Pride of the Déise, Waterford’s grassroots LGBTQ+ festival, is set to return in 2025 for an incredible celebration of the local community. Taking place from June 1 to 13, the community-led festival promises a programme packed full of events, performances, workshops and more.
Following last year’s incredible success, the 2025 festival will open with Oíche Draíochta: An Evening of Queer Magic & Mischief, an immersive event that blends performance, protest, and celebration in a rural location. Included in the ticket will be transport from Waterford City, as well as finger food and a cocktail or mocktail on arrival.
Here is the full list of events in store at the 2025 Pride of the Déise festival.
Hope and Courage Collective Workshop
June 3
This workshop will focus on understanding and countering far-right narratives, and building collective resilience.
Poetry Workshop with Sasha Terfous
June 4
Held at Waterford Central Library, this creative writing workshop will be hosted by acclaimed poet and spoken word artist Sasha Terfous.
Queer Tramore Beach Meetup
June 5
This casual social gathering is hosted by Queer Tramore, a new local group creating space for the LGBTQ+ community at the seaside.
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Pride March and Block Party
June 7
Starting strong with a community breakfast, the annual Pride march will then take participants through Waterford City. The day will end with the iconic Block Party in the Cultural Quarter, featuring live music, performances, a queer market, and a quiet space in partnership with Neuropride Ireland.
LGBT+ History Talks
June 9
This online event will explore Ireland’s LGBTQ+ history, highlighting resilience, activism and cultural memory.
Sober Roller Disco
June 11
Launched in partnership with Southland Sirens Roller Derby, this alcohol-free event offers a unique opportunity for LGBTQ+ people to connect and celebrate together.
Wikipedia Workshop
June 12
Hosted by Wikimedia Community Ireland, this bilingual event invites participants to help increase LGBTQ+ visibility online by contributing to Vicipéid (as Gaeilge) or Wikipedia (in English.)
Lash Out: Pride Edition
June 13
Closing the festival, this high-energy drag show will feature performers from across the region and beyond.
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Commenting on the launch of the programme, Chairperson Amy O’Riordan said: “As a community-run festival, Pride of the Déise is rooted in the values of accessibility, solidarity, and joy. We know that real inclusion means removing barriers – financial, social, and structural – so that everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community can take part, not just a few.
“That’s why we’ve worked hard this year to ensure the majority of our events are free or low-cost, and that our spaces reflect the needs of the people we serve. Pride belongs to all of us, and we’re proud to keep building it together, here in Waterford. We’re very grateful to Waterford City and County Council for their continued support through the festival grant fund which enables us to create these spaces across the city and county.”
For the full 2025 programme offered by Pride of the Déise, visit their website. Pride of the Déise is proudly supported by the Waterford City and County Council Festivals Grant Fund.
© 2025 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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