Latest news with #WicklowPrideFestival
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Department of Transport asked to weigh in on future of Pride crossing in Arklow
Arklow's Pride crossing was created in 2021 on the back of years of campaigning by filmmaker, co-founder of the Wicklow Pride Festival and LGBTIQA+ campaigner Dave Thomas. It was the first of its kind in the county and the first to be installed anywhere in the Republic of Ireland. Since its implementation, Mr Thomas has been pushing for similar crossings throughout the county but has faced significant pushback from officials by Wicklow County Council, who believe the Department of Transport has instructed that crossings do not conform to current legislation associated with pedestrian crossings and as contained in the Traffic Signs Manual. Speaking in the Dáil Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne said the council should not allow the crossing to fall into a state of disrepair. 'I ask that the Department of Transport be more proactive than saying this is a matter for each local authority. It would be an awful pity if the crossing in Arklow, the first town in the country that had a rainbow crossing in place, were allowed to fade. I know from many in the area that it is a matter of serious concern.' In response junior minister Sean Canney advised that there is no statutory basis for rainbow pedestrian crossings in Ireland. 'Such crossings, the use of which cannot be enforced by An Garda Síochána, operate on a purely courtesy basis and are installed at the discretion of the individual local authority. The local authority has sole responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of road markings and my Department has no function in this regard.' During a recent meeting district meeting in Arklow, district engineer Avril Hill said she was unaware of any ring-fenced funding to allow for the upkeep of the crossing, adding: 'The advice that I have received is that they're not compliant for people with additional sight needs. Right now, we're not looking to refresh it as it is not complying with standards.' A petition launched by Mr Thomas calling for the decision to be reversed has already received hundreds of signatures online which he plans to submit to officials in both Wicklow County Council and Arklow Municipal District.
Irish Independent
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow Pride Festival 2025: Everything you need to know
Featuring everything from seaside dips and coffee mornings, to dance classes, art exhibitions and the show-stopping Pride Parade, this year's schedule of festivities promises to take the festival to the next level. Here is everything you need to know if you are heading to the Wicklow Pride Festival 2025. Sunday, June 29 This year's festival week will kick off at Greystones South Beach at 10 am with a 'Dip and Sip', a safe gathering for queer people and allies to enjoy the water, have a chat, and be part of the Wicklow Pride community. Three more dips will take place over the coming months, at Brittas Bay (July 27), Bray (August 31) and Wicklow town (September 28). Monday, June 30 Wicklow Pride 2025 will be launched in west Wicklow when the festivities return to Brew Twenty One in Blessington at 10 am for a coffee morning filled with tasty coffee, great company, and good vibes. Later in the day, Bridge Street Books in Wicklow town will host an 'LGBTQ+ Voices in Literature' event, which will celebrate LGBTQ+ authors and stories with a special evening. Beginning at 7.30 pm, the night will feature readings and a Q&A with special guest authors Meg Grehan and Páraic Kerrigan, along with an open mic portion for aspiring writers to share their original stories or poetry! Free but limited tickets are available from Tuesday, July 1 You can get moving and shaking this Wicklow Pride Festival with a special dance class hosted by Zoe Patterson of FYI Dance Club at the Wicklow Community Centre in Wicklow town at 11 am. Whether you're a strategic mastermind or just in the mood for a laugh and a slice, the 'Board Gaymes & Pizza' night (starts 7 pm) at Alfie's Café in Wicklow town will be the perfect way to unwind and connect with like-minded people in the community. Wednesday, July 2 Come down to Blessington Tourist Office at 6 pm for the Queer Art Exhibition, a celebration of art by LGBTQIA+ artists and allies with all the colours of the rainbow and pieces from some of Wicklow's best queer artists (plus free wine and cheese!). Thursday, July 3 Ditch your heels and put on your most unfashionable shoes at the Bray Bowl when the entertainment centre turns into the Gay Bowl for one night only, with bowling, arcade games, and pool from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Friday, July 4 The festivities will move to Greystones for the second coffee morning of Wicklow Pride Festival week in Buoy's Kitchen at 10 am. Saturday, July 5 Main Street in Wicklow town will become a cauldron of colour when the third annual Wicklow Pride Parade, which will be led by Grand Marshall, Gearoid Farrelly, and a cast of incredible performers, community organisations, and proud LGBTQ+ members and allies. Starting from Abbey Street car park at 2.30 pm, the parade will travel along Main Street and Quarantine Hill, with a 'quiet zone' in place at the eastern end of the route, from Dowling's Butchers to Lower & Upper Mall. The Wicklow Pride celebrations will culminate after the parade with an afternoon of fun, food and fabulous performers at the Black Castle in Wicklow town, from 3 pm. Hosted by Paul Ryder, the event features music, stalls, food, family fun, and entertainment from a variety of speakers and performers, including performances by FYI Dance Club, Corm Ageddon, Fire and Circus, Gloria LGBT+ Choir, SadPicture, and Wicklow Ukulele Players. The event is free to attend.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Decision not to re-paint Arklow Pride crossing a ‘betrayal of LGBTQIA+ community'
Council say crossing doesn't comply with guidelines 'To now backtrack just days before the start of Pride Month sends a damaging message of exclusion and neglect' The man behind Arklow's Pride rainbow crossing has said that Arklow Municipal District's recent decision not to maintain it because it conflicts with current guidelines and legislation represents 'a profound step backwards and a betrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community'. The first permanent rainbow crossing in the Republic of Ireland and the only of its kind in County Wicklow, Arklow's Pride crossing was created in 2021 on the back of years of campaigning by filmmaker, co-founder of the Wicklow Pride Festival and LGBTIQA+ crusader Dave Thomas.
Irish Independent
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Funding for Wicklow Pride Festival is approved by officials
The event is due to take place in Wicklow town on Saturday, July 5, starting from the Abbey Street car park and winding its way through the streets of Wicklow. The parade will be followed by a gathering at the Black Castle, featuring music, stalls, food, family fun and entertainment from a variety of speakers and performers. This event is free entry and sensory-friendly zones are available. At the April monthly meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, held on Monday, councillors were informed that the organisers behind Wicklow Pride Festival were hoping to secure €5,000 from the district. Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'I have to commend the festival organisers for all of their hard work. Sadly, the world seems to be lurching back to the dark days, and we seem to be going backwards on a lot of progress made. 'The LGB community have fear out there and there is a lot of hate and division on social media. During the dark days after the economic crash and bailout, one of the only bright days was the same-sex marriage referendum, and it was great from a personal perspective that the public came out in such force and supported the referendum. 'Obviously, we have other festivals we need to support, such as St Patrick's Day and the regatta, but I think we should at the very least match last year's contribution of €2,500, which was an increase on the year before.' Cllr Dany Alvey said: 'It's a fantastic festival and a very important one. It also attracts people from all over the entire county. I met a lot of people last year and it was their first time in Wicklow town. It's also very good for the local economy as well.' A sponsorship request was also issued to the district from Wicklow Safe Haven, a new community-based organisation formed in Co Wicklow to raise the awareness about the levels of domestic abuse taking place and help those affected. Any funding provided will have to come from the discretionary funding and the elected members are keen to meet with the Wicklow Safe Haven volunteers in-person before making any sponsorship decision.
