It's a lovely weekend for an outing! Outing, the world's only gay and lesbian (LGBT) matchmaking event takes place next weekend in the Irish home of matchmaking, Lisdoonvarna in county Clare. Singer songwriter Brian Kennedy will be one of the big attractions at the festival, performing at the Hydro hotel. He said: “I am honoured to be part of the soundtrack of change on the island of Ireland for the LGBT community. I can’t wait to sing at the event and see how many hearts find a home.” Launched last year, the’ Outing’ was a huge success, with people from all over the world gathering for matchmaking, music and dancing in the small North Clare town. This year, Ireland’s top drag queen Panti Bliss will be hosting the three day event which takes place 3^rd - 6^th October. She will be joined by comedienne Katherine Lynch and television presenter Brendan Courtney. Other events include Blind Date, drag shows, tea dances, ceilis and DJ sets. Lisdoonvarna residents and local business owners voiced their enthusiasm for what they see as a welcome new twist on the generations-old festival, which looks set to bring a new sector of tourists to the area. Marcus White, of the White Hotel Group, which has four hotels in the town said: “The openness of Lisdoonvarna the businesses and the people all contribute to making the festival a success” “We are trying to put a different twist on the festival. It is going to be same as any other matchmaking weekend — we will have entertainment, music and dancing — but this will be a gay and lesbian weekend as part of the month long festival" Event Director Eddie McGuinness, said: "Traditional Irish events like céilí dances have had it right for hundreds of years", "They’re a perfect way to meet new people in a lively, comfortable and fun atmosphere. The matchmaking festival now in its 158^th year has drawn record crowds this year, with some businesses reporting that the month of September has been the busiest month in a decade. Marcus White said: “This is one of the best years on record. I think we are heading for in excess of 55,000 people by the end of this year’s festival. Normally we get about 40,000 so there is a significant increase. The fantastic weather had helped as well he added.”