In just a few short months, Ireland’s capital city will be alive with rainbow flags as the ever-fabulous Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride makes its shimmering return for its 2026 edition.

The festival’s theme will be ‘One Story – Many Voices’, and activist and author Philippa Ryder has been unveiled as its fabulous Grand Marshal.

This year’s celebration runs from June 24-28, with the parade taking place on Saturday, June 27, led by Philippa Ryder. Ahead of Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride 2026, Ryder said she is “delighted and honoured” to be selected, and thanked the board and executive of Dublin Pride for the opportunity.

“I first attended Pride, standing on the sidelines, in 2004 or thereabouts, holding my nine-year old daughter’s hand as we watched the parade march down O’Connell Street,” she said. “It was an emotional occasion, and now, some 23 years later, it will be a highlight of my life to represent our incredible rainbow community as Grand Marshal. Since I first came to terms with myself as a trans woman, I have received so much support from my wife Helen, my daughter Jenny, family, friends, work colleagues, and so many others.

“Over the past 25 years, I have tried to give support back to those who need it, through telling my story and working with many organisations and government bodies. It has been a joy and – despite the current challenges for our community and many others – I’m looking forward to a more inclusive, diverse and accepting future.”

Welcoming the appointment, an Instagram post from Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride read: “[Ryder] is a storyteller who has shared her voice with our community and, through her activism over the past two decades, has made an outstanding contribution to our community and many organisations that work tirelessly to advance and protect our rights.”

 

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Speaking about the theme, Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride said: “‘One Story – Many Voices’ speaks to what connects us across different lives and experiences,” the post read. “No single voice can represent us all, but every voice matters. Our community has never been one thing. It is shaped by many identities, histories and ways of moving through the world. Some stories are loud and luminous. Some are quieter, still unfolding. All of them matter.”

This year’s theme, Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride notes, is “not about sameness, but solidarity, about standing alongside one another, even when our experiences differ.” The organisation then encouraged everyone to “show up, in celebration, defiance, reflection or joy.”

“Your voice matters. Our story matters. Together, we create something none of us could hold alone.”

You can view the full 2026 Dublin Pride programme in full on their website.

For people who wish to keep the celebrations going on Saturday, June 27, the Mother Pride Block Party will be back with a bang at their legendary location at the National Museum in Collins Barracks. With three stages, multiple bars, and a stellar lineup of performers, this year’s Mother Pride Block Party is one not to miss. Grab your tickets here.