Entertainment features

12 July 2008 saw the first Gay Pride event take place in Newcastle and I was fortunate enough to participate along with hundreds of others in the exhilarating march through the city centre on a pleasant Saturday afternoon.

For a few minutes people stopped what they were doing and watched as we proclaimed to be proud to be lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender (LGBT). This was our moment and together we celebrated our diversity.

When we reached Leazes Park the march ended and the party began. There were stalls selling clothes, jewellery, offering sexual health advice, promoting LGBT charities and much more.

The food and beer stalls were exceedingly popular, as were the all-female band Camp Vamps who were intent on, and succeeded in, entertaining the masses with their glorious rock music.

Celebrating my sexuality

The atmosphere was sensational throughout; people were there to have a good time and my lasting impression is that the majority did. And, although the event was celebrating LGBT Pride, everyone was welcome.

There was a celebratory atmosphere

The celebrations carried on long after the last hamburger was served and the last chord was struck; it was time to hit Newcastle's excellent gay scene and party until the early hours of the morning.

Looking back, the day was a success, there was no trouble that I am aware of and the hard work of the event organisers and workers was greatly appreciated.

To be able to openly celebrate my sexuality after years of trying to come to terms with it was an occasion I shall never forget. To be able to do this with close friends and many others from the LGBT community caused me to shed a silent, happy tear.

On 18 July 2009, there will be another Northern Pride event that promises to be bigger and somehow better than the previous.

Knowing this year's event will feature past Eurovision entrants, performers, more music and a street party, I cannot wait to attend and I occasionally view the clock on the Northern Pride website that counts down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to the auspicious occasion.