We can’t believe it’s almost a whole year since we paraded through the streets of Dublin celebrating our Pride, and marriage equality, with style, grace and lots of good face. Courtesy of Dublin Pride’s Jed Dowling, here’s a rundown of what to expect from this year’s fabulous festival and Parade day!

This year Dublin LGBTQ Pride has chosen the theme ‘Rebel Rebel’. It’s not just a nod to the 1916 rebel leaders, or to David Bowie, it’s a reminder that Pride was born and developed out of rebellion. Rebellion against inequality and oppression, and also rebellion against mediocrity. Our Grand Marshall is well-known activist and former Mr Gay World, Max Krzyzanowski, and the festival will be officialy be launched on June 2 in City Hall by the Lord Mayor, Criona Ni Dhálaigh.

A Few Changes

This year we’re making a few changes to we run things. We’re designating the whole month of June as Pride. A bit like Gay History Month in some countries, it’s a whole 30 days of community events celebrating and promoting equality and diversity. The city festival will take place from June 22 to 26, kicking off on Wednesday 22 with our opening party in The George, which will include a presentation by Tonie Walsh on the history of Dublin Pride. On Thursday we have our political debate, once again hosted by the National LGBT Federation’s Adam Long, and on Friday we’re introducing a new event. We’re revamping Dyke Night and calling it Suffragette City (for the year that’s in it), making it part of an all-inclusive social night of entertainment at Odessa in Dublin 2.

Parade & Village

The Pride Parade is always the highlight of the festival and takes place on Saturday June 25. Once again we’re starting out at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square and marching to Merrion Square. Due to ongoing Luas works in the city, the route will be essentially the same as last year. Merrion Square will once again turn into Pride Village, and we’ve scheduled a full day of entertainment with not just one but two stages. Inside the park we’re delighted to welcome back the team from H&G Creations, who will have a mix of dance, poetry and music with something for everyone. There will also be dedicated family and community zones within the park and plenty of food and refreshments available. On our main stage we’ll be joined by Panti, Phil T Gorgeous, Veda, Davina Devine, Victoria Secrets, some live music and a host of community leaders.

Official Events

For those who want to keep on partying, we’ll be publishing a list of official Dublin Pride events and venues, Including The George, Mother, Pantibar and more. These are events that support Dublin Pride and various community groups throughout the year and are not simply trading off the reputation of a voluntary organisation. We encourage everyone to support these events and book early to avoid disappointment. We’ll be working with Cuckoo Events on the day of the Parade to keep everything running smoothly and safely. We ask for everyone’s cooperation in making Dublin Pride once again the best-run festival in the city!