Northumbrian Water will be keeping Pride powered this weekend (Friday 29 May and Saturday 30 May) as scores of visitors are set to descend upon Durham for the annual LGBTQ+ event.
The water company is proud of its longstanding partnership and has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion by supporting the well-established local event, which celebrates diversity, equality and the LGBTQ+ community.
This year, Northumbrian Water is proudly supporting Durham Pride through a combination of sponsorships and water donations to help keep attendees refreshed throughout the festivities.
Over what is predicted to be another scorching weekend, the company will be providing a supply of clear, great-tasting tap water for people to fill their reusable bottles up for free and to ensure that the community can stay hydrated while enjoying the event. They’ll also be onsite talking to people about ways in which they can help with bills and their free priority services.
In addition to its water station, Northumbrian Water has donated a range of prizes to support Durham Pride’s fundraising efforts and has also provided sponsorship to help bring the event to life.
Micky Nicholas, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Northumbrian Water said: “Durham Pride is a fantastic community event that celebrates inclusion, diversity and togetherness. Our Rainbow Colleague Network Group are fully supportive of all local events during the Pride season.
“We are incredibly proud of our longstanding support for Durham Pride; it’s a local cause right on our doorstep which means a great deal to us. Supporting events like this reflects who we are as a business and our commitment to being an inclusive, Great Place to Work employer.”
Durham Pride has grown steadily over the years into one of the region’s most anticipated community events. Established to create a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, the event has evolved from a smaller local gathering into a vibrant annual celebration featuring live entertainment, community engagement and fundraising initiatives.
Its continued growth reflects increasing support across County Durham, with local organisations, businesses and residents coming together to champion inclusivity and equality. Today, Durham Pride stands as an important fixture in the North East’s cultural calendar, offering an opportunity to celebrate progress while continuing to raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ causes.
Northumbrian Water is committed to being an inclusive employer, supporting colleagues through a range of colleague-led networks, forums and support, alongside via its TIDE (Together for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) strategy. These include groups focused on disability and neurodiversity, women in STEM, race and cultural heritage, LGBTQ+ inclusion, mental health, male health and young professionals.
These networks play an important role in shaping company policies, providing peer support and creating opportunities for learning and career development. Together, they help foster a workplace culture where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to thrive.
Northumbrian Water’s ongoing involvement with Durham Pride shows its dedication not only to providing essential services but also to making a positive social impact in the communities it serves.
Durham Pride is this weekend on Friday 29 May and Saturday 30 May, and is located at The Sands, Durham City Centre.