Waterford to host first Pride march in over 10 years

From cabaret and Pride parties to yoga and sexual wellness workshops, Pride of the Déise has something for everyone.

Events . Written by Saoirse Schad.

Two Pride flags and an Irish flag outside a prominent building in Waterford
Image: Via Twitter @damiengeoghegan

This June, Waterford will see its first Pride march in over a decade as part of the Pride of the Déise festival.

Taking place this June bank holiday weekend, the four-day festival promises an event-packed lineup with music, film, workshops, and cabaret – what more could you ask for?!

“For years, many of us had to venture to a lot of the bigger cities since there wasn’t something on here, now we have a full Pride weekend here in Waterford and that’s fantastic,” said Sasha Terfous, Pride of the Déise secretary. “Having Pride on our own doorstep is incredibly positive”.

Kicking off on Friday, June 3, with a mini film festival called Queer Vision, the exciting lineup includes a queer night of cabaret, morning workshops exploring sex, sexuality and sexual wellness, a block party, a takeover at Masons Bar, a yoga class, youth Pride parties, a Pride Ride cycle stretching from Waterford City to Dungarvan and capped off with a community Pride celebration… and of course, the long-awaited return of the Pride parade.

The Parade itself takes place on Saturday, June 4, when proud members of LGBTQ+ community and allies will meet at Cathedral Square in the Viking Triangle before striding along the Quay to Hanover Street, followed by speeches and entertainment. The march departs at 2PM with everyone invited to a celebratory Cultural Quarter Block Party post-parade at 6:30 PM.

“Pride is a space to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the local community and reflect on the progress we have made together, while also responding to some of the hate and discrimination faced recently with visibility and inclusion,” added Cam Lyttle, Pride of the Déise chairperson.

Cam is referring to a string of homophobic incidents in 2021, when Pride flags were burned and ‘straight pride’ was being promoted in Waterford city.

“I think locally people were shocked,” said Cam. “It’s not representative of the City, and Pride gives us an opportunity to show that.”

All events that take place before 9 PM are free of charge and you can learn more about the Pride of the Déise festival on their website.

© 2022 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.

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