Pink Loerie 2019 postponed for ‘bigger and better’ event in 2020
The organisers of Knysna’s annual Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival have announced that the 2019 edition will not go ahead as planned.
Instead, they have partnered with Gerrit Prinsloo Productions to restructure the festival going forward with the promise to hold a bigger and better event next year.
The Pink Loerie has become an institution on South Africa’s LGBTQ calendar for almost two decades. It was set to take place from 30 May to 2 June.
“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,” said Pink Loerie’s John O’Neil.
He explained that the decision is also aimed at providing more time to secure sponsors to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of the event.
“We apologise to our supporters for any inconvenience and would like to thank the residents of Knysna as well as all the loyal supporters over the past 18 years,” said O’Neil. “We will be back next year and our support for Loeriehof Retirement Home, Knysna Animal Welfare, Paula Whitney Crèche and Vermont Retirement Village will continue as always.”
Executive Mayor of Knysna, Cllr. Mark Willemse commented that he is “saddened to learn that the Pink Loerie Festival will be unable to go ahead this year due to financial constraints.”
He added: “I am pleased, however, to see that efforts are being made to ensure that this very popular festival goes ahead next year. Knysna Municipality will continue to support this event and the many others that provide a continuous source of economic upliftment of our town.”
O’Neil has called for individuals and/or businesses in Knysna that would like to serve on the organising committee to please contact office@prinkloerie.co.za. To stay in touch with any developments and news, visit www.facebook.com/pinkloerie or www.pinkloerie.co.za.
The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival is an annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) culture and identity and takes place in the picturesque town of Knysna. The festival hosts a series of cultural, entertainment and community fundraising events.
Such a shame for the whole lgbti community. People don’t know how much work and effort goes into putting on an event like this. I really hope it’s not the last of it. Let’s hope they get it going again
We are absolutely discraced. We are a group of 10 people who planned this weekend. Booked plane tickets and accommodation only to find out a week before the event is cannceled. We hold the organisers and sponsers absolutely responssible. How can they premote the event on the net only to cancel a week before the date. Surely they knew before. Knysna and the loerie will not see us again after this year and I am sure we are not the only group.