On the 18th of July, we arrived in Newcastle to commence our preparations for the Northern Pride 2023 – a massive event that runs from the 22nd to the 23rd of July. This event is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community and encompasses a festival and a March. Our team was responsible for providing top-notch event management and production services for this fantastic occasion.
Despite our extensive experience with this event, this year's weather posed a significant challenge to our team due to the forecasted heavy rain. However, with the help of UK Events Group, we were able to build three stages and provide lighting, PA, truss, and haze. In addition, we constructed the site itself, including entranceways with truss, herras fencing, and signage along with disability matting to ensure that the event was accessible to all attendees. To ensure the safety of all attendees, we installed temporary CCTV cameras throughout the site. In addition, we supplied generators and power distribution that powered the entire site. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was ready for the grand opening of the event, despite the severe weather conditions.
Even with the rain, the event was a smashing success, with over 15,000 individuals marching through the streets of Newcastle and a staggering 21,000 people gathering on the town moor. The stages hosted an array of brilliant performances from the likes of Ministry of Sound does Pride, Louisa Johnson, DJ Woody Cook and Amelia Lily, among others.
Notwithstanding our team's best efforts to ensure the event's success, the site was deemed unsafe on Sunday due to severe weather conditions. We carefully managed the closure of the site, which involved the challenging task of de-rigging in heavy rain and towing the vans off-site.
We owe the success of this event to our amazing team, and we want to give a huge shoutout to Kris, Chris, Andy, Lewis, Connor, Shane, Kiaran, Sean, and Charlie. Thank you!