Heaton Pride was such great fun last year that it’s happening all over again this July. Count me in.

I love a good ethos, and Heaton Pride – who are a volunteer collective – believe that Pride should be for everyone: authentic, inclusive, and rooted in the community it represents. They’ve listened to local LGBTQIA+ voices, and that’s shaped the events and activities on offer, which this year run from Thursday 16-Sunday 19 July. These will include open mic music nights and queer comedy (Tipsy Toad), a market (St. Gabriel’s Church – 1b Books will be among the local businesses with a stall), Dog Drag Show (The Dog Grocer), Disco and Drag + Deal Or No Deal fundraiser (The Barn Door), Pride Party (Vincenzo’s), Compakt Disco (Mortal Wombat), letter writing and book drive in support of the Lavender Project (Star & Shadow), and plenty more besides. All proceeds from Heaton Pride will be donated directly to The Wardrobe to support the amazing work they do in creating a safe space for gender expression.

Heaton Pride, Newcastle, Thursday 16-Sunday 19 July. Full programme and more info: linktr.ee/heatonpride