Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival swoops back

Contrary to rumours, the iconic Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival will once again be painting Knysna myriad shades of pink this year with its 22nd edition.

The popular LGBTQ arts and culture event returns after a two-year COVID-19 break, running from Friday 29 April to Sunday 1 May 2022 (Monday 2 May is a public holiday).

“As we resume a post-COVID normality, we’re excited to once again welcome both visitors and locals alike to the Garden Route’s original and premier pink event,” asserted Festival Director John-Louis O’Neil.

“We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with Men International South Africa and therefore the festival will be known as the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival in association with Men International South Africa,” O’Neil revealed.

Men International South Africa assists new up and coming male model talent to reach their full potential.

An annual festival highlight is the Mr Gay Mardi Gras pageant. The winner this year will receive a “golden ticket” that guarantees a spot among the Mr Gay World South Africa finalists.

O’Neil further teased that an international artist would be flown in to headline the Pink Loerie™, with details to be announced soon.

He invited LGBTQ-friendly businesses that would like to support the festival to email office@pinkloeriefoundation.com. “We are still in need of some auction items as well as accommodation for the artists and committee members,” O’Neil said.

The full Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival in association with Men International South Africa programme will be announced on 30 March 2022.

For more information, news, and updates, visit www.facebook.com/pinkloerie or www.pinkloerie.co.za.