![Waterford Pride 2012](https://i0.wp.com/gscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/WEB.600146.jpg?resize=600%2C399)
Waterford Pride, one of Ireland’s biggest LGBT pride festivals, is shedding its labels to become an event focused on diversity and inclusion.
Ireland’s first Mardi Gras festival, based on the event in New Orelans, will take place from May 27 to June 2 with a full line-up of events throughout the week.
The pride festival in the city traces its roots back to the early 2000s when a team of volunteers put together the first festival. The event has grown over the years and today Waterford City is one where lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people are a welcome part of the wider community. It is this openness which prompted the team behind the event to create something that everyone, straight or gay, can enjoy together.
The line-up of events throughout the week ranges includes:
• A ghost walk through the historic Viking Triangle to The Mardi Gras Ball where X-Factor star Kitty Brucknell will perform.
• The Mardi Gras parade will take place on Saturday, June 1 at 3pm leaving from The Plaza and will be followed by a street party in Railway Square.
• Steps star Faye Tozer will entertain the crowds that evening in Dignity.
Waterford Pride Chairman Shane McCrann, said:
“This is a chance for us to create an event the entire South East region can celebrate and we invite everyone, gay or straight, to come and enjoy the week-long festival. We’re delighted to have Faye Tozer from Steps as our headline act and feel the events line-up has something for everyone. We’ve incorporated some of the New Orleans Mardi Gras themes and traditions and we hope everyone who visits experiences a little piece of that magic.”
For more information, CLICK HERE: www.waterfordmardigras.com