Great Park Gazette stands with Show Racism the Red Card
Newcastle has sent a powerful message of unity and solidarity against racism as the Show Racism the Red Card flag was raised above the Civic Centre today (Friday 16 October), with former Newcastle United footballers joining city representatives to support the national Wear Red Day campaign.
The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Henry Gallagher, led the flag-raising ceremony, bringing together local residents, representatives of anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card and several familiar faces from Newcastle United's history.
The event forms part of Wear Red Day 2026, a nationwide campaign encouraging people to wear red, challenge discrimination and demonstrate solidarity with those who have experienced racism.
The Great Park Gazette proudly stands alongside Show Racism the Red Card in supporting its message that racism, discrimination and prejudice have no place in Newcastle or our wider communities.
Newcastle United legends join Wear Red Day ceremony
Among those attending the ceremony at Newcastle Civic Centre were former Newcastle United players Shola Ameobi, Peter Beardsley, Olivier Bernard and John Anderson.
They were joined by Show Racism the Red Card's Chief Executive, Ged Grebby, and the charity's North East Education Team Manager, James Kingett, alongside the Lord Mayor and members of the local community.
The ceremony saw the charity's flag raised above the Civic Centre, providing a visible symbol of the city's commitment to challenging racism and promoting equality.
Newcastle City Council said the occasion demonstrated the importance of communities coming together to reject hatred and prejudice, while supporting those who have experienced discrimination.
Tyne Bridge and Newcastle landmarks to shine red
Newcastle's support for the campaign will also be highlighted across some of the city's most recognisable landmarks.
The Tyne Bridge, Civic Centre and City Library are set to be illuminated red as part of the Wear Red Day celebrations.
The lighting will provide a prominent visual reminder of Newcastle's commitment to standing against racism and promoting unity throughout the city.
The initiative coincides with Black History Month, observed throughout October, which celebrates the contributions, achievements and history of Black communities while encouraging reflection on the continuing challenges of racism and inequality.
Newcastle City Council emphasised that celebrating diversity must go hand in hand with challenging discrimination wherever it occurs.
Lord Mayor calls for unity against racism
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Henry Gallagher, welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate Newcastle's collective opposition to racism.
Speaking about the significance of the event, he said the flag-raising sent an unmistakable message that racism is not welcome in the city.
He highlighted Newcastle's reputation as a welcoming and diverse place, stressing the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.
The Lord Mayor also emphasised that challenging racism must extend beyond symbolic events, with individuals and communities taking responsibility for confronting prejudice whenever they encounter it.
Council Leader Councillor Colin Ferguson echoed those sentiments, highlighting Newcastle's longstanding support for Show Racism the Red Card.
He said the city would continue working with the charity to challenge racism, support those affected and promote an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.
What is Show Racism the Red Card?
Show Racism the Red Card is a leading anti-racism educational charity founded in Newcastle in 1996.
The organisation has strong links with football and was established with the support of former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
Since then, it has developed into a nationwide educational charity using sport, public awareness campaigns and educational programmes to challenge racism and discrimination.
Its work includes delivering anti-racism education in schools, helping young people understand prejudice and encouraging individuals to challenge discriminatory behaviour.
Wear Red Day has become one of the charity's most recognisable annual campaigns.
The event encourages schools, workplaces, businesses, community organisations and individuals to wear red as a visible demonstration of their opposition to racism.
The 2026 campaign marks the 12th anniversary of Wear Red Day.
The first event in 2014 attracted approximately 7,000 registered participants. By 2024, that figure had grown to around 710,000.
For 2026, the charity set an ambitious target of encouraging one million people to participate.
James Kingett, North East Education Team Manager at Show Racism the Red Card, welcomed Newcastle's support, describing the illumination of the city's landmarks as an important public demonstration of solidarity.
He said that more than half a million people across the UK were expected to wear red, helping reinforce the message that racism must never be ignored, normalised or tolerated.
Black History Month reinforces the message
The event takes place during Black History Month, providing another opportunity to recognise the contributions Black people have made to Newcastle and the wider North East.
However, the council stressed that celebrating achievements and diversity must also be accompanied by a continued commitment to confronting racism and inequality.
Racism can have lasting consequences for individuals and communities, leaving people feeling excluded, intimidated or unsafe.
Initiatives such as Wear Red Day aim to encourage conversations, challenge harmful attitudes and remind those experiencing discrimination that they are not alone.
Great Park Gazette stands with Show Racism the Red Card
The Great Park Gazette is proud to stand with Show Racism the Red Card and everyone working to challenge racism, discrimination and prejudice in Newcastle and beyond.
Newcastle Great Park is home to residents from many different backgrounds, cultures and communities, and everyone deserves to feel welcomed, respected and safe.
Racism has no place in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, sports clubs or wider society.
We believe that building strong communities means treating people with dignity, challenging discrimination and recognising the importance of standing together when others experience prejudice.
The Great Park Gazette fully supports the aims of Show Racism the Red Card and welcomes Newcastle City Council's continued commitment to the campaign.
The message behind Wear Red Day is one that should resonate with everyone, regardless of their background.
There is no place for racism in Newcastle Great Park, Newcastle upon Tyne or anywhere else.
Together, we can help create communities where everyone feels they belong.
Residents who would like to learn more about the charity, participate in future campaigns or support its educational work can visit Show Racism the Red Card's official website.
Source: Newcastle City Council – Newcastle stands united against racism, 16 October 2026. Additional information from Show Racism the Red Card's official Wear Red Day campaign.
