X Factor’s Joe McElderry to headline Bishop Auckland Pride

The event will take place at Bishop Auckland College on Saturday, June 13.

Mr McElderry will be joined on stage by renowned drag artist Tess Tickle and The Dragettes, with entry to the event costing just £1.

Thomas Wales, managing director at Baccanalia, said: “Getting somebody like Joe McElderry to Bishop Auckland is a huge moment for the event and honestly, a massive deal for the town.

“He’s a genuine North East success story and somebody people across the region have grown up watching over the years.

“To bring Joe together with regional favourites like Tess Tickle and The Dragettes, while still keeping the event accessible, is exactly what we want Bishop Auckland Pride to be about.

“We want it to feel exciting, welcoming and genuinely open to everybody.”

Since winning The X Factor in 2009, Mr McElderry has built an impressive career across music, television and musical theatre.

Tess Tickle said: “The Dragettes and I are absolutely over the moon to be part of the Bishop Pride line-up for 2026.

“We’ve watched this incredible event grow over the years, and we’re so excited that our dates have finally aligned so we can bring Bishop Auckland a taste of Tess Tickle and The Dragettes.

“In uncertain times, now more than ever, it’s important that we stand together in solidarity and celebrate being loud, proud, and unapologetically ourselves in our hometown of Bishop Auckland.

“We can’t wait to see you there.”

Produced by Baccanalia for Culture CIC in association with Bishop Auckland College and supported by Bishop Auckland Town Council, the event has rapidly grown into one of the town’s largest public cultural events.

Organisers expect a record crowd as the event continues to grow year after year following the success of the previous two years.

The event also has the backing of Hiyed CIC, a community organisation creating opportunities that remove barriers to employment for adults with learning difficulties, autism, mental health difficulties and other health conditions that may impact working life.

In addition to live performances, attendees can look forward to street food, bars, stalls, family-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the site.

Organisers are encouraging people to settle in for the afternoon and make a day of it.

Organisers have also praised the continued support of Bishop Auckland Town Council and Bishop Auckland College, whose backing has played a major role in the event’s growth over recent years.

The college once again plays host to the event and works closely with the production team to deliver the programme on site, creating opportunities for both students and the wider community to be involved in one of the town’s largest public celebrations.

Further announcements and programme details will be released over the coming weeks via Bishop Auckland Pride and Baccanalia social media channels.

Bishop Auckland Pride will take place from 2pm to 7pm on June 13 at Bishop Auckland College.