NEWS: Ireland’s 150-year-old Matchmaking Festival to hold first LGBT Event

<p>The Outing Festival is an annual event to help singles find love. For the first time in its 150-year history, a festival aimed at single lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people is being hosted.</p> <p>by Antony Simpson | 23rd August 2013</p><p></p><p> </p><p><img src="http://www.thegayuk.com/communities/8/004/009/928/388/images/4597506741.png" width="460" height="327" alt="Panti Bliss" title="Panti Bliss"/></p> <p></p><p>From Friday 30th August 2013 to Sunday 1st September 2013, Lisdoonvarna, County Claire, Southern Island, will play host to: The Gay Outing Festival. </p><p> </p><p>Panti Bliss Irish drag queen and Mistress of Ceremonies said about the big weekend: </p><p>‘I do love interfering in other people's love lives so I can't wait to get to Lisdoonvarna and start meddling. It's going to be great craic and I expect to be buying quite a few ostentatious wedding hats afterwards’</p><p></p><p>Organisers McGuinness and Mulligan have organised this event to help raise awareness and funding for BelongTo. BelongTo is an organisation that assists LGBT young people in Ireland by building support networks and creating educational campaigns on issues like homophobic bullying in schools. </p><p></p><p>Gay’s know how to throw a party! Over the weekend there’ll be live entertainment acts (various drag artists and stand-up), some traditional Irish dancing, a tea dance and two nights of late night clubbing. Willie Daly a traditional fourth-generation Matchmaker will also be on hand for you to consult over the entire weekend.</p><p></p><p>If none of the activities above strikes your fancy; know that local businesses have already voiced support for the event. Organisers have arranged some great deals for their festivalgoers to see local attractions. So you could always go and explore County Claire instead.</p><p></p><p>Tickets cost €199 per person, which includes two sharing a room in the 3* Hydro Hotel and full access to the festival events. The Outing Festival is aimed at single gay people; but gay couples are welcome along to enjoy the festivities as well. </p><p></p><p></p><p>For more information visit: <a href="http://www.theouting.ie/">http://www.theouting.ie</a> </p><p></p><p> </p>