Write a commentThe fifth Annual Pride in Newry Festival is well underway with events continuing this week and culminating in the Pride Parade and Concert this Saturday 3rd September!
This year’s Pride in Newry Parade begins at 2pm at McClelland Park - and with the involvement of more local community groups and businesses than ever, together with lgb&t organisations from throughout Ireland, a massive Pride Flag 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, and we recognise that there are still important issues to fight for here like marriage equality, it’s also equally important to celebrate who we are as lgb&t people and to recognise the huge progress our community here in Newry 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, for both participants and spectators!”
From 1pm to 6pm on Saturday 3rd September McClelland Park hosts a Fun Day for all the family including a fun fair with many great attractions, face painting, children’s entertainers and variety stalls.
This year’s spectacular Pride in Newry Concert will be headlined by the incredible Union J, supported by Taken!
This free event begins in McClelland Park at 3pm with genuinely something for everyone in the audience! Hosts Lady Portia Di’Monte and Q Radio’s Kevin McAllister will introduce the audience to an incredible line-up of talent - rising stars The Just Adam Band, Katy Perry tribute Paula K, Conleth Kane and many more!
The night ends with the Pride Ball in Bellinis at 9pm.
Wednesday 31st August
Public meeting to demand Marriage Equality, in Rainbow House, 28a Monaghan Street, Newry at 6:00pm followed by a “Unions together” discussion also in Rainbow House, commencing at 7:30pm.
“Drag Bingo” in Amplified Bar, Water Street from 9:00pm.
Thursday 1st September
Information stall, during lunchtime in the canteen of the Downe Hospital, organised by the HSC lgb&t Staff Forum.
Rainbow House, from 1:30pm – 4:30pm, ICTU are sponsoring an event focusing on supporting the needs of Trans Youth.
7:00pm in the Canal Court, the SDLP are hosting a discussion on the theme of “what does equality mean to you?”.
“Rainbow families” nite of conversation & cocktails, in Rainbow House from 8:30pm.
Friday 2nd September
HSC lgb&t Staff Forum Stall, Canteen, Daisy Hill Hospital 12-2pm
Rainbow Project Health Fair, Rainbow House 2-5pm
Sinn Fein Panel Discussion "Health for the 21st Century and the lab&t Community" 7.30pm, Sean Hollywood Arts Centre
Speaking about this year’s Pride In Newry festival Damian McShane, 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 Newry Mourne and Down District Council, The Big Lottery Awards for All, Bellinis, The Equality Commission for NI, The Ulster Bank, the Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Lush, Identity Graphics, NIPSA and UNITE”.
Concluding he added “We look forward to seeing the people of Newry and our many visitors out enjoying themselves, showing how truly proud they are of who they are and where they’re from”.
