Write a commentThe Annual Pride in Newry Festival organised by the Newry Rainbow Community is bidding to host UK and Ireland Pride in 2019, and in line with their motto 'Proud of Who You Are and Pride in Where You're From' organisers are hoping to welcome visitors by the thousand to Newry.
With the help of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Newry BID and local political figures, members of umbrella group Newry Rainbow Community have submitted a proposal together with a short video to UK Pride Organisers Network, the group who's members will select next year's host from their 150 members.
Isle of Wight Pride hosted the 2018 event with a massive 15,000 in attendance, an incredible achievement considering it was just the second year Pride had taken place on the island.
With Newry located an easy commuting distance from both Dublin and Belfast and with no shortage of transport options to the city, NRC organisers are confident that if their bid is successful many thousand will participate.
Cllr Pete Byrne speaking of the event said "Growing up and going to school in the Newry area, I never thought I would see a celebration of Pride where I live.
"Newry Pride has gone from strength to strength. I can't say how much it has helped me and my husband and my family. To see people on the streets young and old, the visibility of people not afraid to walk in the pride parade of which my husband had only walked for the first time last year. Every year it gets bigger, it gets better and it gets more important."
Giving the Council's support to the bid Cllr Mark Murnin, Chairman, Newry, Mourne and Down Council said "Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are very proud supporters of the Pride in Newry Festival which showcases the diversity of our communities. We welcome the opportunity to be considered for UK and Ireland Pride."
Pride in Newry and Newry city itself have both come a long way since their first Pride parade in the city 29 September 2012. The annual event brings a burst of colour the first weekend in September and has become a real family occasion for all ages.
The NRC bid comments "the Festival showcases the wonderful diversity of communities and cultures in Newry and surrounding areas. Pride enables the increasing visibility and portrayal of LGBTQI* people in positive ways in all aspects of the wider local community and civic life and provides a truly inclusive, colourful family festival with something for everyone; in fact it has become one of the most anticipated annual festivals in the region."
Speaking of the support of the local community the bid adds "The continuing success of the Pride in Newry Festival keeps on growing thanks to the overwhelming support of local businesses and people. This support was officially recognised for the first time last year at the ‘sold out’ Pride in Newry Awards gala event which saw over 60 nominees in 12 categories voted for by the public. Pride in Newry has close links and good relationships with the local business community, council, community policing teams and many others."
Eamonn Connolly, BID Manager with Newry BID who also are behind the host submission added "We represent over 400 businesses in the district ranging from hospitality, tourism, retail and nightlife. We stand ready to support Pride in Newry in their bid for UK and Ireland Pride. Working together to attract investment, increased footfall and tourism."
MP for Newry and Armagh Mickey Brady highlighted work still to be done "The north of Ireland is the only place in these islands, the only place in Western Europe, that denies the right to marriage equality. That is a shameful situation and it is becoming increasingly unsustainable for the DUP to defend, particularly as a majority of the Assembly and the wider public clearly support the introduction of marriage equality"
The theme for Pride in Newry 2019 will focus on the origins of the pride protest movement particularly around equal rights, the demand for equal marriage, sexual orientation and gender identity/recognition strategies with the aim of promoting an overwhelming grass roots demand for change.
Organisers promise their most diverse and inclusive parade ever with a headline concert act, a breathtaking fireworks display, rainbow river cruises and the quirky named ‘Gay’me of thrones tours!
The result will be announced 27 October at the Pride Organisers Network Conference in Glasgow.
