Write a commentOn Friday next 29 March, Newry will host representatives from Pride organisations across Europe ahead of Pride in Newry 2019 the host this year of UK and Ireland Pride.
Speaking to Newry.ie Steve Taylor who set up the UK Pride Organisers Network explained that Board members are coming from all over Europe, with all apart from himself never having been to Ireland before.
"We decided to come to Newry because it's UK and Ireland Pride, because the situation on equal marriage in Northern Ireland is way behind virtually everywhere else in western Europe."
The fact that 29 March is "Brexit Day" is not lost on Steve "We are a pan European organisation, we think Europe together works best"
Mr Taylor spoke of how Newry were up against some really strong bids for UK and Ireland Pride this year and how impressed he was at the level of support they got from the other organisations.
Pride in Newry is hosting UK and Ireland Pride 2019 after winning a bid last October in Glasgow against a number of UK & Ireland pride festivals.
Now in its eighth year, this 10 day festival will run from 24th August to 1st September 2019 culminating in the main parade day on Saturday 31st August.
This will include the annual Pride Parade through Newry city, followed by a free outdoor concert and family area held in McClelland Park, Newry. Concluding festivities, there will be the annual Pride Ball in Bellinis, Newry.
Over the past number of months, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council announced their support for the event with £110K already pledged ensuring thisyears festival is the largest to date in terms of economic and social impact.
On Sunday 31 March the visitors are also hosting an event in Belfast inviting pride organisations from across Ireland for a networking event.
For more information see www.prideinnewry.com
