THIS WEEKEND IS Dublin LGBTQ Pride.
Pride is a worldwide celebration of the positive impact that LGBTQ people have on our societies around the world – and what we must improve together in order to make sure we are all diverse yet equal.
This year will be a very special Pride in Dublin, as it’s also the first year anniversary of equal marriage rights passing last year. Many attending will also be remembering the lives recently lost in Orlando, which echoes the origins of Pride in Dublin.
We’ve pulled together some of the best events happening in the capital this weekend – from breakfasts to after-parties.
(PS: for those of you reading this outside of Dublin, here is some info on Belfast Pride, Limerick Pride, Galway Pride and Cork Pride – all coming up this summer too.)
Kick off the weekend right this evening at a night of music, friends and prizes at Rebel Rebel in Odessa on Dame Court, brought to you by Suffragette City. If you’re not in the mood to hit the town, this evening also plays hosts to a cabaret night in Outhouse by the resident drama group Acting Out.
Saturday is the real star of the show, with two breakfast events organised for some pre-parade sustenance and chats. Outhouse is hosting its regular champagne breakfast, now in its 20th year. TENI is also holding a breakfast event over in The Church off Mary Street. Both start at 11am.
What next? Why the parade is, of course, the central focal point of the day. This year, LGBTQ people and allies celebrating Pride will be meeting at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance, marching past the GPO and finishing up at Merrion Square.
After the parade has finished, there’ll be a Pride Village event taking place at Merrion Square, with what promises to be one of the most fun festivals of the year. There’ll be food and refreshments, community groups and special guests like Panti Bliss and Phil T Gorgeous.
For those of you who know of Mother, the gay club night in Dublin and also a festival highlight for many at the likes of Body&Soul, you’ll be excited about this one. This is their largest outdoor Pride party ever, having already hosted four years of disco daytime madness. Kicking off from 5pm in the Tivoli off Francis Street with DJ sets from Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, Little Boots, Panti Bliss and Kelly-Anne Byrne, tickets available here. Plus Smirnoff are flying over some very special guests… Bring your dancing shoes.
After all the madness has settled on the weekend, there is also time to reflect. It’s important to take a moment to remember those who have been lost in the fight for freedom and equality. To celebrate those lives, there’ll be a Ceremony of Remembrance at 6pm at the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square on the Sunday.
And in attendance at the funtastic Mother Block Party on Saturday will be these amazing Voguers - coming all the way from The House of Vineyard in the Netherlands, straight from the classic ballroom scene. Voguing is taking the music, presenting your story and bringing it to people directly – no matter how you do it. Voguing accepts everyone. Celebrate with Smirnoff. We’re Open. Find out more at smirnoff.com.
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