The last time I wrote about Pride, I said that Limerick Pride rounded off this year’s celebrations on the island.

Well, that just shows you how frickin’ wrong I was, because preparations are well under way for the Pride in Newry Festival which runs from 22nd to 30th September!

There’s a week-load of events taking place, with plenty of support from local businesses and accommodation. Full details can be found on the Pride in Newry website, and here are a few things which caught my eye.

So, who’ll be heading along?!

Friday, 21st September

2:30pm: Pride in Newry Official Launch!

Official Launch and Rainbow balloon release. Newry and Mourne District Council Mayor, John McCardle and a speaker from the Equality commission will be in attendance.

Saturday, 22nd September

7pm: “Saving Face” at the NRC Centre

The Gay Ethnic Group presents this film in which a Chinese-American lesbian and her traditionalist mother are reluctant to go public with secret loves that clash against cultural expectations.

Sunday, 23rd September

3:30pm: Costumed Tour at Bagenal’s Castle

Join 16th century characters from the Bagenal household as they bring you on a journey of discovery of how the castle would have functioned during this period. The tour is free, but please book in advance at (028) 30313178 as numbers are limited to 15.

Monday, 24th September

11am: A Local View at the Gap Gallery

Newry Library launches an exhibition of the life work of six Newry photographers. The exhibition will run from 24th to 28th September.

6pm: Your Rights at Work for LGBT People at NRC Centre

UNISON in partnership with the Equality Commission present this workshop which will provide an overview of the legal protections which exist for LGBT people, a discussion on workplace policies which may support you and a Question and Answer session.

10pm: Festival Karaoke, followed by ’70s and ’80s Disco at McGuigans Bar

Show the world your incredible singing voice and dance the night away at McGuigan’s!

Tuesday, 25th September

12pm-2pm: Health & Social Care LGBT Staff Forum Info Stall at the Canteen, Daisy Hill Hospital

If you work in a Trust or regional health organisation you can join the confidential email list at lgbtstaff@hscni.net

Facilitated by the Public Health Agency and supported by trade unions.

8:30pm: Launch of Gay Newry Voices Book at the NRC Centre

Giving a voice to Newry’s gay community! Visit www.gaynewryvoices.com for details

Wednesday, 26th September

7:30pm: Newry Through The Ages at St John Bosco Club

A night of reflections and craic with a slide show of old Newry photographs.

8pm: Film Night at Bellagio Suite, Bellinis

Changing Attitude Ireland presents “For the Bible Tells Me So”, a powerful multi-award winning film by director Daniel Karslake.

The film asks, “Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross?” and “Is the Bible an excuse to hate?”

Thursday, 27th September

2pm-4pm: The Shop Window Sessions at Cahill Brothers

Mickey Doran belts out the classics!

7pm: Sports Lecture at Newry Museum

Lecture on Sport with special guest speaker. Admission £3 per person.

9:30pm: The Big Session at The Ralway Bar

Forget the Fleadh, it’s so last Month. Join with the best of local trad talent and help lift the roof at The Railway!

Friday, 28th September

1pm: Guided Walking Tour of Newry at Bagenals Castle

Visitors will uncover the history of the buildings and the characters of Newry. The tour is free, but please book in advance at (028) 30313178 as numbers are limited.

Assemble at Bagenal’s Castle with waterproofs and walking shoes!

9:30pm: Pre-Pride Party at Bellagio Suite, Bellinis

Get ready for the big day at Bellinis and disco dance the night away at the Pre-Pride Party. Free Admission!

Bellinis will also launch their Steak Night – all at a reduced price to include a free starter and free side order. NYOM.

Saturday, 29th September – Parade Day!

10am-3pm: Arts and Crafts Fair, Street Performers and Entertainment at Marcus Square

Arts and Crafts Fair highlighting the best of local crafts people while there will be Street Performances from the Armagh Rhymers, Belfast Community Circus, Buskers, Sticky Fingers Workshops and much more!

2pm: Pride in Newry Parade!

A colorful, memorable parade taking place in the historical centre of Newry – starting at the Camlough Road Roundabout, continuing via Monaghan Street, Merchants Quay, Sugar Island, Kildare Street, Hill Street, Mill Street, Merchants Quay and back to Monaghan Street where the Party in the Park will be getting underway!

3pm: Party in the Park Concert at McClelland Park

Starring Brian Kennedy, Barbara Bryceland, Shane Morgan, Ryan Jagger, The Nooks, Academy Dance Studio, Bound By Gravity, Michelle Magee, Sucker for a Six String, Burlesque Belles, Michael Glackin, The Shout, Morgan Theatre Arts and more!

Hosted By Lady Portia Di’ Monte and Miss Trisha Delisha

8:30pm: Pride in Newry Ball and Cabaret Night at Bellinis

The Pride in Newry Ball and Cabaret Night will be held in the Bellagio Suite in Bellinis.

Barbara Bryceland, Shane Morgan and others take to the stage for an evening of cabaret entertainment – followed by The Oppertunity Frocks Winners live on stage for the first time together! Then Dance into the early hours at the campest disco in town!

Includes champagne reception and gourmet buffet. Admission £13.50.

Sunday, 30th September

3:30pm: Tour of Museum Galleries at Newry Museum

Through a tour of the Museum’s exhibits, visitors will be brought on a voyage of discovery of the exciting and complex story of the region’s history from 9,000 years ago to the present day.

The tour is free, but please book in advance at (028) 30313178 as numbers are limited.

5pm: The Phoenix Zombie Parade at The Phoenix Bar

Feel like a zombie after all the festivities? Then join the rest of the family at the Phoenix where they are all ready for Halloween! Fancy Dress Optional.