Member Article

Tourism Boost Expected From Festival's Return

A popular event, which annually attracts up to 70,000 people, is expected to boost the North East’s tourism trade when it returns next month.

Newcastle Pride, one of the largest free LGBT festivals in the UK, generated around 8000 bed nights in 2015, with up to 14 per cent of visitors opting to stay overnight.

This year, accommodation providers across the city are gearing up for an even bigger influx of guests, with many focussing their efforts on the event’s main music weekend beginning Friday July 15.

This includes Pride’s main travel partner, Mercure Newcastle County Hotel, which is now offering preferential rates exclusively for Pride attendees.

Anna Wadcock, General Manager for Mercure Newcastle County Hotel, said: “Being opposite Newcastle Central Station means we are at the heart of the action for many people visiting the city, including those who travel from far and wide to attend Newcastle Pride.

“This year we are proud to be directly sponsoring the festival’s website and showing our support for inclusivity by offering reduced accommodation rates to everyone taking part.”

Newcastle Pride, organised by regional LGBT charity, Northern Pride and sponsored by business improvement district company, NE1, annually contributes around £9m to the North East economy.

This year’s event, which is one of the biggest in its nine year history, will include headline performances by 5ive and Heather Small, as well as appearances by acts including Jake Quickenden, Nathan Moor and Sonia.

Music lovers of all ages are expected to attend the event at Newcastle’s Town Moor, with hotels across the area also lining up to grab their share of the so-called pink pound.

Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, said: “People travel from across the UK and around the world to take part in Newcastle Pride and this obviously has a great knock on effect for accommodation and travel operators both in Newcastle and the wider North East.

“We are delighted that Mercure Newcastle County Hotel has recognised these benefits and come on board to sponsor part of the festival, alongside other key businesses from across the region.”

Mercure Newcastle County Hotel, opposite Newcastle Central Station, is offering Newcastle Pride attendees a reduced rate of £69 per night for a single room or £85 for a twin/double room. Both prices include breakfast and apply to Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 15, 16 and 17 only.

All rooms are subject to availability and must be booked on 0191 232 2471 or via email at HA0H7@accor.com using the code PRIDE2016

Further information about Newcastle Pride 2016, including full listings, can be found at www.northern-pride.com or by searching northernprideuk on Facebook and Twitter.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .