Hexham will first its first ever Pride this summer, with a series of events taking place throughout June aiming to 'bring people together'.
The historic market town, which was voted the fourth happiest in the UK in 2022, has never had its own Pride, but organisers have nevertheless put together an ambitious programme across the whole of Pride Month, with live music, author events and talks, theatre and cinema celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture. The programme has been developed with Hexham residents, with a survey revealing that many wanted family-friendly events.
After kicking off the month with Plant the Rainbow, where Hexham in Bloom will plant three flower beds across the town, Forum Cinema will host Hexham Pride Film Fest on June 4 which includes a curated programme of short films featuring queer talent and voices from the North of England. Then, on Wednesday June 7, Folk is Queer celebrates LGBTQIA+ musicians in Hexham Library.
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The Queen's Hall will see a Young People's Take Over on Saturday June 10, with banner making, creative writing and music for 11-19-year-olds led by Curious Arts in what aims to be a creative and supportive environment. For children aged three-seven, Curious Arts will also host Mini Pride at Hexham Old Gaol on Saturday June 24 with creative activities and interactive story time.
Town traders are being encouraged to create rainbow window displays, while Northumberland Libraries will launch a new LGBTQIA+ book club at Hexham Library on Saturday June 3. There are hopes that Pride will become an annual fixture, with the opportunity to get involved in next year's events on Thursday June 8 with the Hexham Pride 2024 Steering Group Meeting at the Queen's Hall.
Richard Bliss, Hexham Pride organiser, said: "Towns, cities and villages throughout the world celebrate Pride, so it is fantastic that Hexham is joining those celebrations this June. Northern Pride does a fantastic job of organising a huge traditional event in Newcastle, so we wanted to create a Pride that responded to local people’s needs and ideas.
"Pride in Hexham is a festival, with events for everyone, with the emphasis on local performers and groups. We want to bring people together and celebrate the fabulous rainbow of diversity that is the LGBTQIA+ community."
Katy Taylor, Queen's Hall artistic director, said: "We’re delighted to be involved in Hexham’s very first Pride festival. The Queen’s Hall is proud to support an event that is inclusive and accessible to our local community, as well as welcoming visitors to our beautiful town.
"Thanks to input from Hexham residents and a brilliant team led by Richard Bliss with a wealth of knowledge and experience of creating arts and cultural events celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, the programme has something for everyone and includes free events alongside activities for families and young people, as well as showcasing local talent."
Hexham Pride is being managed by the Hexham Cultural Network and led by the Queen's Hall on behalf of the Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone, which established as a £2.4m scheme which aims to make the centre more attractive, engaging and vibrant. Pride builds on events such as the Hexham Lantern Parade, held in November, and Animating Hexham, which took place in 2021.
For more information on Hexham Pride, visit the Queen's Hall website.
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