Mayo's first Pride parade

MAYO is to celebrate its first ever Pride parade in style.

Three days of events are taking place in Castlebar from July 21 to 23, with everything from art to comedy, a family fun day and the big parade from the Mall.

“Pride is about celebration,†said Pride committee chair Cathy Blake, “but it's also about being seen. For some people who are LGBT+ it is still difficult to be themselves. 

“Pride is a way to celebrate diversity, but it is also about saying to people it's OK to be you, there is a community out there for you to be a part of, and there is support available when you need it.

“We want Pride to be inclusive so we are inviting our parents, family, friends, supporters and other communities to join in and enjoy the fun.â€

This first Pride is set to be a fantastic weekend and a great start to what will hopefully become an annual event. 

The official launch and flag raising takes place at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 21, at the offices of Mayo County Council, followed by drinks in the Ivy Tower, venue also for an art exhibition. Comedy later that night is with David McSavage and a host of others.

Saturday kicks off with a drumming workshop for the parade at the Ivy Tower, with the parade gathering at the Mall from 1.30 to 2 p.m. 

The parade starts from the Mall at 2 p.m., with a family day at Market Square running from then until 6 p.m. Entertainment that night is from the Dirty Circus, followed by music.

Sunday begins with a climb of Croagh Patrick with Sidhe Chomamara and festivities draw to a close with a wind down session in the Connaught Inn from 2 p.m. onwards.

Full details are on the Pride website, www.mayopride.com, and you can also follow the event on facebook@mayopride, twitter and Instagram. For more, call (087) 9725586 for details.