Sun set to shine as Mayo Pride returns to Westport this weekend

Mayo Pride returns to Westport this weekend with a jam-packed line-up from June 2 to June 4 to celebrate the West’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Held in the stunning surroundings of Westport over the June bank holiday weekend, events include hikes, drag, workshops, cabaret, art, music, and bike rides.

The main parade will be led by long-time gay rights activist at home and abroad, Mayo’s own Maria Walsh (MEP).

In Maria’s words: "It was only 30 years ago, in 1993, Ireland decriminalised homosexuality and so, a Pride celebration is much more than a weekend of celebration, colour and people gathering. It serves as a beacon of light for people, of all ages, living in the towns and villages across Mayo who wish to love who they love and do so in a safe and welcoming community. I am incredibly proud to support and champion Mayo Pride.”

This year's Mayo Pride has its biggest ever line-up, featuring 15 events that cater to every person and taste.

Busy line-up

The festival kicks off with an exclusive screening of Mayo native and Dancing with the Stars sensation Panti Bliss' new stage show, 'If These Wigs Could Talk'. There will also be a Pride pizza party and cocktails at Teach Scoile.

By night, Mayo Pride presents a post-parade party extravaganza featuring Ireland's favourite queer club night and firm festival favourite Mother on Saturday night.

Friday’s night-time antics will include a Fierce Queer Cabaret, featuring drag queens extraordinaire Candy Warhol and Marian Mary; the all-singing, all-dancing comedy duo Floozy and Bluesy, alternative artiste The Dirt Bird, as well as Feargh Curtis and Culchie Goth.

Daytime events include Ride With Pride, a jaunt along the stunning Greenway, The Big Gay Hike up Croagh Patrick, Sea Pride swimming complete with Barrel West Sauna, a Pride soundtrack supplied by Free-Jay along with nibbles by Savoir Faire and mocktails from Ed in a Horsebox. Pride goers will also be able to unwind take a Pride Cruise around the gorgeous Clew Bay. Family events include Pride Storytime, while ShoutOut will be hosting a free workshop 'The ABCs of LGTBQ+' on Friday at 1pm (June 3rd). Or dust off your paint brushes for 'Fart', a FUN art club like none you’ve ever seen on Sunday, June 4.

Pride Parade

The Mayo Pride Parade will take place in Westport on Saturday, June 3 at 2pm with Grand Marshall Maria Walsh MEP. Gather at the Fairgreen at 1.30pm before marching to the Quay for a fabulous post-parade party at The Towers featuring Sing Along Social, The Outwest Choir, DJs, and Ireland’s best drag talent.

Motorists are advsied to expect road traffic delays on Saturday, June 3, from 1.30pm to 2.45pm in the following locations: Fairgreen, South Mall, Main Street, Quay Road and The Quay as the parade moves through town.

Local support

The staff, and voluntary board of management at Westport Family and Community Resource Centre, have expressed their support and solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ Community, both in Westport and in Mayo, during the events of Mayo Pride this weekend.

Westport Family and Community Resource Centre stands firmly with the LGBTQIA+ Community, expressing their core values of human rights, empowerment, empathy, and non-judgement, to ensure our mission, to challenge discrimination and inequality in all its forms, is achieved.

The Westport FRC, as part of the Western Region FRC LGBTQIA+ Network, marks Pride month annually and raises awareness in the local community throughout the year through various projects and campaigns.

“To show our solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ Community, and to stand against homophobia, transphobia & biphobia, the FRC proudly embodies the Centre’s core values and community development principles in every project and service that we deliver to the local community,” said a spokesperson for Westport FRC.

“Ahead of the Mayo Pride events, we wish to affirm our stance as a human rights organisation by condemning the generation of any discriminatory or anti- LGBTQIA+ sentiment that may arise over the course of the Mayo Pride Festival. Westport FRC does not, and will not, tolerate any sentiments or actions that may cause emotional or physical harm to any members of the LGBTQIA+ and wider community.

“We encourage those in our community to go forth in their daily lives, both during Mayo Pride weekend and beyond, in a manner that ensures the expression of compassion, support, and solidarity towards all peoples, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, social class, ethnicity, and religion. We support Mayo Pride in their goal to champion unity, diversity and uniqueness while celebrating and promoting our wonderful County.

“In a time where the progress made by our LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide is increasingly at risk, it is crucial to recognize the power of solidarity, community, and allyship across different identities, movements, and borders. Westport is a beautiful town and is home to a vibrant and diverse community; when we unite, in all our beautiful diversity, we can really bring about change!

Let’s celebrate Mayo Pride and Pride Month with optimism, fun, and solidarity.”

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Event registration and tickets are on sale from www.mayopride.com. Places are limited, so early booking is advised.