Middlesbrough Pride to take place across town this weekend

Middlesbrough is set to celebrate the Tees Valley's LGBTQIA+ population this Saturday (September 30) with a range of events taking place across town in multiple venues.

The event has been brought together by LGBTQIA+ arts charity Curious Arts, in association with Middlesbrough Town Hall, Middlesbrough Council and Orange Pip Market to offer free activities and entertainment throughout the day.

Read more: Lumiere Durham 2023: Full programme of events revealed

Penni T in front of crowd at Middlesbrough Pride. (Image: Orange Pip/Middlesbrough Council)

At Middlesbrough Town Hall, entertainers will be on stage from noon until 5pm.

There will be live performances on the Pride Stage from SYSTEMIC, Jade Mia Broadhead, Rivkala, 3 Steps to Venga, Lady Bushra, a Takeover by Sapphires and more.

This will all be hosted by drag artists Monarchy, Penni T, Lya Belle and Bonnie La Bleu.

The Pride Market in the Town Hall’s Fire Station will host stalls from local businesses and makers, open from 11am until 4pm with free Pride Craft workshops for those wanting to express their creativity.

For those looking for a moment of calm, Middlesbrough Town Hall will be offering a Quiet Pride space from 11am to 12.30pm.

Cleveland Fire Brigade at Middlesbrough Pop-up Pride. (Image: Orange Pip/Middlesbrough Council)

Over at the Holiday Inn Express, members of the Trans, Non-binary and Gender non-conforming communities are invited to meet and chat over a cup of tea from 2pm to 3.30pm.

At 5pm there will be an opportunity to join in the Pop-Up Pride Parade led by Tia Mana the puppet from Middlesbrough Town Hall over to Orange Pip Market, where there will be a Pride Takeover followed by entertainment from Melanie Baker, A tribute to Paloma Faith, Sapphires and more from 3pm until 6.30pm.

Adam Hampton, Owner & Manager at Club XS & Sapphires said: "We are really excited to be part of the pride, we have made huge steps towards creating a pride that Middlesbrough deserves.

Read next:

• Port of Middlesbrough owner AV Dawson awarded Good Business Charter
• Rogue Teesside landscape gardener locked up for three years
• Middlesbrough sex offender glassed man after row in pub

Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus Digital Subscription for as little as £1.50 a week. Click here.

Person dancing at Middlesbrough Pride. (Image: Orange Pip/Middlesbrough Council)

"It will be fantastic for the town and local businesses. We hope people come out and support us, the community and enjoy incredible entertainment and after-parties."

Committee member Matt Campbell added, "Middlesbrough Pride is not only necessary, but it’s also a beacon of hope for countless individuals who have felt marginalised or invisible.

"It’s a space where we come together to uplift one another, celebrate our diverse identities, and foster a sense of belonging that can change lives."