Pride coming to Darlington town centre next month!

A celebration of Darlington’s LGBT+ community will be held at a special event next month. Darlington Day Time Pride is a free, family-friendly event including live performances, crafts, information stalls, speeches and more.

The event starts at 10am on Saturday 6 July. A march, featuring celebrated drag artist Miss Ann Bag and dancers from Joanne Lowe Dance Academy, will depart from the Market Square at 11am. Come along and join in. Dress to impress or come as you are. Everyone is welcome!

There will be information stalls from Darlington Borough Council, local LGBT+ organisation Darlington ARQ, Darlington Police, County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service, North East Ambulance Service and other organisations that have been involved in planning this event.

The event will include performances from local dance schools and a variety of vocalists including tributes to Lady Gaga and Shirley Bassey.

The aim is to promote equality and diversity in Darlington and eliminate discrimination. Additional information stalls will include Family Help Darlington, Healthwatch, Samaritans, More in Common Darlington and many more.

As well as the day time event, Darlington’s time-honoured Gay Pride night will take place on 12 August.

Councillor Paul Howell, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and Local Environment, said: “This brilliant event, along with the Gay Pride night time event in August, is an important celebration of diversity in our town. It is great to see the support of local businesses and we look forward to a day full of fun and celebration.”

The main sponsor of Darlington Day Time Pride is Cummins Inc. A Cummins spokesman said: “This year, Cummins celebrates its centenary. For 100 years, Cummins has stood fast on its founding principles. Most importantly, recognising the inherent value of each and every one of us, no matter our background, culture, religion or sexual orientation. Cummins, a technology leader, has a real affinity with the North of England, with long-standing manufacturing facilities in Darlington and Huddersfield. We are proud to join the celebrations at Darlington Pride for the first time, in this, our landmark year.”

Additional support for Darlington Day Time Pride comes from local Sainsbury’s stores and Subway in Prebend Row. The Boot & Shoe pub, which was named an LGBT+ champion in March, has also made a contribution to organising and funding the event.

The pub’s manager Chris Metters said: “This event is not only a celebration for the LGBT+ community but for the town of Darlington and the talent it can showcase. It's fantastic that so many organisations have thrown their support behind the event and are setting a benchmark for years to come."

Day Time Pride events are a positive stance against discrimination and violence towards LGBT+ people, to promote equal rights, increase their visibility and celebrate diversity in our community.

Andi Cull, from Darlington ARQ, said: “This will be a fabulous event, a massive inroad into celebrating diversity and inclusivity within Darlington; while also providing a fun safe space for everyone to come together and celebrate.”