Roscommon set to host first ever Pride Festival

History will be made in the county this August when the first ever Pride Festival is held.

Roscommon Pride kicks off on Friday, August 23rd with a youth focused event, which will include a panel event and voguing workshop. The LGBTQ+ youth of the county will remain at the centre of the Pride celebrations for the evening event when a fundraiser for the local LGBTQ+ youth group will be held. “You can expect a dazzling performance from a talented group of LGBTQ+ performers,” said the organisers.

Saturday, August 24th is the big day out. In the morning there will be a “Brunch and Learn'' event in The Quad - all are welcome, community members and allies. The day's centrepiece is the Pride March, which will start at 2 p.m. and finish up at the Square where you will find a host of vendors and performers - a great day out for all the family. This will be followed by some evening entertainment- a no-holds-barred over 18s party with the best Drag Kings & Queens, and cabaret performers at The Coachman’s.

On Sunday, August 25th the Pride Colour Run will take place, a great way to start the day in a fun, social environment. The celebrations will then move Boyle for an LGBTQ+ film screening with the local film club, before wrapping up with a social event.

Felicia Loughrey from the South Roscommon Family Resource Centre, one of the organisers, is “excited to be involved in such a necessary yet fun event, showing the LGBTQ+ community that they are welcome here in Roscommon. We are also hoping to build strong relationships with those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community so they know they can come to the Family Resource Centre for support, or even just a chat, at any time."

Some of the Pride volunteers are equally looking forward to Roscommon Pride. Seán Bray stated: “Pride is such an important event, and despite progress being made, it’s still as crucial as ever. Rural and volunteer-led Prides are the ones that make a real difference for members of the LGBTQIA+ community across Ireland. They inspire people to connect, foster community, and celebrate. I’m so excited and grateful to see one happening in Roscommon this summer."

Lorraine Doyle is also celebrating the arrival of such an impactful event, saying: “It’s been a long time coming but I’m excited that Roscommon will be celebrating its first Pride! Here’s to a very special weekend.”