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Preparations are well underway for Newry Pride 2025 and this year's parade and outdoor concert heads your way in a blaze of colour and fun on Saturday 30 August.
This year's Parade Grand Marshall is Alexa Moore. Originally from Newry, Alexa is now Policy, Campaigns and Comms Manager at The Rainbow Project Belfast. She has been at the forefront of the fight for Trans rights through very challenging recent years. She has also still found time to be a Múinteoir of Set Dancing and an all-round legend. The parade leaves from the Albert Basin at 1pm and travels via Buttercrane Quay, Merchants Quay, Sugar Island and Hill Street to Marcus Square.
This year's theme is 'Louder, Prouder, Together'. The theme is in response to all those who say there's no more need for Pride parades, and LGBTQIA+ people should just be quiet and keep themselves hidden - That's not going to happen! It's also a nod to the LGBTQIA+ community and all its letters, each important and seen, and to the wider community and all the allies who support their LGBTQIA colleagues, friends and families.
A Newry Pride spokesperson said "There may be a lot of work still to be done to tackle stigma, homophobia, and transphobia, and to make society a safe and welcoming place for all, but we can get there - loudly, proudly and together."
Concert Line-up
Belfast Quire, Clare Sands, SOAK, St. Bishop and indie punk band Tramp have all been added to the concert bill in Marcus Square directly after the parade, and it's completely free.
Expect another colourful and lively day of enjoyment for all. There will be family fun stands, entertainment and food and drinks available in the square throughout the day. You can look forward to seeing your favourite local drag queens serving up some glam - Miss Auntie Marie and her friends will be out doing the rounds and there may even be a few more surprise guests in store.
Organisers welcome everyone who wants to show their support for LGBTQIA rights to come and take part. Parade registration remains open. You can sign up at the link: forms.gle
For information on volunteering, or taking out adverts in The Pride Guide, or finding out about sponsorship opportunities for the festival, please contact newrylgbtwomen@gmail.com or newryprideparadeinfo@gmail.com
Tickets to the Official Pride After-Party are available at Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk
