OutWest and Ballina 2023 present A Day Out For All – Saturday June 17
A day of inclusive events celebrating Ballina’s LGBT+ community
As part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations, local LGBT+ support organisation OutWest has announced ‘A Day Out For All’ – a day of inclusive social events for members of the public and the the LGBT+ community and their families, friends and allies, to take place on Saturday, June 17. The ‘Day Out For All’ will take place across several locations in the heart of Ballina and will encompass a range of activities for both families and adults.
Programme of events
11am-12:30pm, Ballina Library: LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Storytime
Hosted by Sligo performers Ben Lucent and Sinéad O’Brien, featuring uplifting stories with themes of acceptance and cherishing diversity
12:30pm – 3pm: Outdoor Picnic, Jackie Clarke Collection Heritage Walled Garden
Held in the beautiful gardens of the Jackie Clarke Collection, including food and refreshment vendors, face painting and information stands from OutWest and Mindspace Mayo.
3pm – 5pm: Street Games,Walsh Street
Classic outdoor games for all the family to participate in, running directly beside the Jackie Clarke Collection in Walsh Street.
After Dark
The following night-time activities will also be held for adult audiences;
6pm – 7pm: Free Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing, OutWest Drop-In Centre, Teeling Street
9pm – late: Drag Bingo, The Cot and Cobble
A fabulous night out with a selection of talented performers—including live entertainment from drag queens Miss Neon Love, Blondie Boots, Miss Memphis Shell as well as local comedian Therese Cahill—held within the lively Cot and Cobble, a familiar and popular destination for many in Ballina.
About OutWest
Since 1997, OutWest has worked constantly to support the LGBT+ community in the Connacht region of Ireland; whether by hosting much-needed events and spaces for LGBT+ people to socialise, make friends and express themselves in safety, advocating for LGBT+ rights and equality, and educating the public on LGBT+ issues and on how to build a more inclusive society.
A Day Out for All will be one of OutWest’s biggest and most exciting events yet.
Chairperson of OutWest, Rosie Dore said: “The aim of this event will be not only to offer a day of entertainment for the people of Ballina—including the LGBT+ community as well as their friends, families, allies and anyone wishing to show their support—but also to highlight the profile of the LGBT+ community as one of the many vibrant and wonderful communities that call Ballina home, and one very worthy of celebrating.
As Ballina celebrates its 300th anniversary, we feel there is no better time to pay homage to the diversity of our local people with this joyous day of festivities, and we hope you will join us in our celebration.”
The Drag Bingo Night will also play an important role in raising funds for OutWest so that the organisation may continue its vital support for LGBT+ people and allies.