A MONTH-long festival to celebrate lesbian, gay and bisexual culture in the North-East kicked off last night.

Pride on Tyne began with an art exhibition in the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle yesterday and continues tomorrow with Pride Pet Show in the city's Exhibition Park, at 2pm.

A spokesperson for Pride on Tyne said: "Our main event offers a great day out for everyone in the lesbian gay and bisexual communities in the North-East, with a wide range of entertainment on offer.

"Working with our members, partners and funders, we are committed to remaining a free, community-based festival, a policy we know is welcomed by people who attend our events."

This year's main event takes place next Saturday, at the University of Newcastle Students' Union.

The host will be Huffty, a former presenter on Channel 4 late night show The Word. It will feature live music, a community marketplace and leading dance music DJs.

Other guests include Manchester comic Jonathan Mayor. Newcastle's own Camp Vamps headline the main stage.

The free festival starts at 1pm and runs until 2.30am. It is free and there is a daytime crche available.

Further events will take place up until Friday, August 8. For details, visit the website, at www.pride-on-tyne.com