This article is from page 8 of the 2013-08-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
THE world’s first ever gay matchmaking festival is set to bring more than half a million pink euro flowing into North Clare this weekend.
The Outing, which begins in Lisdoonvarna on August 30, will kick start this year’s Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival and is expected to be a major financial boost for Lisdoonvarna and the surrounding towns.
Lisdoonvarna normally has a popu- lation of 1,000 people but during the five weeks of the matchmaking festival more than 60,000 people visit the village from all over Ireland and Europe. The entire festival generates an estimated € 3 million for the local area with The Outing itself expected to contribute more then € 500,000 to the local economy.
“Whilst there is no shortage of gold at the end of this rainbow, the main focus has always been on allowing all people a safe place to express who they are and not have to feel alone in being alone,” said a spokesperson for the Hydro Hotel – where many of the events will be staged.
“In a year that has been extremely topical for the gay community, Lisdoonvarna, a town filled with warmth and history, have decided to incorporate a gay weekend in order to allow the LGBT community to celebrate their pride and not have to defend it.
“The weekend promises to be explosive with entertainment ranging from well-known performers such as Niamh Kavanagh, Jonny Woo, Panti and Bunny, to tea dancing, a tease club with numerous well known DJs.”
Following The Outing, the remainder of the Matchmaking Festival will include the usual schedule of music and dancing. This year’s festival will also include a country weekend featuring the likes of Derek Ryan, Crystal Swing and Philomena Begley, while Louisiana soul star Buck Taylor, will join the festival team this year – performing every Saturday night throughout September.