PEOPLE ATTENDING DUBLIN Pride events have been asked to not bring backpacks or large bags to certain venues.

Organisers of the LGBTQ festival have said they are working with gardaí to ensure “the safety and enjoyment of all attending”.

In a statement, they said: “In line with standard protocol for all recent events, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed. Only small bags measuring no bigger than A4 (8.27 inches/21cm x 11.7 inches/29.7cm) will be permitted into both St Stephens Green South and Smithfield Square.

“There will of course be exceptions made for people with medical conditions and children, but for the sake of everybody’s safety, all bags will be thoroughly searched. This is also an alcohol and drug-free event.”

The Pantibar pub on Capel Street is also implementing this policy, on foot of advice from gardaí.

98FM, Pride’s official media partner, notes that this year’s parade, happening on Saturday, will take a different route due to the Luas Cross City works.

The parade will start with speeches at St Stephen’s Green South from 12pm, before leaving at 2pm and heading for the Pride Party in Smithfield Square, where there will be entertainment with music, drag acts and speeches.

Justin Bieber

There are increased security measures at a number of events following the suicide bombing at Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester last month in which 22 people were killed.

Ahead of Justin Bieber’s concert at the RDS tomorrow night, Aiken Promotions has released a statement which includes the following security information:

• No backpacks, large bags or any large objects
• Only bags of A4 size (210 x 297mm) will be admitted after searching
• You will be subject to a “pat down” and a “wand” metal detector check

The statement added that the following items are among those not permitted at the venue: alcohol, banners or flags larger than A4, cameras with more than 1” lens, fireworks, flashlights, food, garden furniture or seats, glass or cans, glow sticks, inflatable balls or balloons, laser pointers, selfie sticks, studs or spikes, umbrellas, video cameras or audio devices.

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