One of Newcastle’s best-known LGBTQ+ entertainment venues is preparing to host its first outdoor Pride festival this summer, marking a major milestone for Scotswood Showbar.
The venue will transform its outdoor space on St James Boulevard into a purpose-built Pride arena for a two-day celebration on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July.
The newly created Scotswood Showbar Showbiz Stadium will include a large outdoor stage, professional sound and lighting production, outdoor bars, food vendors and a full programme of live entertainment.
The event represents the biggest entertainment project undertaken by Scotswood Showbar since opening. The outdoor festival space will have capacity for around 400 people, with a further 150 guests able to attend inside the venue.
The line-up will feature a mix of national and local performers, including television personality Katie Price, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist Catrin Feelings and internationally recognised drag entertainer CeCe D’Vyne.
They will be joined by drag performers, DJs and entertainers including Son of a Tutu, Janice D, Ophelia Balls, STEJAY and JNR, with more acts expected to be announced.
Entertainment is planned to run from 11am until 11pm across both days, before celebrations continue inside Scotswood Showbar. An extended licence will allow the venue to remain open until 5am on Saturday night.
The festival has been created to offer an inclusive and high-energy Pride experience in the heart of Newcastle, while showcasing national talent alongside some of the North East’s most popular performers.
Liam Glendinning, owner of Scotswood Showbar, said Pride had always been an important moment for the venue and the wider community.
He said: “Pride has always been a hugely important time for us and for our community, so when we started planning this year, we wanted to create something bigger than anything we’ve done before.
“Showbiz Stadium is our way of celebrating Pride on a scale we’ve never attempted. We’ve invested heavily into creating a fantastic outdoor festival experience, bringing together incredible performers, professional production, great entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
“To have names such as Katie Price, Catrin Feelings and CeCe D’Vyne joining us for our very first Pride festival is incredibly exciting, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the North East and beyond for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.”
Scotswood Showbar has become a popular LGBTQ+ venue in Newcastle, known for its drag performances, cabaret, karaoke, DJs and inclusive atmosphere.
The launch of Showbiz Stadium marks a significant step in the venue’s growth and its ambition to deliver larger-scale entertainment events for the city.
