5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Drogheda to become rainbow ready ahead of pride festivities and parade's 10 year anniversary
The pride festivities in Drogheda date back to the initial launch in 2010 at the Westcourt Hotel when a dedicated voluntary team created the idea and need for celebrations.
Event manager Peter James Nugent and his two friends from Drogheda had just returned from travelling and experiencing other cultures, which embraced pride celebrations.
While celebrations were being held in other cities and towns in Ireland, there was nothing to mark the occasion in Drogheda.
'Pride to us is about selling Drogheda to people who are coming to the town for pride and showing them what is actually in the town.
'Drogheda has come a long way in terms of diversity and inclusion and just being proud of our community,' Peter James said.
The official launch of Drogheda Pride will take place at 10.00am on Friday, June, 6 at the highest peak in the town at Millmount where TikTok influencer Jack Swift will be present.
The highly anticipated Drogheda Pride Parade will march through the streets at noon on the Saturday, starting at King Street Car Park, showcasing the diversity and strength of the local LGBTQ+ community.
Event organisers are encouraging communities, groups, clubs and businesses to get involved on the day.
Those who wish to take part in the parade are asked to meet at King Street Carpark for 11.45am before the parade. Those marching will make their way from the starting point to William Street, Fair Street, down Duke Street, and finish up at Laurence's Gate.
This year marks the first year that the group will not have events on between the parade and evening performances due to funding issues.
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However, if you are pondering on what to do with that spare time, the organisers have some local businesses, which they will be recommending to visitors.
Those with youths present are recommended to visit the Boomerang Youth Café, other locations include Graft BruHub, and there will also be LGBTQ+ traders at the Cottage Market.
Like music will kick off in the evening time at McHugh's Venue, Drogheda, with doors open from 7.00pm and music starting from 8.00pm.
The headlining event, 'Wicked White' will bring flair and energy to the stage, alongside The Telling Band performing live hosted by Phil T Gorgeous. Tickets can be bought for this event via Eventbright.
There will then performers from all over the country throughout the night, including the following drag artists: Barbara Spice from Dublin; Leana Doon from Belfast; Kobrah Kage from Drogheda, who also represented Ireland worldwide; and Guille from Brazil, who is also a pole dancer.
There will also be performances from: Burlesque Performer BonBon from Thurles, Tipperary and Comedian Therese Cahill from Gorey, Wexford.
There will also be a craft market held on Sunday from 12 noon to 5.00pm in the courthouse, with many traders from the community.
Peter James thanked everyone who has helped out with the organising of the parades over the last 10 years: 'We're so proud of everyone who has taken part and proud of how far Drogheda has come.'
The organisers of Drogheda Pride also offer support to the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year, where people can be directly contact or reached on social media.
People from local and surrounding areas can come to get education on homophobic bullying, mental health problems, suicide awareness and STI clinics.
