THE Pride flag will fly high over Limerick this summer, with Mayor Gerald Mitchell kicking the festivities off earlier by raising the colours over City Hall this past week.
Limerick LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival takes place from July 8 to 14, with the festival committee planning for a fully inclusive programme of events under the theme of ‘I am what I am’, aiming to celebrate the solidarity and diversity of the community.
Speaking at the flag raising ceremony, outgoing mayor Gerald Mitchell said that “it’s very important to honour the diversity and culture here and I’m delighted to be here to be part of raising the flag for Limerick Pride”.
Festival director Lisa Daly said that this year is special for Pride as the intersex symbol features on the Limerick pride flag for the first time.
“I’d like people to acknowledge the hard work that goes on, not just from the committee members, but the whole community to pull together to make the festival happen, that’s what really matters,” Ms Daly said.
“This is the first time it will include intersex and the first time it’ll ever be flown over Limerick. Our theme this year for Pride is ‘I Am What I Am’ and it’s inclusive, we want everyone to come out and show solidarity this year for the parade on July 13.”
Limerick Pride will this year celebrate 50 years since the first pride parade took place in Ireland back in 1974, when a small group of people marched from the Department of Justice in St Stephen’s Green in Dublin to the British Embassy calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland.
This year’s festival will see events such as workshops, support meetings, and discussions to evenings of music and club nights, with organisers promising something for everyone.
The 2024 festival will kick off on July 8 at the People’s Museum with the ‘Great Queen’ photography exhibition and ‘Queer Through the Years’ exhibition.
July 9 will see a fashion show take place at Marco Polo, which features collections from the students at Limerick School of Art and Design, hosted by Elle Uminati and Miss Bliss with a DJ Olivia Chau till late.
The highlight of the festival will be the Limerick Pride Parade on Saturday July 13 when a wave of colour will sweep through the Treaty City.
More information about the 2024 Limerick Pride Festival can be found on limerickpride.ie.
