This week’s Pride in Newry is going to be “the greatest yet” according to the organisers of the event. Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) community, supporters, representatives of Newry and Mourne District Council and the PSNI gathered for the launch of the third annual Pride Festival in Bellini’s Bar on Thursday. The festival will be a celebration of diversity for members of the LGB&T community and supporters and will play host to a number of events throughout the city this week. “While many Pride parades around the world take place against a background of difficulties for LBG&T people it is almost equally important to celebrate who we are as LGB&T people and to recognize the huge progress our community has achieved in recent years,” said Damian McKevitt secretary of the Newry Rainbow Community. “Every year the Pride in Newry Parade get more vibrant colourful and spectacular with the emphasis on celebration and fun fun fun for both participants and spectators.” The week long festival will include a fun day, political and trade union events, a Pride in Newry walk and live music events. This will be the first time the festival will have a second stage in Marcus Square on Saturday August 30 from 11am – 3pm. Marcus Square will showcase local talent as well as the Armagh Rhymers who will also be there to entertain the crowd. The main Pride in Newry Parade will begin in McClelland Park at 2pm on Saturday and promises to be a spectacular sight. International Human Rights Activist Peter Tatchell will be the keynote speaker on the day. Events began yesterday (Monday August 25) and will run until Saturday ending with a Pride Ball in Bellini’s Bar from 8pm. Acts confirmed for the festival include Britain’s Got Talent Star Jordan O’Keefe, Microlip, The Nooks, Ryan Dolan and Bjorn Identity an ABBA tribute Act. Sponsors include Newry and Mourne District Council , The Big Lottery for All, Bellini’s, Outburst and Lush. For more information visit www.prideinnewry.com call 02830250528
Newry Democrat
26th August 2014
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