Volunteers urged to help out at this year’s Omagh Pride

THIS year’s Omagh Pride will see the town come alive with rainbows, colours and love in all of its forms – but volunteers are still needed to help out at the parade to ensure that it is as successful as possible.

Today, co-founder of the parade, Cat Brogan, is calling on anyone interested in lending a hand with all-things Omagh Pride, including its organisation, and errands on the day of the event, to come forward and be a part of the town’s history.

Cat described the parade, the second of its kind in Omagh, as ‘something which makes the town richer’, but explained that there is still work to do ahead of its scheduled date of Saturday, September 20.

“Omagh Pride is back, after its great success last year, which saw Omagh filled with colour and pride,” she said. “We are hoping to make this year’s parade bigger and even better, but, for that, we need volunteers to come forward, get involved, and help us out.

“Before the event, we require help with logistics for the event, such as booking suppliers, and stalls,” Cat explained. “We also need a hand with fundraising, which entails raising money for the events, and getting support and sponsorship from local businesses.

“There’s also a community outreach need, which involves working with local groups to support their participation in the parade.

“On the day,” Cat continued, “We need our volunteers to help set up and manage the stalls, marshal and steward the event, and tidy up once it’s finished.

“A photographer, videographer and sound engineer are also needed, as is a live streamer, a social media whizz, and street collection volunteers.”

‘Inclusivity and diversity’

Omagh Pride, which is being headlined by Janet Devlin, will begin in colourful style on Saturday, September 10, at 1pm at the South West College.

The crowds will depart at 2pm to march through the town centre, before returning to the college to enjoy performances and speakers until 6pm. An after-party will also take place.

“I’m passionate about making West Tyrone a more liveable place for everyone,” Cat described. “Inclusivity and diversity make our town richer.

“Indeed, the first ever queer disco in Omagh last weekend showed how much our town needs LGBT-affirming spaces.

“And while we have a great local team this year, inspired by the first Omagh Pride in 2021, more people are needed,” she continued. “So, we welcome every volunteer dedicated to making Omagh Pride 2022 on September 10 a resounding success, to come forward.”

Cat concluded by saying a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who donated towards Omagh Pride’s street collection on Saturday, July 2, which raised £712.