It’s officially time to start getting excited for Newry Pride 2025. Preparations are well underway and this year’s line-up is looking very exciting indeed.
Belfast Quire, Clare Sands, SOAK, St. Bishop and indie punk band Tramp have all been added to the bill. Organisers say they have also invited Chapelle Roan to call down after Electric Picnic but she sadly hasn’t yet responded.
The free concert will take place in Marcus Square directly after the parade which leaves from The Quays shopping centre, waterside entrance at 1pm sharp and will make its way to the Square after a loud and proud walk down Buttercrane Quay, Merchants Quay, Sugar Island and Hill Street. Get the bunting up and the flags out so we can give you a wave!
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.
This year’s 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 and angel.
This year’s theme is ‘Louder, Prouder, Together’. This 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. No thank you! 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. 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.
We 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: https://forms.gle/h3xW2ajwsLLqhhjW9
Or 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: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1413826746859?aff=oddtdtcreator
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CLANRYE NEWS 