GARDEN ROUTE PRIDE FESTIVAL 14 – 17 JUNE 2023
George is preparing for its first-ever Pride event, the Garden Route Pride Festival, which is fully supported by organisations such as Social Health and Empowerment (SHE), Love Life, Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) and the George Municipality.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Jonathan Fortuin said: “This exciting festival will feature a week-long program of events from 14-17 June 2023 aimed at promoting inclusivity and embracing diversity.
The organisers are inviting the public members to support the pride festival which will take place as follows:
WEDNESDAY, 14 JUNE 2023, PRIDE GALA AND ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY
The festival kicks off on 14 June 2023 with the Pride Gala and Achievement Ceremony, a night dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of the LGBTQI+ community. The Gala dinner is not open to the public, we will only accommodate 50 selected delegates from the LGBTQI+ Sector.
THURSDAY, 15 JUNE 2023, PRIDE WORKSHOP/SENSITISATION
The Pride Workshop will provide an opportunity for education and discussions on important topics. This event is open to the public and will take place at the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall between 09:00 and 12:00.
FRIDAY, 16 JUNE 2023, MR & MISS GARDEN ROUTE PRIDE COMPETITION
The Mr & Miss Garden Route Pride Beauty Pageant is a public event that will take place at Club which is situated at Beach Road. It will start at 21:00 till late. Before the event, a motorcade will gather at the Conville Community Hall at 15h30, drive through Conville, Maraiskamp, and Parkdene and end off at Conville Community Hall.
SATURDAY, 17 JUNE 2023, THE GARDEN ROUTE PRIDE WALK/MARCH
According to organisers, the Garden Route Pride Walk/March is a highlight event. The March will take place on York Street in the George CBD, with the gathering point at St Mark’s Square at 12 pm, and the march will commence at 1 pm, down York Street providing an opportunity for the community to come together and advocate for inclusivity. The March will end at Shenanigans Pub, where the Pride after-party will take place. The public is invited to support and join this event.
Fortuin says they are excited about this event and look forward to seeing the Garde route there. For more information contact Jonathan Fortuin, the organiser of the pride festival on 061 624 7431 or 044 802 2000.