This year the theme that has been chosen for the Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival is ‘Shine’. As with all of Cork’s themes, this will mean different things to different people. For some, the word Shine will conjure images of the sun shining on a summer’s day, to others it might prompt the idea of polishing something to bring back its natural lustre, or perhaps shining a spotlight on something that is worthy of highlighting. All of these interpretations resonate with different aspects of the LGBT+ community.

The hard work and cohesiveness of the global LGBT+ community has resulted in monumental achievements over the past 50 years, but there is much work still to do, especially in light of recent disturbing developments in Chechnya, and in Trump’s America, where a concerted effort is being made to insidiously erode the progress that our community has made. This is also an issue closer to home, as assaults against LGBT people in the UK have alarmingly increased by a factor of three since the Brexit referendum. This year’s theme will shine a spotlight on both the positive and negative – celebrating the progress we have made, whilst highlighting the work that is still left to do.

The complete line-up:

SUNDAY, JULY 30

Family Fun Day: Fitzgerald’s Park: 12pm

Live music, kiddie’s disco, market, dog show, air archery, sumo wrestling, and much, much more for all in the queer family.

Mr Gay Cork: Chamber’s Bar: 7pm: €5

Come along and cheer for the next winner of Cork’s big gay pageant, who will represent the People’s Republic at the big final in Dublin.

MONDAY, JULY 21

Wellbeing Evening: Cork Gay Project: 7.30pm

With a line up of guest speakers on issues facing the LGBT community, warm-up yoga, and debate.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1

The Cork LGBT Pride Coming Out Event: 7pm: Starbucks Opera Lane

An evening where we would like to welcome new members to our community, share our stories and give insights and advice to those struggling with coming out, or having difficulties accepting their sexuality.

The Peacock Parlour:  The Poor Relation, 19 Parnell Place

Bi Ireland, in association with the Cork Pride Festival, presents a night of Burlesque cabaret and entertainment with the inimitable Foxy P Cox and friends.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

ReCollective Pride Art Expo Launch: St. Peter’s, North Main St: 7pm

Exhibition from artists Orla Egan, Stephen Doyle, Krzysiek Rosa and Konrad Im, exploring four different themes.

Sinners: Chambers: 10pm til late: free admission

Hang up your hailo and get your groove on with pop, dance and alt rock from DJ Dave.

GAZE Screening: St Peter’s: 8pm

An evening of Irish shorts brought to Cork by the GAZE International Dublin LGBT Film Festival.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

Our Voices, Then and Now: 7:30pm: Cork Gay Project, 4 South Terrace

In recent years, Trans voices have been very vocal, and more and more Trans people have been visible – but did you know that Trans people have been in Ireland for hundreds of years?  Join TENI for an evening of sharing our history and our present.

Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance: St Anne’s: 7.30pm

A chance to remember the brave souls who came before us and dedicated themselves to furthering the LGBT+ cause.

Zoo Night: BDSM Cork: 10pm til late

Latex and leather take centre stage at this fetish night featuring electro DJ’s and go-go dancers.

Latino Sounds – Carnival: Chambers, 10pm til late

Get your booty in gear for a night of Latin beats and salsa sounds.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

La Vie En Rose: St Peter’s: 6.30pm

Join friends and family for a celebration of the life and times of Cork LGBT legend David Roche, who sadly passed away on July 1.

Decades Party: Friday August 4: Chambers: 10pm til late

Featuring pop classics from the 70s to naughties, it’s a night of nostalgia with on the dancefloor!

LINC OUTrageous Women’s Club Night: The Cube, Hanover St, 11pm til late

Male friends are welcome as guest at this night of dancing, socialising and outrageous fun.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

The Cork LGBT Pride Village: Bishop Lucy Park: 12pm to 6pm

Market, live music from stellar bands, a Red FM Karaoke set, and queer sports events including the annual Handbag Toss, Stiletto Dash and Lipstick Relay.

LINC Goes Global: LINC, White St: 2pm to 5pm

An afternoon of exotic and international flavours as LINC serves up a feast for the senses.

Alyssa Edwards: Chambers: 7pm til late, tickets €15 from eventbrite.ie

Ru Paul Drag Race star, Alyssa headlines a night also featuring Paul Ryder, Letycha Le Synn and Miss Bliss.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

Cork Pride Parade: Gathering at Grand Parade: 12pm

Take to the streets of Cork in a technicolour show of love and Pride. It’s your day to celebrate!

The Official Cork Pride After-party: Grand Parade: 3pm

Featuring DJ sets and live music, food stalls, the Pride market, and a chill-out and family area.

For full updates, visit www.corkpride.com, or like the Cork Pride Facebook page