HEXHAM'S first Pride will be celebrated in June.
Pride is a celebration of the progression of LGBTQ rights.
June is Pride month and is dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ communities worldwide.
Hexham residents shaped their first Pride by sharing what is important to them and events they wanted to see.
Most wanted family-friendly events, including things for young people to do.
A sense of community, visibility and connection was what was valued most about Pride events.
The programme includes film, live music, author events and theatre for various ages.
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.”
Pride will begin with Plant the Rainbow, as Hexham in Bloom plants three flower beds across Hexham and invites people to plant the rainbow in front gardens, window boxes and hanging baskets to show support. Businesses are encouraged to create rainbow window displays.
Folk is Queer celebrates musicians at Hexham Library on June 7, featuring multi-instrumentalist Jess Howard, North-east fiddle player and singer Anna Hughes and Sam Baxter.
Hexham Book Festival presents one of the most outstanding LGBTQ British writers, Kirsty Logan, on June 9 talking about her book, Now She Is A Witch at the Queen’s Hall.
Visitors can help plan Hexham Pride 2024, in the steering group meeting on June 8 at the Queen’s Hall.
Queen’s Hall artistic director, Katy Taylor, 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.”
For more information, go to the Queen's Hall website.
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