Mayo Pride is returning to Westport in 2023 for the June Bank Holiday to celebrate its biggest-ever festival!

From Thursday, June 1, to Sunday, June 4, you can experience an array of vibrant activities in the stunning surroundings of Westport. Undeterred by last year’s protests by far-right groups at a Drag Storytime, the Mayo Pride team is proud to be able to present 15 different events that cater to every person and taste.

With hikes, drag shows, workshops, cabaret, art, music and bike rides, there is sure to be something for everyone.

The festival will kick off with an exclusive screening of Mayo native and Dancing with the Stars sensation Panti Bliss’ new stage show, If These Wigs Could Talk, on Thursday, June 1. There will also be a pizza party and cocktails at Teach Scoile.

?Join us for the opening of Mayo Pride on Thursday June 1st at an exclusive screening in Westport of @PantiBliss sensational show If These Wigs Could Talk

Expect both activism and far-fetched shenanigans

Tickets on sale now! https://t.co/fOAAUsD4G3 pic.twitter.com/7uxGpmC90Q

— Mayo Pride (@Mayo_Pride) May 18, 2023

Daytime events include Ride With Pride, a jaunt along the stunning Greenway, The Big Gay Hike up Croagh Patrick, Sea Pride swimming complete with Barrel West Sauna, a Pride soundtrack supplied by Free-Jay along with nibbles by Savoir Faire and mocktails from Ed in a Horsebox. Pride goers will also be able to unwind and take a Pride Cruise around the gorgeous Clew Bay.

Nighttime antics will include a fierce queer cabaret featuring beloved drag performers Candy Warhol and Marian Mary the 6th, the all-singing, all-dancing comedy duo Floozy & Bluesy, alternative artiste The Dirt Bird, as well as Feargh Curtis and Culchie Goth. 

For families, there will be a Pride Storytime, and ShoutOut will host a free workshop titled The ABCs of LGBTQ+. For little creatives, there will be F.art, a FUN art club “like none you’ve ever seen”, and an extra special talk and “write-up” event for aspiring authors will be hosted by An Post Book Awards-nominated writer Jarlath Gregory.

The main parade will take place in Westport on June 3 at 2pm, with long-time LGBTQ+ rights activist and former winner of the Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh (MEP), as Grand Marshal.

About her role, she said: “It was only 30 years ago, in 1993, Ireland decriminalised homosexuality and so, a Pride celebration is much more than a weekend of celebration, colour and people gathering. It serves as a beacon of light for people, of all ages, living in the towns and villages across Mayo who wish to love who they love and do so in a safe and welcoming community.

“I am incredibly proud to support and champion Mayo Pride,” she added.

Under the motto of hope and inclusion, Mayo Pride Chairperson Conor Wilson stressed the importance of not letting hate and division win, and putting the focus on the Pride this year and every year being a protest.

“In a world torn apart by division and injustice, the significance of Pride is as poignant now as it ever was. Let’s not take our freedoms for granted. It’s time to hit the Mayo streets once again and remind ourselves that Pride is not just a celebration, but a vital act of visibility and protest.”

??? Announcement!

Save the date. Mayo Pride returns to Westport June bank holiday weekend, 2nd-5th 2023, bigger, better, and more fabulous than ever.

Stay tuned for full line-up of events and how you can get involved.

Sharing is caring, so spread the word ? pic.twitter.com/4mwCD0CBbj

— Mayo Pride (@Mayo_Pride) February 15, 2023

At night after the parade, Mayo Pride will celebrate its 2023 post-parade party extravaganza featuring Ireland’s queer club night and festival favourite Mother.

Event registration and tickets are on sale from www.mayopride.com

Places are limited, so early booking is advised!