Limerick gay festival to attract 3,000
KATHRYN HAYESMORE THAN 3,000 people are expected in Limerick next month for a festival celebrating gay culture and diversity.
Now in its third year, Limerick Pride 2009 runs from September 13th-20th. Speaking at the launch of the event yesterday, chairman Paddy Doyle said the festival was not just a gay event but a chance for everyone to celebrate diversity.
“Gay culture has really contributed to the life of Limerick through art, music, dance and pure energy,” he said. “Pride 2009 is a showcase of all these talents and we’re really confident that this year’s event will be the best yet. We’ve been getting a fantastic response from the business community in the city and hope that everyone enjoys the parade and shows their support.”
Among the highlights this year will be a performance by Ireland’s Eurovision entry Black Daisy who will headline the annual Mardi Gras in Dolan’s Warehouse.
The centrepiece of the festival will be the Pride Parade which departs Pery Square at 1pm on Saturday, September 19th.
Mayor of Limerick Cllr Kevin Kiely congratulated the organisers on the line-up for this year’s festival. “I’m delighted to support the celebration of openness, diversity and fun that is Limerick Pride 2009 with its various events,” he said. “It is my wish for Limerick to be an inclusive city that cherishes the many diverse communities living in the midwest,” he added.
Other events taking place during Limerick Pride 2009 include a debate on marriage equality at Riddlers Bar on September 18th; Rainbow Support Services has organised a health information day with a range of workshops covering health issues affecting the gay community.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times
