With events in full swing the Galway Pride Festival is proving to be a great success and it has still got some amazing events coming up.
The opening party at the Harbour Hotel saw dignitaries from around Galway along with the Pride Festival partners and sponsors celebrate the launch of this week long event and chat with the hardworking committee.
Continuing on from the flag raising ceremony, the workshops and candlelit vigil saw people walk in remembrance of lost loved ones, and at the Spanish Arch Aideen Henry, a local humanist minister, gave a touching ceremony as Sean Reilly, Pride Festival treasurer, played the guitar.
Today the Secret Garden plays host to a BTQIA+ Tea Party from 4pm to7pm where you can come along and meet new friends and soak up the atmosphere that Galway and Pride has to offer.
“The BTQIA+ tea party will create a space within our Pride week to specifically focus on those who aren't gay in the community,” said Sharon Nolan, event organiser. “Those who are bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or anything in between are welcome to come, meet new friends, and relax with us.”
This will be followed by a talk about reproductive rights in the LGBT+ community and a discussion around the eighth amendment.
The line-up for the comedy night on Friday at the Loft, Seven Bar, will be sure to have you in stitches. Hosted by Martin Beanz Ward the night will see Pat McDonnell, Joe Dowlin, and special guest Katherine Lynch take to the stage to bring out the laughs. The night will not end there as Galway Pride Festival sponsor, DTF, take over at 11.30pm so you can dance to all the latest and greatest hits played by DJ John.
Saturday at 2pm is the time to be in town as the vibrant parade snakes way from City Hall to the Spanish Arch, celebrating all that the LGBT+ community has achieved and has to offer. Led by Ireland's No.1 Snapchatter, James Patrice, and with the theme of #ExpressYourself the parade is guaranteed to be colourful and entertaining. Down at the Spanish Arch the entertainment will continue with a family fun day. A “Mammy’s Tent” as well craft stalls, a photo booth will be in place so there really will be something for everyone, as well as a surprise or two from Red Bull.
Saturday nights sees the party move to the Black Box. With the Block Party kicking off at 8pm, the Official Pride Party starts at 11pm and entertainment from Victoria Secret, Paul Ryder, Pixie Woo, and Regina George there will be more laughs, partying, and fun than you can shake a rainbow coloured stick at. The party theme is "Icons & Legends" and DJ John is promising to raise the roof with all the greatest hits from all hottest divas.
On Sunday Galway’s very own drag queen and winner of last years In Your Face Drag Race, Dixie, will entertain onboard the Corrib Princess, as the Galway Pride Festival raises a glass to the hardworking committee who put the week together, the partners, and sponsors and the friends, families, and allies of Galway’s LGBT+ community.
For more information see their website www.galwaypridefestival.com or their Facebook page facebook.com/GalwayPrideFest
