NORTH-EAST businesses are offering their support to one of the largest, free LGBT festivals in the UK.

Newcastle Pride has revealed that this year the festival will take place at the new location of Nuns Moor Park from July 20 to 22, and adopt the use of a big top tent for the very first time.

Thanks to businesses across the region – the free festival is set for one of its biggest years yet.

NE1, Newcastle’s business improvement district, is back on board as main sponsor for the fourth year running, with Manchester Airport flying the flag as sponsors of the Manchester Airport San Francisco Stage.

Joining NE1 and Manchester Airport are a number of businesses from across the region, including Northumbria Police, The Crowne Plaza, Nandos, Tesco Bank, EDF Energy and car dealership, Arnold Clark.

Stephen Willis, festival director of Newcastle Pride, said: “Newcastle Pride is now in its 11th year and we have managed to grow the festival each year to make sure we have a programme jam-packed with events for people to attend and get involved with,” said Stephen.

“We are one of only a few pride festivals of this scale that is still free to attend and this simply wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.”

“It is their support that allows us to put on a free weekend of amazing entertainment and incredible performances and it is a fantastic way for businesses to pledge solidarity with the LGBT community and show a commitment to promoting equality within their organisations.”

Anyone interested in pursuing a sponsorship opportunity is asked to contact Peter Darrant on 07939-610947 or email peter@prideworldmedia.com

Last year's event brought more than 73,000 visitors to the region and generated more than £9m for the local economy. The musical line-up this year features Alexandra Burke and S Club as festival headliners.

This year’s Newcastle Pride is celebrating 40 years of the rainbow flag, which was designed by LGBT activist and artist, Gilbert Baker, in 1978.