For immediate release
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Following the region’s largest Pride festival yet in summer 2018, Capital Pride teams up with Canadian Heritage and Winterlude to co-produce 5 days of winter programming including a march commemorating the 50-year anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexual acts in Canada.
Ottawa, Ontario – Capital Pride announced today it is producing its first-ever winter edition of Capital Pride, entitled “Capital Pride Presents: WinterPride.” The festival will take place during Winterlude from February 6 to 10 2019, in partnership with Canadian Heritage.
“We’re excited to provide important LGBTQ2+ programming, not just throughout our summer festival, but all year round” said Davy Sabourin, Capital Pride Chairperson, “Loneliness and isolation can particularly affect members of our community, even more so during the colder months. Ottawa is very much a winter city and we’re stepping out to provide opportunities to celebrate, advocate, educate, and connect people throughout the year. ”
“Anyone who’s been to a summer Pride Festival would recognize planning an outdoor Pride Festival in February presents some challenges, but also some great opportunities to bring the community and its allies together for unique events on an outdoor stage, for a street party, and for a couple indoor events where we can warm up.” added Festival Director Christian Garceau. “The local drag and burlesque communities are excited for the challenge of modifying their acts for an outdoor stage.”
The programming includes:
- 2 evenings of performances on the Main Stage on Sparks Street (corner of Sparks and Bank)
- Family-friendly activities on Saturday afternoon focused on sports and outdoor activities
- The inaugural edition of the Capital Pride Awards Gala at the Museum of History in Gatineau
- A Sunday march recognizing the 50-year anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexual acts in Canada and a push for greater equality
- A speakers’ series event on the topic of advocacy
- The second series of contribution from the Capital Pride Community Fund to support community events.
“Capital Pride will again have the opportunity to recognize those who make a difference in the everyday lives of our community members by presenting the 2018 Community Champion of the Year Award, as well as the 2019 Summer Festival Grand and Youth Marshals following an open nomination process” added Mr. Sabourin. “We will also encourage community members to host their own events with the second iteration of the Capital Pride Community Fund.”
“Canadian Heritage is proud to present Winterlude, and we acknowledge the support of Capital Pride as one of our new programming partners for this year’s festival. From February 1 to 18, 2019, enjoy an urban winter experience, with all the traditional staples and many new features. Celebrate our artistic and culinary talent, Indigenous culture, as well as LGBTQ2+ culture, history and pride. Discover the festival’s new destinations and more dynamic, diverse programming. Whatever your age or interests, whether you’re from Canada’s Capital Region or elsewhere in the country or the world, I invite you to come take part because THIS is Winterlude!” said The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
Capital Pride creates opportunities to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect people, respecting the full diversity of the LGBTQ2+ community in Canada’s Capital Region. Capital Pride hosts its first Capital Pride Presents: WinterPride Festival from February 6 to 10, 2019.
MORE INFORMATION:
Siofra Mcalister, Media Relations Coordinator & Allison Caverly, Assistant Media Relations Coordinator: 613-680-3033 ext. 103 | [email protected]
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