Knysna still tickled Pink

KNYSNA NEWS - Despite official organisers of the 2019 Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival announcing its cancellation, a band of residents have decided to go ahead and organise their own version.

The Pink Loerie has been an annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) culture and identity, hosting a series of cultural, entertainment, and community fundraising events.

It has been a staple event on the LGBTQ+ calendar for just under 20 years, but this year organisers undertook an executive decision to postpone this year's event.

One of the organisers, John O'Neill, said when speaking to Mamba Online that the decision is aimed at providing more time to secure sponsors to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of the event. "After much deliberation with various parties, we have come to the conclusion that we will postpone this year's festival and return in 2020 with a new look and fresh ideas," he said.

However, a group of Knysna residents have refused to just let this happen, according to co-owner of Bloo! Bistro Paul Zeman. "After hearing that 2019 festivities had been cancelled, local businesses and disappointed revellers have decided to go ahead with it, perhaps under a different title," he explained. "Most venues now contributing will share artists and DJs from either Johannesburg or Cape Town."

When it comes to what will still be on offer, he explained that Bloo! Bistro will host DJ Sam on the nights of both Friday 31 May and Saturday 1 June. "Glampackers Knysna will also host their own event on Saturday afternoon."

The final celebration, dubbed Gay of Thrones, will be hosted by South Africa's Mr Gay World conteststant, Chris Emmanuel on Saturday night at Bloo! Bistro.

"There will be various locations to be used for the duration of the revived festival, namely Bloo! Bistro and Glampackers, as well as a couple of other venues who have decided to come on board," Zeman said.

The dates for the festivities will be 29 May to 2 June.

The rainbow flag, a symbol of gay pride is waved at a previous Pink Loerie Festival.Photo: Ewald Stander.