DUBLIN, June 20, 2008  –  More than 10,000 people are expected to take part in tomorrow’s Pride Parade in the Irish capital.  And Dublin Lord Mayor Paddy Bourke predicts it will be “one to remember”.

Growing larger and more colourful year on year, the parade is already second in size only to St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The parade, the 25th in the city, follows the traditional route from the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square.

“I am proud to be Lord Mayor of a city, which this year celebrates our 25th Dublin Pride Parade,” said Mayor Bourke.  “Every year our Pride festival infuses Dublin with colour and atmosphere unique to our gay community and I am thoroughly looking forward to June [21] as I’m sure Pride 08 will be one to remember.”

The ten-day Pride festival, which began a week ago, will come to a spectacular close at a post parade rally in the Civic Offices.  The post parade rally, hosted by Miss Panti, will include live performances from Brian Kennedy, Tara Blaise and Maria McKee.

This year’s theme – ‘Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Bride’ – emphasises this year’s historic importance, highlighting the positive changes, which have taken place for Ireland’s Gay community in the past 25 years.

It also raises awareness of progress, which has yet to be made, for our country’s gay community, particularly our lack of partnership rights.

The Pride festival ends officially at a Pride Night Party with a circus theme in the Tivoli. A DJ battle, ring masters and fire eaters are mere teaser of what is planned for the night.

“We would like everyone to enjoy the Pride festival,” said Amy O'Keeffe, Dublin Pride press officer.

“These ten days are not restricted to the gay community but are a celebration for the entire city.  Pride is an opportunity to raise awareness on outstanding gay issues but it is also a time to be proud of our city's positive attitude and ongoing progress.”

And Pride Festival committee chairman Frank Cleary commented:  “Our communities have once again begun to move together to insist that rights of LGBTQ people are human rights – rights which cannot be conferred on some citizens and denied to others.”

SEE ALSO

Students Urge Push for Equal Marriage Rights Ahead of Dublin Gay Pride.  The Union of Students (USI) last night urged for a push for equal marriage rights for gay and lesbian citizens ahead of today’s Dublin Pride Parade.  (UK Gay News, June 21, 2008)
 

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Posted:20 June 2008 at 16:00 (UK time)