From Alan in Dundalk

Just as Dublin Pride closes up shop, Dundalk Outcomers are finishing Pride preparations to open their doors to the country. Dundalk Outcomers will be hosting its third Dundalk Gay Pride Festival this year from 12th to 14thof July.

John Ruddy, youth worker at Dundalk Outcomers and chief organizer of Dundalk Pride said

Dundalk LGBT Pride came about through the desire and energy of young volunteers in Outcomers who wanted to offer something back to the community. Each year, more people have become involved, both from within the LGBT community, and from the wider community in which they live. This is the factor that makes Dundalk Pride successful, and also marks it out as something special – a celebration of inclusion for everyone.

Thursday 12th July

The festivities start on Thursday 12th with an art exhibition being held in Louth County Museum. The launch starts at 6pm with the exhibit open for submissions and the theme is“Community email for more info. The exhibition will run until the 21 st of July. James Thornton one of the organizers said

I can’t wait for the exhibition, this year it’s open to entries nationwide, and to the wider community also. There’ll definitely be some great talent there

The exhibition launch will be followed up by a table quiz at McGeough’s Bar, Roden Place. The quiz will take place from 9pm till 11pm. Tables will cost €25 for a team of four. Be prepared to bring your competitive edge because these questions will test every ounce of ability to store useless information.

Friday 13th July

Dundalk Outcomers will be hosting an official pride launch in the Outcomers Centre found in 8 Roden Place from 2:30-3:30pm, a light lunch will be provided for visitors. The day will be concluded by a screening of the movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert in Louth County Museum in the A/V theatre at 7pm, a complimentary glass of wine will be provided.

Saturday 14th July

Pride Day at the Outcomers Centre from 12pm till 5pm. With a theme of Urban Body and Soul, the Pride Day is guaranteed to provide entertainment throughout the day with holistic treatments, live music and the chance to try your hand at crafts such as clay modelling and jewellery making. This family-friendly creative atmosphere is the perfect way to spend the day chilling out and enjoying some fresh home baking and coffee.

John Ruddy said

For the last three years we have worked very hard to create a family friendly event that reaches out to the wider community in Dundalk and the surrounding area. Our Open Day has always been a day for the community so don’t be afraid to invite along family and friends.

Following the Open Day will be the Pride Party. The Party begins at 10:30pm and will continue until late. The Party has grown every year and this year it shows. With a new location in the Fairways Hotel, the party promises to dazzle its guests with colourful distractions including a cabaret show, prizes, vodka filled guns, drink promotions and an experienced club DJ to keep you dancing all night. Admission is €10. Dundalk Outcomers promise that the gay club scene will look like it has just exploded onto the Fairways walls and floors. Hopefully no unicorns will be harmed in the process.

Kirsty Park, one of the organizers of the Pride Party said

The pride party has been around since Dundalk Pride first started. It one of the events where we really see the LGBT community in Dundalk come together. Over the three years, it has grown tremendously and this year it is going to be bigger and bolder. We pulled out all the stops so that everyone has a great night

The Fairways hotel is also offering a room rate of €39 for a double room for those who quote Dundalk Pride while booking their room. Partying has never been so simple, with a bed near the party how can you go wrong?

For more you can email Dundalk Outcomers or phone on 042 9329816. You can also get more updates on Dundalk Pride’s Facebook page