Park forced to close due to flooding.

Ticketholders will be contacted by organisers this week.

On Saturday crowds stayed til late to see acts including X Factor strs Amelia Lily and Louisa Johnson on the main ‘United as One’ stage.

Steps band member Lisa Scott-Lee was due to take to the stage on Sunday evening.