Mayo Pride rolls into Westport this weekend

This Bank Holiday weekend, the town of Westport will be even more colourful than usual, as the annual Mayo Pride rolls into town on great big rainbow-coloured wheels. The festival, which supports and celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and promotes equality and inclusion, will feature a host of fun events from this Friday, May 31, right through to Monday, June 3.

Mayo Pride attracts crowds from across the country and beyond, with the stunning location, feel-good atmosphere and diversity of events all combining to prove an irresistible draw. Last year, Mayo Pride brought together over 3,500 members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their family, friends and allies – and the organisers are aiming to out do themselves this year with their biggest event to date.

The packed schedule includes hikes, cycles, art, music, comedy and more. Outdoor activities will include forest bathing, a drumming workshop, a Pride cruise around Clew Bay, a ‘Big Gay Hike’ up Croagh Patrick, and a Bike Buffet – a ‘ride with pride’ cycle through the town and along the Greenway with tastings of delicious local produce on the way.

Evening highlights include a special performance by the famous Haus of Wig queer cabaret, which takes place on Friday night at the Pride Club at The Mariner Hotel, and the Post-Parade Party Extravaganza at The Towers on Saturday, featuring DJs Conor Behan (The George) and Glamo (Mother), as well as drag artists, dancers and live performances.

Another one to watch out for at the The Mariner is Sunday night’s show, The Wild Geez and Guests – billed as a chaotically charming cabaret by talented lesbian thespians. The guest performers will include local singing sensation James Garvey of The Garvey Brothers, who will be making his show-stopping drag debut as Kitty LeRone.

Of course, the pinnacle of the weekend is the hallmark of all Pride celebrations, the big parade. Taking place on Saturday afternoon, it will start from The Fairgreen at 1.30pm. Led by Sing Along Social, the parade will make its joyful way through the town along South Mall, up Bridge Street, along Shop Street, up the Quay Road and out to The Quay. (For people with mobility issues, please note parts of the parade are hilly. Anyone who could find this a challenge is asked to contact Mayo Pride to arrange assistance.)

This year, the organisers have created a Pride Youth group to march in the parade, for any young people who might otherwise be on their own or want to march with others. Family members are welcome to join their young people too. To take part, meet at the top of the Fairgreen at 1.30pm – look for the Pride Youth banner.

There will also be a free Pride Prep Pop-Up workshop for everyone earlier in the day, which will be a great opportunity to meet people and a fantastic way to get rainbowed up for the main event. Running from 11am at the Westport Family Resource Centre on the Fairgreen, this hands-on workshop will help people express their Pride spirit with personalised garments and badges guaranteed to bedazzle. Drop in and be guided you through the process of creating wearable art that screams “Pride!” – just bring along any items of clothing or fabrics you want to Pride-ify. All materials for the personalised badge making will be provided.

This year, Mayo Pride is delighted to partner with AbbVie, whose support is helping ensure that Mayo Pride can continue to promote equality and acceptance in Mayo and throughout the rest of the west.

Oh, and this year’s theme? ‘Be Loud, Be Proud’. It promotes visibility, expression and the right to live authentically in rural Ireland – something everyone should be proud to get behind.

For the full Mayo Pride festival programme and tickets, visit the Mayo Pride website.