ANDREW Barr has launched the 2015 Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival and released a program of events that celebrate LGBTIQ life in our city.

“The Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival which will kick off with the annual SpringOUT Fair Day at the end of this month has been part of the LGBTIQ community in Canberra and surrounding region for the past 15 years,” Andrew said/

“The event plays an important role in acknowledging and celebrating the contribution LGBTIQ Canberrans make to our community and the ACT Government is proud to support this year’s festival with $10,000 in sponsorship.

“The 2015 festival program has events taking place throughout the city, with the return of much loved events and some new things for the community to get involved in.”

Highlights of the festival include:

• the SpringOUT Fair Day and new Roof Top After Party on Saturday 31 October at Westside Acton Park;
• A series of queer literary events will be hosted at Canberra’s newest cultural venue Muse throughout November;
• the Bushdance community fundraiser on Saturday 14 November at the Yarralumla Woolshed; and
• the SpringOUT Rainbow Family Gathering on Sunday 15 November.

“Canberra is a city where everybody is welcome, and the ACT Government is committed to enhancing Canberra’s reputation as an LGBTIQ friendly city,” Andrew said.

“The Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival is a great community event and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organising committee and team of volunteers for all their hard work in putting together this year’s program.

“I encourage all Canberrans to check out the festival program online and get out and enjoy the Festival events taking place at locations all across the city.

“The 2015 Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival is taking place from 31 October to 30 November 2015.

“For more information and to view the festival program visit the Canberra SpringOUT Association website at springout.com.au, Facebook at facebook.com/springout or Twitter @springoutfest .”