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AMELIA LILY HEADED FOR NEWCASTLE PRIDE

North East songstress Amelia Lily is heading back to the region for a special free event this weekend.

The Middlesbrough-born pop star, who finished third in the X Factor in 2011, is headlining Newcastle Pride at the city’s Exhibition Park on Saturday 20th July .

The one-day event, organised by Northern Pride, is designed to celebrate the North East’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and will offer a host of free live music and activities throughout the day. 

Amelia Lily, who has stormed the charts with hits including You Bring Me Joy, Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got) and Party Over, is one of more than a dozen acts set to perform on the festival’s main stage.

Others include 80s icon Toyah, Katrina from the Waves, Titch, who recently supported Olly Murs on tour and a host of North East acts, such as Gateshead boyband RAW and County Durham singer/songwriter Dee Stokes.

The event, which starts with a parade from Newcastle Civic Centre to Exhibition Park, will also stage a health zone, a cabaret tent, trans zone, dance tent, woman’s zone, tea tent and funfair, as well as a sports arena hosting everything from egg and spoon races to a giant Zumba class.

For the first time in its six year history Newcastle Pride will also be running a family zone with a range of activities to suit all ages, including music lessons and workshops showing how to recycle household waste into keepsakes such as model elephants and flowers. 

Peter Darrant, Chair of Northern Pride, said: “Last year Newcastle Pride attracted more than 23,000 people from across the North East.  This year we’re hoping to surpass that record and have worked hard to incorporate elements that will entertain all ages.  

“Amelia Lily’s performance is just one of the many highlights people can expect at this year’s event and I hope that people will recognise it as a fun day out, not to mention a free one.”

Sponsors for Northern Pride 2013 include Community Energy Solutions, Tyne and Wear Fire Service, Northumbria Police and Newcastle City Council. 

For more information and full listings visit www.northern-pride.com