Stars from Blue and Ru Paul as well as a Little Mix tribute band will be joining the party when Durham Pride makes a vibrant return this weekend.
A rainbow of colours is set to brighten up the streets as the event, which - after the past two pandemic years promises to be back bigger and better - plays out this Saturday and Sunday with a programme featuring a Platinum Jubilee theme to celebrate the Queen's record-breaking 70-year reign. And with the weekender also marking the 50-year anniversary of London Pride, organisers say the occasion will be celebrating "120 years of the combined history of Fabulous Queens".
The rainbow motif and banners will on full display throughout the weekend and Saturday's programme - which will include the Little Mix tribute band - will be free to attend. On Sunday it will be tickets-only at The Sands in the city centre as Duncan James from Blue; Kitty Scott Claus from Ru Paul Drag Race UK; Alison Limerick - best known for nineties club anthem Where Love Lives - and The X Factor's Sam Atkinson will be performing on the main stage.
Read more: guide to North East Platinum Jubilee celebrations
Ahead of that there will be the Pride march through the city centre, setting off from Durham Cathedral at 1pm on Sunday, and leading the way - accompanied by with princesses - will be 'The Queen of Durham', Tess Tickle. They will go on to perform too and Tess will play Sunday's host on the Pride stage.
E-tickets for Sunday's events can be bought online then swapped for a wristband in The Sands Field. They will be available here from the main field at noon or earlier in the day, from 11am, at Palace Green as people gather for the parade.
Mel Metcalf, chair of Durham Pride, said: “With the last two years firmly behind us, we’re so proud to be able to bring Pride back to the Durham and Darlington LGBT+ community. Pride brings everyone together and is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to show their support and celebrate the freedom to love without discrimination.”
There will be beer tents and food throughout the two days plus a family funfair and market stalls. An official after-show party will be held at Durham's newly-refurbished Slug & Lettuce, with a DJ, drag entertainment and dance music.
Saturday's extras will include a pop princess party, The Katy Perry Experience and a Pride dog walk and also among Sunday's attractions will be Northern Proud Voices and a VIP area. Tickets for Sunday are available to buy at Eventbrite or via links on the Durham Pride Facebook page here where there is also information about the full programme of entertainment.
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