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Pride marchers 'don't let it rain on their parade'

Rainy weather has failed to deter thousands from taking part in a festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The weekend-long Newcastle Pride festival got under way earlier with a march through the city centre. Organisers Northern Pride said the theme was being "unapologetically visible". Director Ste Dunn had said the event was set to be "bigger and better than ever". Starting at the Civic Centre, the march headed along John Dobson Street and New Bridge Street West to avoid construction works on Northumberland Street. It joined its usual route along Blackett Street and Percy Street, before finishing back at the Civic Centre. The route was planned around bringing the festival further into the city centre. In previous years it had been based further out in Exhibition Park and at the Town Moor. Vante, one of those taking part, said: "It's about standing together as one creating an inclusive environment. "Yes it's raining, but as Barbara Streisand once said, 'It won't rain on my parade'. "This is brilliant thousands of our community coming together to celebrate." The event was set to close with a candlelit vigil at 21:00 BST on Sunday at Times Square, which organisers said would give people "time for reflection and remembrance". Director Ste Dunne said: "Launching Newcastle Pride as a city-wide takeover last year was truly transformative, and we are so excited for this year's Newcastle Pride festival to be bigger and better than ever. "We are confident that we have been able to make the new route work, and that the right decision has been made to ensure the safety and welfare of participants." Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour said the weekend's events were a celebration, but also an act "of defiance and solidarity". She added: "We are aware of increases in hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community recently, and that is why events like this are important. "I am proud that Newcastle is an open, diverse and fair city and one that is safe and welcoming for everyone." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More on this story Northern Pride brings thousands to city centre Related internet links Northern Pride Newcastle City Council