Rain no dampener for mass same-sex wedding in Knysna

[caption id="attachment_144184" align="alignright" width="300"] 15 couples tied the knot in Africa's first mass same-sex marriage in Knysna in celebration of the 16th annual Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival. Picture: Supplied[/caption]

Not even the heavy rain and icy weather that swept over the Garden Route on Friday could dampen the spirits of 15 couples who tied the knot in Africa's first mass same-sex marriage in Knysna.

Dressed in designer wedding attire the couples said their I do's at Villa Castollini in celebration of the 16th annual Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival.

Among them were several well-known locals including Hoekwil couple‚ Vernon and Tony Gibbs-Halls‚ who renewed their vows after 10 years of marriage. They were the first gay couple in Africa to legally marry - on December 1 2006.

Knysna mayor Esme Edge and advocate Julie Seton also took the opportunity to renew their vows after marrying earlier this year.

The couples will lead the annual Pink Loerie parade through the streets of Knysna tomorrow.

The festival attracts up to 30 000 people every year and raises thousands of rands for charity.

Another highlight on Friday’s programme is the Mr Mardi Gras South Africa event‚ when South Africa’s representative for the 2017 Mr Gay World will be chosen.

The festival runs until Sunday.