Over 2,000 attend very colourful Mayo Pride Parade

Mayo Pride, which has taken place in Westport over the weekend, proved a major success.

It had a packed range of events - from cycling along the gorgeous Greenway and art clubs to a sold-out cabaret and Kate Bush tribute concert.

The main parade through Westport town on Saturday celebrated the west’s LGBTQ+ community with an explosion of colour and a celebration of inclusiveness and belonging.

The parade involved 500 people and was watched by 1,500 spectators.

The parade was led by Maria Walsh MEP, who gave an impassioned speech about how far the LGBTQ+ rights movement has come.

Mayo TD Alan Dillon was also in attendance.

This year marks 30 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland and 40 years since Ireland’s first gay Pride march.

Maria also stressed that Pride is more important than ever in the face of rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the world.

Mayo Pride received a warm and incredible welcome from Westport and the whole of Mayo.

The organisers are so grateful to the countless individuals, businesses and community organisations that made the weekend so special.

Mayo Pride is run completely by volunteers.

If you want to help us run a diverse and full line-up of events next year, please donate here: