Celebrating Pride Tipperary 2021
Having chosen to host a virtual only event last year for their inaugural Pride event in South Tipperary, the Tipperary Clonmel Community Pride committee were thrilled to bring the festivities to the streets and venues of Clonmel last weekend for three days of fun, pride and celebration for Pride 2021.
This years Pride was opened up with a variety of online Q&A videos involving members of the LGBTQ+ community, giving a great insight into the ups and downs of their day to day lives. These talks are available to view on the Pride Facebook page.
The town of Clonmel was full of rainbow pride colour in the preparations for Pride weekend.
Events kicked off on Friday night in collaboration with the IMC cinema in Clonmel. Complete with free treats, festive decorations, a raffle and a larger than life hostess in drag queen Tina D Parton, the committee chose to offer a free screening of the award winning Irish LGBTQ+ film Dating Amber to much appreciation from the audience.
A massive show of support was displayed for Clonmel Pride at their event on Saturday afternoon in Market Place. The normally quiet street was transformed with rainbow colour from end to end including the rainbow Garda car. The sun wasn’t the only thing shining on Saturday as the crowds were entertained by the Uproar Rock Chorus, RQD Dance and Amy O’Brien. With treats, face painting and hair braiding, all provided for the children, the event proved to be a true highlight of the weekend for all ages to enjoy.
Tina D Parton, drag queen and event hostess continued the party at Lillys Lane on Saturday night and delighted crowds under the stars with an event that all in attendance will likely never forget! Tina stunned with her hilarious and energetic lip syncing and some unexpected but very well received brush dancing!
The audience, respectfully seated to comply with all guidelines, were dancing in their seats and singing along to all the classic hits she performed. This fantastic performance was made even better with the appearance of the one and only drag king Kenny Todgers.
Another highlight of the weekend was the Picnic in The Park held in Denis Burke Park on Sunday afternoon for another family fun filled event with rainbow decorations filling the park. The sun was shining as revellers relaxed on their picnic blankets enjoying some music, conversation and food. The Garda rainbow car was in attendance at this event and was a real treat for the children who got a tour of the car and a great photo opportunity! The picnic was topped off with a cake cutting (and eating!) of a delicious Pride themed cake supplied by Quigleys Cafe.
The weekend, and Clonmel Pride 2021, was brought to a close with one last event hosted by Gleesons on Sunday night. This last, but certainly not least performance of the weekend, was by the talented performers of Imperium for their first live show ever, and what a show it was! These stunning artists showed the people of Clonmel something new with their amazing skills on the ariel hoop and the pole, and were met with cheers as they ended the weekend with a bang!
With even more events including raising of the Pride flag, a coffee morning and a Meditation in the Park also hosted by Clonmel Pride, the weekend had something fun for everyone to participate in and enjoy. It is clear to see that the committee accommodated the need to operate safely in line with restrictions but did not allow that to dull any of the celebration and fun had in Clonmel over the weekend.
This being the first in person Pride event in Clonmel, few knew what to expect, but the Clonmel Pride comittee members had a vision for what they wanted this event to be. Through their hard work, determination and the support of so many businesses, organisations and volunteers – this small comittee managed to bring to life an event that has made our community proud. An event that will be looked back on fondly as the first of its kind, and one which will be built upon year on year.