Cork Pride | Pocketmags.com

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Cork Pride

The Cork LGBT Pride Festival has come a long way in a short period of time. On Sunday, June 4, 2006, just 200 brave souls marched down Patrick Street in what was the first Cork Pride Parade – this was the start of great things to come for Cork Pride, as by 2017 we had grown in attendance, popularity and success, to become the main regional LGBT+ Pride event in Ireland. Last year over 20,000 people joined us to celebrate. This brings considerable revenue to the city, from an affiuent local, regional, national and international demographic. The valuable and quantifiable social inclusion outcome of the festival reaffirms Cork as arguably the most progressive and cosmopolitan city in Ireland.

This has largely been made possible by a uniquely supportive business community in Cork, whom, aside from the obvious philanthropic attributes associated with supporting such an event, realise the enormous commercial benefits to be gained from being associated with our festival. The dynamic Cork LGBT Pride Festival committee and volunteers have slowly but steadily built Cork Pride with the support of the City and County Council, the HSE, local and national LGBT+ organisations, local and national media, global corporations, and over 120 businesses in Cork.

In addition, and in order to help fulfill our social responsibilities, the Cork Pride Festival, in turn, supports many different community organisations such as LGBT Helpline/LGBT Ireland; Transgender Equality Network (TENI); BeLonG To; the Sexual Health Centre; The Samaritans; the Cork Gay Project and LINC.

Cork City Council was the first City Council to host an official launch for a Pride festival in its City Hall; the first City Council to fly a Pride rainbow flag over its City Hall in a show of support for its LGBT+ community; and the first City Council to light up its City Hall in the rainbow colours of the Pride flag during a Pride Festival. This type of intangible, yet highly important effect that this has on how Cork is perceived by visitors and potential investors in Cork is immeasurable, yet very significant. It presents Cork as a modern city that has moved with the times and embraces change, tolerance, inclusivity, and diversity.

We have a hugely loyal following, which is increasing organically every year and many high profile ambassadors who heighten the festival’s profile and promote our brand. In keeping with Cork’s reputation as the City of Welcomes, we enjoy the accolade of not only being the largest Pride Festival in the country outside of Dublin, but also being the friendliest!

This year’s Cork LGBT Pride Festival takes place from July 29 to August 5. For further details, go to corkpride.com

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