Two cities are now officially in the running to host EuroPride 2028, Europe’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration. The West of Ireland, comprising Limerick Pride, QuareClare, and The Outing Festival, is set to compete with Manchester Pride in northern England.
Manchester previously hosted EuroPride in 2003, while the event has never before taken place in Ireland. The bid from the West would bring EuroPride to counties Clare and Limerick, placing the festivities against the scenic backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way.
President of the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA), Patrick Orth, welcomed the bids, saying: “The high velocity of political change across Europe is making EuroPride even more important for our community to come together and keep pressing for change. The political shifts in the UK and Ireland are no less profound, and so it is exciting to have bids from both countries to centre their LGBTQIA+ communities in European consciousness. I look forward to seeing their ambitions in their full bid later this year.”
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Eddie McGuinness, spokesperson for the Irish EuroPride 2028 bid, spoke of the opportunity to bring something new to the event: “This presents a unique chance for the LGBTQIA+ community to experience Ireland’s rich culture and spirit. Hosting EuroPride 2028 would be a historic milestone, celebrating love, diversity, and acceptance against the stunning backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way. This event would highlight the island of Ireland’s welcoming nature and extend ‘Pride in Our Community’. Let’s create a momentous festival together. Céad Míle Fáilte to all international visitors!”
EuroPride attracts over 100,000 attendees annually from across the globe. The event is hosted in a different European city each year, with previous editions held in cities such as London, Madrid, Rome, Zurich, and Thessaloniki.
This year’s EuroPride will be hosted by Lisbon, Portugal, and will take place over nine days this June. The final decision on the host for EuroPride 2028 is expected later this year, once both shortlisted bids have submitted their complete proposals.
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