
ABC Council is being asked to give its blessing to Lurgan Park being used for a special Pride event in the summer.
Lurgan Pride – which was established last year – had run an event at Carnegie Street in the town.
Now the council’s environmental services committee has been asked to approve plans by the group to use Lurgan Park.
A paper to committee explains: “Lurgan Pride is a local-run community group whose aim is to promote and celebrate Pride within the local community.”
And it adds: “The group hope to build on last year’s event by holding a parade through the town centre, finishing in Lurgan Park.
“It is anticipated that this event will attract up to 350 people.”
The group would intend to erect a stage for the conclusion of the paper.
The paper to committee states: “The event in Lurgan Park will include a stage for live music and speeches.
“Lurgan Pride would like to finish their annual procession in Lurgan Park and hold a short event which will involve speeches and live music on the Council stage situated close to Lurgan Park fountain.
“The speakers will be from LGBTQIA+ charities from Northern Ireland and members of the local trade union movements. Live music will be provided by local musicians who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
“There will also be a small number of vendors on site for this event.”
Under bye-laws, the council must agree to the request as it is intended to trade, play music and deliver speeches.
The event at Lurgan Park would take place on Saturday, August 16, from 1pm to 6pm.
The recommendation is that the committee considers the request to “set up event infrastructure” for the purposes of speeches and live music.
The matter will be discussed at committee tonight (Tuesday).