Hartlepool to first Pop-Up Pride event this summer 'to celebrate love, acceptance, and unity'

Hartlepool's "unwavering commitment to love and acceptance" will be on display in full colour when the town holds its first Pride event this summer.

A vibrant and inclusive celebration of the local LGBTQIA+ community and allies with live performances, creative activities, workshops, market stalls and much more will take place around Church Square Saturday, July 6. The event will see the community come together to celebrate Pride with an array of rainbow fun for all ages.

Hartlepool Pop-Up Pride is presented by Pride in Tees Valley, a project coordinated by Hartlepool-based LGBTQIA+ arts charity Curious Arts, in association with Hartlepool Art Gallery and The Northern School of Art.

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Working alongside a volunteer committee of residents and organisations to shape the day, the pilot event promises to be a brilliant celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community through a variety of fun, free activities. "We are thrilled to welcome local residents, Teessiders and visitors to Hartlepool’s first ever Pop-Up Pride event, this year," said Adam Strickland, Creative Producer at Curious Arts.

"Working with the Hartlepool Pop-Up Pride Community Committee, our shared goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and joy-filled environment for the LGBTQIA+ community and wider community of Hartlepool to come together to celebrate love, acceptance, and unity.

"We have planned a variety of activities that cater to all ages, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. Join us for a day of laughter, learning, and love, as we celebrate the vibrant array of identities that make up Hartlepool’s community."

Aaron Bowman, Hartlepool Pop-Up Pride committee member, said: "I am both honoured and inspired to witness the incredible creativity and visibility that Hartlepool’s LGBTQIA+ community brings to this event.

"In a world that often challenges our very existence, it is more important than ever to celebrate the unity and resilience that defines us. Hartlepool Pop-Up Pride is not just a celebration, but a powerful statement of Hartlepool’s unwavering commitment to love and acceptance. We are excited to shine brightly and support one another at Hartlepool Pop-Up Pride on Saturday, July 6."

During the day Hartlepool Art Gallery will have free creative art and craft activies for the whole family between 11am and 4pm. Storyteller Pam the Dinner Lady will also be there to ignite imaginations with inclusive and joy filled story times.

In Church Square will be The Bobby Dazzler Stage with a dazzling array of local and national performers, including Camp Fit with Carl, Mimi, Tiny Temper, Arya Quinn and more artists still to be announced.

Visitors can drop into the colourful Curious Caravan on the day where a team of story collectors will be capturing and celebrating stories from the local community.

An artist will be transforming Church Square with original artwork and written words of positivity - made using chalk and there will be a Pride Market at The Northern School of Art from 11am to 3pm with a host of stalls.

Those looking for a moment of calm can also participate in Quiet Crafts in the Northern School of Art including rainbow weaving and Pride quilting from 12pm. In the Student Room, members of the Trans, Non-binary and Gender non-conforming communities are invited to meet and chat over a cup of tea from 1pm-3pm.

Hartlepool Pop-Up Pride is supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority, Hartlepool Borough Council, Arts Council England, Tees Millions, Foster with North East, Creative Hartlepool and Cygnet Law. Find out more on the Pride in Tees Valley Facebook page here.