Ashington Town Council and Pride Action North have joined forces to bring a vibrant and inclusive Ashington Pride Picnic to our local communities this summer. Building on the success of last year’s event, this collaboration aims to create an even more memorable experience for LGBTQIA+ people and their families.
Last year’s Pride Picnic was a great success, was diverse and fostered a sense of unity and celebration. Inspired by this, Ashington Town Council and Pride Action North are pooling their resources and expertise to ensure the 2024 picnic has an even greater impact.
The Pride Picnic will take place on September 7, 2024, at Hirst Park, from 10 AM to 2 PM. This event promises to be a day filled with activities for all the family, offering a unique opportunity for LGBTQIA+ people and their families to come together in a safe and welcoming environment.
Angela Brudenell, Pride Action North’s Charity Manager said “After an incredibly positive pride picnic last year we felt it was vital to work with Ashington Town Council to bring our community an event that celebrates local LGBTQIA+ people in the heart of the town.”
Pride Action North are proud to contribute to this event as a result of funding received from the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership (NIECP), where Northumberland County Council is the Lead Accountable Body for the funding. Our project, Roaming Roots, is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority.
Sharon Parmley, Ashington Town Council’s Communication and Engagement Officer sais “”We’re thrilled to partner with Pride Action North for the 2024 Ashington Pride Picnic. This event is a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion in our community. Building on last year’s success, we’re creating an even more vibrant and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ people and their families to celebrate. We invite everyone to join us on September 7th at Hirst Park for a day of unity, fun, and pride.”
There will be a whole host of activities from the following organisations;
Visit Pride Action North for some fun creative crafts, they will be doing stone paining and making fairy bells. They will also have a positivity wall, a tin can game, spin the wheel and guess the flag/true or false.
Bring along a picnic and enjoy some free cupcakes provided by Full Circle Food, whilst listening to some great music from KOAST Radio, who will be broadcasting live throughout the event. If you need a picnic blanket just pop into the Pavilion where you can borrow one for your picnic.
Mortal Fools We’ll be joined by the brilliant guest artist Amy Langdown who will be running fun, Pride-themed decoration-making and bracelet-making activities and we will have some community-themed bunting which we will be inviting people to contribute to.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust is a charity dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places and helping people to get closer to nature. Come and visit us to learn and chat about the natural world and how truly diverse it is. We will also be running small activites for all ages including mini beast hunts, clay imprinting and making nature mobiles.
Break.NE are the North East’s leading Breaking (breakdance) educators, offering workshops for all ages and abilities across the region. B-boy Justice and B-boy Jackson will be on-site to help teach you a variety of Breaking moves, from Top-Rock steps, to Footwork combos, and the chance to create your own Freeze! They’ll also be showcasing some of their favorite moves throughout the day. These bitesize workshops are the perfect way to get active, try something new, and experience Breaking in a fun way. Fancy having a go and learning some Breaking?
Adding to the entertainment, Gladwin’s Ballet and Stage School will grace the event with a stunning performance, showcasing the talents of their young dancers and bringing a touch of elegance and artistry to the day.
Lots of information and advice from;
Northumberland Community Bank who are aiming to engage with the community and inform them of what we do at Northumberland Community Bank and how we can support their financial well-being.
GMB
But wait, there’s more! We’ve got candy floss to satisfy your sweet tooth, a silent disco to dance your heart out, and Newcastle United Foundation bringing football-themed games for sports fans. Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service will be there with a Fire Appliance, and don’t miss the Community Safety Team for important tips.
Looking for entertainment? The fabulous Drag Queen Gloria Love will be singing and mingling with the crowd. Fancy a treat? Little Team Room will be selling delicious cakes, while Ashington WI serves up free tea and coffee from the pavilion.
It’s a day packed with activities, music, and community spirit. Don’t miss the Ashington Pride Picnic - where everyone’s welcome and pride shines bright!”
