Pride Family Picnic Returns to Mowbray Park for a Day of Free Fun and Unity

A POPULAR event which unites people of all ages is set to return as part of this year’s Pride In Sunderland celebrations.

The month-long festival runs throughout June, with film screenings, beach parties, shopping centre takeovers and a series of thought-provoking and educational events.

And at its heart will be the return of the Pride Family Picnic, which was a huge success in 2024.

Pride In Sunderland is organised by LGBTQ+ charity, Out North East, which is organising the event in Mowbray Park with support from Stagecoach and EDF.

The event – on 15 June – runs from noon until 4pm and includes crafting, inflatables, a range of stalls and live music – all for free.

Families are being encouraged to turn up with a picnic and enjoy the day’s activities.

Peter Darrant of Out North East is looking forward to the event and thanked Stagecoach and EDF.

“We had a fantastic day last year at the Pride Family Picnic which is why we decided to do it again,” he said.

“But of course this is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters and we’re very grateful to both Stagecoach and EDF getting behind the event.”

Steve Walker, MD of Stagecoach North East, said that the company

“was delighted to be sponsoring the family picnic for the second year in a row as part of the local Pride celebrations in the region.”

“Bringing the community together to celebrate diversity and each other is so important, and being part of it is something that we will continue to strive towards. “We look forward to seeing local families embrace Pride together in a safe and celebratory environment.”

Jane Francis, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at EDF said:

“At EDF, we’re proud to sponsor this year’s Pride Family Picnic as part of Pride In Sunderland’s celebrations.”

She added; “as a local employer, we’re committed to supporting the communities where our people – and their families – live and work. One of our core values is that ‘everyone’s welcome’ and this event truly embodies that spirit. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families and the wider community to come together, celebrate Pride, and show our support for inclusion.”

The Pride Family Picnic is one of dozens of events happening across Sunderland throughout June.

For full details visit www.outnortheast.org.uk