Your guide to the best events and things to do – The Irish News

Belfast Pride is back in the city with a packed programme of 150 events spread over 10 days.

The city welcomes vibrant parades, colourful costumes, lively music and community events as part of the main event on the LGBTQI+ calendar.

The festival runs from Friday 19 July to Sunday 28 July, with Pride Day and the main Pride Parade on Saturday 27 July.

This year’s theme is “Love Your Mind” and organizers said: “Mental health is a topic that affects every person in many ways.

“Many people reading this have personal experience with mental health issues, for example with a partner, our children, a family member or a friend.

“And poor mental health is something that unfortunately disproportionately impacts members of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

They added: “Our message to everyone in our community is that you are loved and you matter.”

Belfast Pride was officially launched on Friday with an awards ceremony at the Clayton Hotel.

The coming week will be packed with events taking place all over the city.

Family day on the town hall grounds

The community activities begin on Saturday (July 20) at 12 noon with a fun family day on the lawn of Belfast City Hall.

The event promises fun for the whole family, including bouncy castles, face painting and circus performers. Entry is free.

Made with pride

On Sunday, July 21, organizers will host “Crafted With Pride,” an arts and crafts fair at 2 Royal Avenue from 10am to 3pm.

Enjoy free entry and discover the many fantastic artisanal products made by queer artisans.

Belfast Pride presents: Pride Talks Back

On Tuesday, July 23, at 7:00 PM, political representatives will answer questions about issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community at The MAC.

Immediately after the 2024 general election, BBC Talkback presenter William Crawley will take questions from the audience to representatives of Northern Ireland’s main political parties.

South Antrim MLA John Blair will represent Alliance, while North Belfast MLA Carál ní Chuilín will represent Sinn Féin.

UUP politician, historian and gay political activist Jeff Dudgeon will also be there, and SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite, who won the Pride Politician of the Year award on Friday, will also be there that night.

According to the organisers, the DUP was also invited to provide a representative, but they did not respond to the invitation.

Tickets are not available for the event, but it will also be streamed live on Belfast Pride’s Facebook page.

Proud Céilí at the Black Box

On Wednesday 24th July you can take part in the Pride Céilí at the Black Box, organised in partnership with Belfast Tradfest.

Enjoy live traditional music with dancing by Ronán Eastwood. Tickets cost £5 and are available here.

Annual Belfast Pride Parade

Belfast Pride is by far the biggest celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community in the country and the iconic annual parade takes place on Saturday 27 July.

The parade starts at 1pm at Custom House Square and winds through the heart of the city centre before finishing on Victoria Street.

The set-up for the parade starts at 11:30. Translink will provide a bus for people with limited accessibility.

The service is available to anyone with mobility, mental health or sensory issues, as well as families.

To register, please email [email protected].