Northern Pride celebrations go ahead online
Northern Pride celebrations have begun, despite the dark cloud of COVID-19 overshadowing the festival. Today, it's up to the Chair of Northern Pride, Ste Dunn, to get the party started online from his living room in Washington.
This year, the event is being streamed by Facebook and YouTube, featuring a 'virtual march', speaker events and a DJ sets by Gok Wan.
Organisers from Northern Pride were awarded the title of UK Pride 2020, but due to the pandemic, have confirmed that the event will be postponed until 23-25 July 2021.
A full programme of events can be enjoyed via Facebook and YouTube on July 18, including a DJ set with Gok Wan.
The event kicks off with the first official play of Pride’s charity music video at 11am, followed by a virtual march at noon with everyone is encouraged to dress up and share the virtual experience.
Organisers have been collecting video and images from past Pride events in the last few months, to help create a Pride atmosphere on the day.
The event will end with a candlelight vigil at 8pm, with social media then hosting a virtual after Pride party.
It has all been organised around the core values of Pride, including unity, protect, identity, healing and spirit.
Northern Pride are encouraging as many people as possible to take part and they say everyone is welcome.