Pride of the Déise is delighted to announce a jam-packed Pride programme for this June Bank Holiday weekend, which includes the first Community Pride March to take place in the city in over ten years.
With music, film, workshops, and cabaret there’s sure to be something for everyone, and all events before 9 pm are entirely free!
On the return of Pride to the streets of Waterford, Pride of the Déise’s Secretary Sasha Terfous said “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. Having Pride on our own doorstep is incredibly positive”.
“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,” said Pride of the Déise Chair Cam Lyttle.
"In 2021 Waterford experienced a wave of incidents including the removal and burning of pride flags and the promotion of ‘straight pride’ in the 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.”
The Pride of the Déise festival will span 4 days over the June Bank Holiday weekend from the Friday the 3rd to Monday 6th. More details are available at prideofthedeise.ie
Schedule
Friday
Queer Vision, a Mini Film Festival now in its 3rd year kicks off proceedings on Friday 3rd of June in Garter Lane Arts Centre at 6 pm with an exciting programme of short films from home and abroad, entry is free but book early to avoid disappointment.
Disgraceful Cabaret brings A Queer night of Drag, Burlesque, Cosplay & Nonsense to The Mojo Lounge at 9 pm.
Saturday
Morning workshops in Garter Lane Arts Centre from 10 am with Sexpert Dr Caroline West and Ms Gay Ireland Steph Fogarty cumulate in a 12pm live recording of the Glow West podcast exploring sex, sexuality, and the body from a sexual wellness perspective.
The Pride March is a celebration of the people and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community. Setting off from Cathedral Square in the Viking Triangle at 2pm on Saturday the 4th of June, the march will move along the Quay to Hanover Street where there will be speeches and entertainment before our Cultural Quarter Block Party at 6.30 with ALIENSINCAVES, Naoise and The X Collective.
A Pride of the Déise & Club B takeover at Masons Bar takes the celebration into the night with one huge queer party over two floors featuring Irish Techno DJ, Producer and Enigma label founder SYM∅NYE.
Sunday
A beginner-friendly yoga class
Gayrea 51 Youth Pride Parties in Manor Street CYP Hosted by the Magnificent Lady Fifi Fondue. Young people will be the stars of this Pride celebration, meet new friends and supporters, rise to the challenges in epic circle group games, find the flag, quiz, learn to drag workshop and get your Lady Gaga impression ready for Karaoke. Capture it all in our photo booth! It’s going to be out of this world. Call, text or WhatsApp Debbie on 0860218941, or contact @ChillOUT on Facebook messenger or Instagram to join. Young people aged 10-13 welcome from 1pm – 3pm and 14-24 from 4pm on.
Monday
From 12pm set out on a Pride Ride Greenway Cycle. This will start at both ends of the route – in Waterford City and Dungarvan – in collaboration with Dungarvan Pride and with thanks to Sporting Pride and Cycle Ireland
A Rural Pride Celebration will take place when the West Waterford Rural Pride bus and the cyclists from the Waterford & Dungarvan Pride Ride arrive at Coach House Coffee in Kilmacthomas where we will gather, eat, drink, dance and be merry to celebrate rural LGBT+ people, community groups and all our supporters in the West of the County!
