Cathedral Pride: Northern Proud Voices Return with Music,Love and Celebration

Newcastle’s Church of England cathedral will once again come alive with music and celebration as it welcomes back Northern Proud Voices – the North East’s largest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ choir – for their third annual Pride Concert on Friday 4 July at 7pm.

The evening promises a joyful and inclusive atmosphere, featuring a vibrant mix of pop and rock anthems performed with passion and pride. Previous concerts have included feel-good favourites like Mr. Blue Sky by ELO, Tattoo by Loreen, and It’s a Sin by the Pet Shop Boys.

Founded in 2011, Northern Proud Voices offers a welcoming and affirming space or LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to connect through music, combat social isolation, and promote mental wellbeing.

After the concert, all attendees are invited to stay for refreshments and informal networking in the Cathedral’s beautiful nave.

Kate Husband, representative of Northern Proud Voices, says: “Music has the power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. You’ve got people from all age groups and backgrounds coming together for one purpose: enjoyment and singing. That community aspect is so important – it’s a safe space where people can connect regularly.

“This will be our third concert at the Cathedral, and our relationship continues to grow and blossom. When people work together, that’s where change happens, and I’ve always said that when hate shouts, we have to love louder. Right now, if you look at what’s going on around the world, hate feels louder than ever. So, on 4 July, we’ll be lifting the rafters with music and love – I think that’s really important.”

Tickets are available on a ‘Give as You Feel’ basis (suggested donation: £8) via the Cathedral website. Proceeds will be shared between Northern Proud Voices and Newcastle Cathedral, supporting initiatives such as the Cathedral Lantern Project,
which works alongside visitors facing difficult circumstances in life, including homelessness and addiction.

The Very Reverend Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle, adds: “This concert is more than a celebration of music – it reflects our commitment to being a place of welcome for all. We are proud to open our doors and hearts to everyone in the city and region, including the LGBTQIA+ community, and to play a part in the city’s Pride celebrations.”

All concerts and evening events at Newcastle Cathedral take place alongside more than 20 weekly worship services.

This year’s concert is an official part of Northern Pride’s first-ever Pride Fringe, a dynamic city-wide programme leading up to Newcastle Pride on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July.

Running through June and early July, Pride Fringe includes live entertainment, comedy, theatre, inclusive networking events, and inspiring panel discussions in some of Newcastle’s most iconic venues.

To book tickets for Northern Proud Voices’ Cathedral Concert, visit newcastlecathedral.org.uk/whats-on

For details of all the Pride Fringe events, head to northern-pride.com/fringe