Write a commentThis Monday the 25th of August sees the start of the third Annual Pride in Newry Festival with a week of events beginning on Monday and culminating in the Pride Parade and Concert on Saturday the 30th!
This year’s Pride in Newry Parade begins at 2pm at McClelland Park and with the involvement of more local community groups than ever, together with lgb&t organisations from throughout Ireland, massive Pride Flags and lots of colourful floats it promises to be spectacular!
Commenting on the parade Damian McKevitt, Secretary Newry Rainbow Community said “While many Pride parades around the world take place against a background of difficulties for lgb&t people, it’s also equally important to celebrate who we are as lgb&t people and to recognise the huge progress our community has achieved in recent years. Every year the Pride in Newry Parade gets more vibrant, colourful and spectacular with the emphasis on celebration and fun fun fun for both participants and spectators. Roll on next weekend!”
From 1pm to 6pm on Saturday McClelland Park has a Fun Day for all the family incorporating Sticky Fingers Workshops, Bouncy Slide and Fantasy Funhouse along with many variety stalls.
The Pride in Newry Concert begins in McClelland Park at 3pm with genuinely something for everyone in the audience! Up and coming band Microlip, Ryan Dolan, The Nooks, The Bjorn Identity, Gareth Woods, Alecia Karr as Pink and many many more will take to the stage with hosts Kevin McAllister and Lady Portia Di’Monte keeping things moving. International Human Rights activist Peter Tatchell will be the keynote speaker on the day.
For the first time the festival will have a second stage at Marcus Square on the Saturday with the best in local talent performing from 11am to 3pm as well as Armagh Rhymers and Belfast Community Circus performers who’ll be on hand to entertain everyone.
Fringe events this year are more varied and appealing than ever with a Comedy night, Pride in Newry walk, Karaoke, Women’s Night, political and trade union events as well as a Pre Pride Passion Disco and the eagerly looked forward to Pride Cabaret Ball that will finish off proceedings on Saturday night.
One of the highlights will certainly be the Comedy night in Sugar Supper Club at 7.30pm on Wednesday night, with Al Porter. Al at 21 regularly headlines at Ireland’s top clubs, including The Laughter Lounge, The International, and The Empire. He also runs a popular Monday night club, 'The Comedy Shed' in the Woolshed Bar & grill.
In January this year he was named as one of the Irish Independent's 14 names from Ireland to watch in 2014 “Move over Graham Norton, Ireland's ascendant king of camp is Al Porter. With bold gags and bolder suits, the young Tallaght man is fast making a name for himself”
Tickets from Sugar Supper Club, Sugar Island, for a night to remember.
The Pride Cabaret Ball on Saturday night in Bellinis is supported by Outburst Arts in partnership with Film Hub NI. A memorable night of laughter and music from the movies beckons with the amazing talent that is Jordan O’Keefe (who supported JLS at their legendary concert in Pairc Esler) providing the music, Roxy and Rusty will provide the camp while MC Fabu-D provides the comedy. Doors open 8.30 with tickets on the door.
Speaking about this year’s spectacular Rory Rafferty, Chairman Newry Rainbow Community said “All here at Newry Rainbow Community are tremendously proud of all the people and organisations that have helped make this year’s Pride in Newry the greatest yet. We would especially like to thank our sponsors Newry and Mourne District Council, The Big Lottery Awards for All, Newry Credit Union, Bellinis, The Equality Commission for NI, Thérapie Clinic, Lush, Identity Graphics, Eventsparkle.com, Outburst Arts, Film Hub NI, NIPSA, UNITE and Newry.ie”
Concluding he added “We look forward to seeing the entire population of Newry and many many visitors out enjoying themselves, showing us how truly proud they are of where they’re from”
See www.prideinnewry.com for the full line up and more information.
