Write a commentNewry Rainbow Community took part in Belfast Pride parade on Saturday for the fourth year in a row.
This year they jointly entered a float along with the Dundalk Outcomers Group in both Dublin and Belfast Prides. They won the award for the best float at Dublin Pride in June and the competitive streak continued in Belfast at the weekend with a Victorian themed float complete with “traditional” bathing costumes, photographer complete with ancient bellows camera and a Judy and Judy show.
Comic cut-outs portrayed beach scapes and local queen of the scene Miss Trisha Delisha brought the 21st century to the other end of the float in her flight attendants outfit while blasting out the latest vibes from the decks.
Over 30 people from Dundalk and Newry took part on the float and judging for the smiles on their faces from start to finish thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The crowds at Pride this year easily surpassed every other year and on a beautiful Saturday afternoon it was really brilliant to see so many out to cheer on the numerous colourful floats.
Rory Rafferty, Chairman of the NRC said “"21 years of Pride in Belfast, I for one am proud of that. Over the years Pride in Belfast has evolved into a family event that everyone can be proud of. Pride has once again re-energised our community and the future of LGB and T integration here looks bright. It is always amazing for me to see the growing confidence of our community every year, those on the float, some for their very first time had an amazing day."
Damian McKevitt, Secretary NRC said “The Newry Rainbow Community helped Belfast Pride celebrate its 21st birthday last Saturday with style and pageant. It truly was a coming of age for the Pride Parade which drew the largest crowds ever both participating and cheering along the route. The Newry Rainbow Community's float was a magnificent sight awash with colour, music and people in period costume recreating a scene of a "gay day out at the seaside funfair"! The reaction from the crowds along the way expressing their support and appreciation made all the effort worthwhile and everyone involved on the float had a huge boost to their confidence and sense of purpose."
"Having recently hosted the "Pride In Newry" concert and now the incredible success of the Belfast parade float the Newry Rainbow Community see no reason why Newry can't have it's own dedicated Pride festival, perhaps as early as next year!”
