Celebrate with soaring voices and community spirit as Northern Proud Voices returns to Newcastle Cathedral for its 15th anniversary concert, a feel-good highlight in a summer of Pride events and workshops that matter to people across the North East.

Essential takeaways

  • Anniversary milestone: Northern Proud Voices celebrates 15 years with a concert at Newcastle Cathedral on Friday, July 3 at 7pm.
  • Inclusive community: The choir is non-audition and provides a welcoming, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies.
  • Related events: The cathedral’s summer programme includes banner-making workshops (July 11) and a quiet, sacred space on Newcastle Pride day (July 25).
  • Positive impact: The choir aims to reduce social isolation, boost mental wellbeing, and “sing love louder” in challenging times.
  • Tickets: Bookings and event details are available via the Newcastle Cathedral website.

A powerful message , singing louder than hate

If “hate is shouting, we will sing and love louder” sounds like a headline, that’s because it is , and the line comes straight from the choir itself. Northern Proud Voices will fill Newcastle Cathedral with music and a warm, resilient energy as it marks a decade-and-a-half together. Expect voices that lift you, a sense of community that feels tangible, and that slightly electric hush when a cathedral multiplies a human chorus.

The choir’s spokesperson described the concert as a “huge privilege” and highlighted how singing together creates safety and connection. According to Newcastle Cathedral’s events listings, this performance is part of a broader summer schedule that leans into creativity and calm.

How a local choir became a North East institution

Founded in 2011, Northern Proud Voices has grown from a simple idea into the region’s largest LGBTQIA+ choir, welcoming anyone who wants to join , no audition required. That open-door approach means you’ll find a wide range of voices and stories onstage, and it’s one reason the group is so rooted in the community.

Choirs like this are doing more than perform; they’re tackling isolation and supporting mental wellbeing. Choir members often say the social side matters as much as the singing, and the Cathedral partnership gives the group a striking, public home for its yearly highlights.

What else is happening at the Cathedral this July

Newcastle Cathedral has stacked the month with Pride-friendly activities. There’s an all-ages banner-making session run by Newcastle Pride on July 11, which promises hands-on creativity and a chance to meet people ahead of the parade. On the day of the Pride march, July 25, the Cathedral will offer a quiet, contemplative space , useful if you want somewhere calm between the march and the arena events.

The Cathedral has also developed a contemplative trail for July in collaboration with the Diocese of Newcastle LGBTQI+ Chaplaincy Service, offering reflective moments for visitors during a busy festival season. The Dean, Lee Batson, frames the venue as a place of “joy, peace, love and acceptance,” and the calendar shows that commitment in action.

Why these events matter beyond the performance

Community gigs and workshops are small, visible acts of inclusion that ripple out. When a prominent civic space like Newcastle Cathedral openly welcomes an LGBTQIA+ choir and Pride activities, it sends a message to visitors and residents that the city values diversity. That’s not just symbolic , it affects how people feel about being seen and safe in public spaces.

If you’re deciding what to attend, think about the vibe you want: the big, communal lift of a concert night, the maker-friendly energy of a banner session, or the hush of the Cathedral’s quiet room on Pride day. Each offers something different for wellbeing and belonging.

How to take part (and a few practical tips)

Ticket details and event bookings are on the Newcastle Cathedral website, so grab them early if you want a prime pew. If you’re going to the choir concert, arrive a little early to settle in and enjoy the acoustics , it makes a real difference. For the banner workshop, bring a sense of play and dress for paint. And if you need a breather on Pride day, remember the Cathedral’s quiet space runs from 3.40pm to 6.30pm.

It’s also worth checking Newcastle Pride’s website for parade logistics and other fringe events, and thinking about travel and accessibility , these places aim to be welcoming, but a quick look at transport and venue access will help your day run smoothly.

It's a small change that can make every sing-along and moment of calm feel a little safer and a lot brighter.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: