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# Newcastle Pride gets a little extra ‘Sparkle’
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/newcastle-pride-gets-a-little-extra-sparkle/
- Published: 2016-04-15T11:34:19.000Z
- Updated: 2016-04-15T11:34:19.000Z
- Description: Star of The Voice, Jordan Gray and Shane Richie Jnr, are among the stars adding a touch of extra ‘Sparkle’ to one of the UK’s leading LGBT events.
- Author: Gary Hart
- Tags: In The South, News, Pride, Heather Small, Jake Quickenden, Jordan Gray, Newcastle Pride

## Star of *The Voice*, Jordan Gray and Shane Richie Jnr, are among the stars adding a touch of extra *Sparkle* to one of the UK’s leading LGBT events.

![WEB.600](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web-600-70.jpg)

**Newcastle Pride,** returning for the 9th year in June and July, has joined forces with national transgender charity, *Sparkle*, to help make this year’s event more inclusive than ever.

As part of the landmark partnership *Sparkle*, based in Manchester, will be programming some of Pride’s Main Stage weekend, which runs at Newcastle Town Moor on July 16 and 17.

This includes performances by **Shane Richie Jr**, **Jordan Gray** and a host of other acts that have previously proven popular at *Sparkle’s* own weekend festival, which is already the largest free trans event in the world.

![Debbie Roberts](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web-200-10.jpg)

Debbie Roberts

**Debbie Roberts, Interim Chair of Sparkle, said:** *“The Sparkle mission is to promote a positive public image of the trans community within society, to challenge stigma and to build confidence.*

*“Our involvement in Newcastle Pride highlights trans as part of the wider LGBT family and we are delighted to be bringing this positive message to the North East.”*

Transgender singer **Jordan Gray**, aka Tall Dark Friend, made it to the semi-finals of BBC singing contest, *The Voice*, earlier this year and has since toured across the UK and Scandinavia.

![Shane Richie Jnr band](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web-600-2-17.jpg)

Shane Richie Jnr band

She will be joined for the Sparkle slot at Newcastle Pride by **Shane Richie Jnr**, the eldest son of entertainers **Coleen Nolan** and **Shane Richie**, who has carved out a successful career as a solo singer, band frontman and musical theatre star.

**Shane said:** *“My Mum introduced me to Sparkle a few years ago and I’ve since had the opportunity perform at a number of associated events, including The National Transgender Awards.*

*“The right to be who you are is fundamental and it’s a real honour to be able to celebrate that fact at Newcastle Pride 2016.”*

Sparkle’s Main Stage slot will form part of three days of live music and entertainment for Newcastle Pride 2016, including headline appearances by boy band **5ive** and songbird **Heather Small**.

Other acts set to appear at the Town Moor include reality TV favourite **Jake Quickenden**, 90s icon **Sonia**, actress and singer **Heather Peace**, clubland star **Tina Cousins**, former Brother Beyond star, **Nathan Moore** and **Lorraine Crosby**, a former contestant on BBC show, *The Voice*, who is perhaps best known as the female vocalist on **Meatloaf’s** *I’d Do Anything For Love*.

A number of themed entertainment zones and activities will also be open throughout the weekend, including the regular Steve Paske Health Zone (SPHZ), which has a key focus on the health and wellbeing of gender diverse communities.

![Mark Nichols](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web-200-9.jpg)

Mark Nichols

**Mark Nichols, Chair of charity Northern Pride, which organises the Newcastle Pride festival, said:** *“Newcastle Pride is all about encouraging inclusivity, opening up communication and promoting greater understanding of all aspects of gender diversity and the LGBT community.”*

*“The theme for this year’s event is be yourself, change the world, #be proud and it’s highly fitting that Sparkle is going to be a key part of that.”*

**To view the full line up for Newcastle Pride, 2016, click here:**

The festival’s Main Stage weekend is free to attend, however a number of Gold Circle and VIP tickets are available for those who want to guarantee prime viewing spots for the main weekend.

These are priced from £12 per person and are on sale now .

**To book tickets online, [click here:](http://www.northern-pride.com/shop/tickets?ref=scenemag.co.uk)**