Sunderland AFC to sponsor free concert to bring city together following Sunderland Pride March in June

Sunderland AFC (SAFC) has announced it will sponsor a free concert to bring the city together following this year’s Sunderland Pride March on Sunday, 28 June.

Organisers Out North East said the support of the football club would allow them to “pull out all the stops”.

Peter Darrant, chair of Out North East, said: “The support of Foundation of Light and SAFC means we can pull out all the stops, while ensuring that the concert is absolutely free and open to everyone.

“Pride in not just important for the LGBTQ+ community to show their visibility, it’s also about us showing pride in our allies and their support.

“It is a really vital event to ensure that the voice of the community is heard, along with those invaluable individuals and organisations who stand with us!”

Sunderland AFC’s chief business officer David Bruce added: “Football is for everyone, and we’re privileged to play our part in making this event a vibrant and welcoming celebration for all.”

A culmination of a the month-long festival in June, which includes film screenings, a family picnic and a tennis tournament, the Pride in Sunderland concert will be hosted by Elijah Young, best known for playing Stuart on hit TV show Smoggie Queens, and feature acts including ’90s dance icon Tina Cousins, London LGBTQ+ dance company Homoparody and showcase entertainers The Future Is Queer.