FAQ
What is the Bishop Auckland Pride Party?
Bishop Auckland Pride Festival is an outdoor event taking place on Saturday, 14th June at Bishop Auckland College, DL14 6JZ. The festival is free to enter. Pride is a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, resilience, and community, affirming the right to live freely, visibly, and without fear.
What time is the event on?
Bishop Auckland Pride Festival is open from 11am until 9pm with indoor exhibitions and fairground rides finishing at 4.30pm.
Is the event family friendly?
Yes, it is a family friendly event with entertainment for people of all ages… from toddlers to grandparents there is something for everyone.
Is there a charge?
The festival is free to enter, with free entertainment all day long. There is a very small charge for unlimited rides on the fairground attractions.
Do I need to book a ticket?
No, the festival is free to enter.
What should I wear/bring?
This is an outdoor event, so please dress accordingly and feel free to bring camping chairs or blankets to sit on the college lawn and enjoy the main stage entertainment. With any luck, you’ll need to wear sun cream!
Do I need to be LGBTQ+ to come?
No! Bishop Auckland Pride is inclusive of everyone. Pride is about community, visibility, and acceptance for all. Everyone is welcome, so whatever your stripes, shades, or styles, join us in celebration.
Is there food and drink available onsite?
There will be a variety of food and drink outlets available at the event. Please note that due to licensing, you cannot bring alcohol on site, but there is a bar inside that is reasonably priced.
Is parking available?
Parking for this event will be at the East entrance to the college grounds (usually the exit) on Woodhouse Lane. There is a £2.50 charge to park for the day.
How do I get to the festival on public transport?
The number 6 bus from North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland runs approximately every 20 minutes. Alight at Irvin Avenue, and from there the college is a short walk up Woodhouse Lane.
Are pets allowed?
Well-behaved animals are welcome at Bishop Auckland Pride, but we kindly ask you to clean up after them and that they always remain on a lead.
Will you be running bag checks?
Yes, we will be running bag checks on entry to ensure visitor safety.
Are we allowed to bring our own food and drink?
No, as there will be food and drink outlets available at the event and due to licensing, you cannot bring alcohol on site.
Will there be toilets on site?
Yes, toilets are available onsite for the duration of the event.
What if bad weather occurs?
We’ve got you covered, literally. We have wet weather mitigations in place, such as marquee shelters, so please come along, whatever the weather, and embrace the proud North East we live in!
Is the event wheelchair friendly?
Most of the site is flat and suitable for wheelchair users, and our team will ensure that pathways are clear of obstacles and clutter.
Who do I speak to if I feel unsafe or need support?
Please talk to a member of staff who will be visible and available on site at all times. Staff will be dressed in high-vis with portable radios, so easy to spot. We will also have roaming security around the site and a medical welfare area.
What security measures are in place?
We will have ample security roaming site as well as a security presence at the bag check/entrance, main stage and welfare area. Road blockades are also present within the college grounds as well as a whole host of other safety measures. The police and fire service will be present throughout the day.
Are political parties attending?
No, this year, we’ve chosen not to invite political parties or representatives in an official party-political role. The political conversation this year has been especially intense, so our aim is to focus on joy, community, and celebration, not policy. Of course, councillors and MPs are more than welcome to attend in a personal capacity.
