Jesterval do Newcastle Pride – Festivals Unite in Love and Laughter

For the first time ever internationally renowned LGBT event Newcastle Pride, will be hosting its own show as part of the region’s premier comedy festival, Jesterval.

The aptly-entitled LGBT Comedy Gala, running at Baltic Square, Newcastle, on Thursday June 9, will feature performances from stand-up star Jen Blister, former Scottish Comedian of the Year, Larry Dean, trans, lesbian and comic, Bethany Black and the self-proclaimed “forgotten Bollywood love-child of Hinge and Bracket, Kenneth Williams and Eddie Izzard,” Jonathan Mayor.

It is the first in a series of satellite events being held in the build up to Newcastle Pride 2016, which returns with its biggest ever programme of live music and activities during June and July.

Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, said: “Newcastle Pride is already one of the largest free events of its kind in the UK and this year we’re going even bigger with a series of satellite events spreading right across the summer.

“The timing couldn’t have been better to link up with Jesterval and I hope the LGBT Comedy Gala will give the North East another event they can be proud of.”

The LGBT Comedy Gala, which is open to over 16s only, is one of more than 40 star-studded shows taking place during Jesterval, which runs in a special marquee at Gateshead Quays from June 3 to June 12 2016.

Jesterval programming director and comedian David Hadingham said: “Every year we strive to put together an eclectic and inclusive programme of comedy for anyone who appreciates a good giggle.

“The LGBT Comedy Gala in association with Newcastle Pride is a great addition to our line up and will really enhance the 10 days of shows we have coming up.”

Tickets for the event, priced at £10 each, are available to buy online at www.jesterval.com, where you will also find full listings for the rest of the comedy festival.

More information about Northern Pride specifically, which includes a weekend of live music headlined by Heather Small and boyband 5ive, can be found at www.northern-pride.com/events

Photo by Steve Ullathorne