Mayo Pride committee express thanks after another successful event in Westport

Mayo Pride took place in Westport over the June Bank Holiday weekend with a packed range of events, from cycling along the gorgeous Greenway and hiking up Croagh Patrick to sold-out drag and comedy shows, a boat cruise and Mayo’s first every pop-up gay bar.

In the statement issued to The Mayo News, the organising committee said: "The main parade through Westport town on Saturday, June 1 celebrated the West’s LGBTQ+ community with the theme ‘be loud, be proud’, a celebration of inclusiveness and belonging.”

The parade doubled in size this year, expanding to the length of Bridge Street, with 1,000 participants and 3,000 spectators.

“There was a small counter-protest with anti-trans sentiment by the Burke family. In response, Mayo Pride are encouraging people to participate in LGBT Ireland’s ‘Come Out and Vote’ in anticipation of the local and European elections,” said the organising committee.

The campaign has asked members of the public to put the question to candidates who come to their door- ‘What will you do to support and protect the LGBTQ+ community?’

Furthermore, the volunteer run event provided a welcome boost to Mayo tourism, with 70 percent of ticket sales coming from outside the county. 

“Mayo Pride received a warm welcome from Westport and the whole of Mayo. We are so grateful to the countless individuals, businesses and community organisations that made the weekend so special,” concluded the organisers.

To contribute to next year's line-up of events, you can donate on GoFundMe.