Belfast Pride 2023: Parade route, times, weather & special events

We’ve got your need-to-know guide 🌈

Published 24th Jul 2023
Last updated 24th Jul 2023

This weekend 100,000 people are expected to line the streets of Belfast for the biggest and main event in the LGBTQ calendar - the annual Pride parade.

A rainbow of colour, joy and celebration takeover the famous streets and landmarks of Northern Ireland’s capital. All corners of the LGBTQ+ and wider community take part.

Cool FM and Downtown Radio are proud to be the official media partners for Belfast Pride this year. We’ll be celebrating and marching at the parade.

Who walks in a Pride parade?

As well as a bunch of corporate sponsors who assist in making the entire parade possible, there are: charities, unions, professional networks, kink groups, activists, political parties…the idea is that EVERYONE is welcome.

What time does the Belfast Pride Parade start?

Taking place on Saturday 29th July, the build-up to the parade takes place at Custom House Square, with the parade starting at 1pm.

What route will the Belfast Pride Parade take this year?

What will the weather be like?

Saturday will be overcast for most of the day, with spells of rain lingering throughout.

If you're heading down to the city centre, be sure to pack your sunnies and umbrella.

How many events are taking place at Belfast Pride?

A full programme of exciting events including a Pride Village and Party in the Square at Custom House Square will be taking place this weekend.

This year’s Pride celebrations kicked off Friday 21st July and run until Sunday 30th July.

Check out our handy Pride events guide 👇

LGBTQ+ TOURS AT HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE

Historic Royal Palaces – the charity that cares for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - is exploring the diverse history of its households' residents and visitors over the years and has developed a fascinating series of LGBTQ+ tours that will take place at the Castle, as part of the Belfast Pride Festival, 21 – 23 July. Visitors will be able to explore changing attitudes to sexuality and gender identity and learn how some of the artworks and objects on display at Hillsborough Castle tell those stories.
Hillsborough Castle runs a whole host of special interest tours throughout the year, covering a range of topics from behind-the-scenes conservation tours to exploring the political stories associated with the Castle.

The LGBTQ+ Tours will run daily at 11am and pre-booking is advised. Visit hrp.org.uk/Hillsborough-castle for further information.

PLACES OF PRIDE

Take part in an LGBTQIA+ Walking Tour of Belfast and learn about 'Places of Pride'. Taking place on 22nd & 26th July at 2pm, to register interest, pop an email across to history@hereni.org

BONA POLARI! POLARI WRITING WORKSHOP WITH LEE CAMPBELL

Learn the secret code language used when homosexuality was illegal. Participants are then given copies of a Polari dictionary which Lee uses as a basis for discussion including identifying Polari words that they may already be using.
Participants can also write their own rhyming Polari phrases and are invited to speak their phrases out aloud for everyone to enjoy.

GRINDR FOR DUMMIES - 15 Union Street

Your ultimate user-friendly guide to Grindr, the infamous hook-up/ dating app. Learn everything from the absolute basics to the absolute necessities.
Find out how to connect with more people than ever - even if you want to stay anonymous. But whether you're looking for Mr. Right or even Mr. Right now, most importantly we'll help answer if Grindr is right for you. This event is 18+

PLACARDS FOR PRIDE! - Belfast LGBTQIA+ Centre, 23-31 Waring Street

If you are aged 12 to 21, join us for placard designing in the Cara-Friend Youth Space on Waring Street for a night to get creative.
All signs and art supplies will be provided on the night to design your Pride sign, just bring yourself and the message you'd like to share!

THE NORTHERN WHIG’S PRIDE BINGO DISCO - Bridge Street

Come along to the Northern Whig's Bingo Disco for a night to remember.
It costs £5 per person donation to Belfast Pride to play, with spot prizes on the night and a range of vouchers for The Horatio Group to be won

ULSTER FOLK AND TRANSPORT MUSEUM FAMILY DAY OUT

Come along on a trip to Cultra on the 25th July at 10am. Transport included, limited spaces available, open to all family ties members.
Email Amanda on hello@lgbtmh.org to register.

HERe NI’S PRIDE AFTERNOON TEA - Belfast LGBTQIA+ Centre, 23-31 Waring Street

Please join us for a special Pride afternoon tea & chat.
For more details, please email jennifer.mckinnon@hereni.org

LIVING LIBRARY - Belfast Central Library

The Living Library in conjunction with The Rainbow Project is back after last year's success. A library, not of books but of real people with stories to tell.
This is a unique opportunity for the public to gain insight and knowledge about the lived experience of being LGBTQIA+. Select your book, sit back and listen as our books come to life! Ages 18+

TRUDY SCRUMPTIOUS IN CONVERSATION WITH... LIVE PODCAST RECORDING - The Belfast Barge, 1 Lanyon Place

Join Trudy Scrumptious in conversation with guests of all generations about their experiences growing up LGBTQIA+ in Northern Ireland.
Throughout the conversations, guests will delve into topics such as self- discovery, coming out, navigating relationships, finding community, and the impact of societal attitudes and legal frameworks.
By sharing personal anecdotes, memories, and insights, they will paint a vivid picture of what it means to grow up LGBTQIA+ in Northern Ireland.

Pride Talks Back - The MAC

This year's Pride Talks Back will feature politicians from across the political spectrum, there to answer the questions that matter most to you.
Hosted by William Crawley, Pride Talks Back provides you with an opportunity to put your questions directly to those with responsibility for the protection of our community and the promotion of LGBTQIA+ inclusion and human rights.
While we celebrate the success of the campaign for marriage equality in Northern Ireland, we cannot forget the many inequalities our community face.
From mental health to hate crime and trans healthcare to safer schools, join us to learn more about what is being done to address these important issues and to put your questions directly to those in power.

QUEER QOMEDY NIGHT - Ulster Sports Club

A night of Queer Qomedy, have a laugh and enjoy being together, at the Ulster Sports Club (Tap Room). The MC will be The Rainbow Project's very own Leo Lardie! Doors open at 7.15pm and show starts at 8pm.
Tickets only available online at rainbow-project.org (18+ event)

PLACES OF PRIDE LGBTQIA+ HERITAGE TOUR - Royal Avenue

Learn about the diverse LGBTQIA+ Heritage of Belfast on this walking tour. Registration essential by emailing history@hereni.org

PRIDE COMMUNITY SAFETY - St Comghall’s, Falls Road

HEReNI and West Belfast Community Safety Forum invite you to join us at our Pride Community Safety event where there will be lots of information, advice and products to help you stay safe and supported in your community.
There will be stalls and support available from a wide range of community services. Tea, coffee and refreshments included.
This event is open to the public.

BELFAST TRADFEST’S PRIDE CÉILÍ - Black Box

The Pride Céilí is back and everyone is welcome! After a full house again in 2022, there will be LIVE traditional music with dances called by Ronán Eastwood.
There will be some help for beginners at the start so come along join the fun, hear some great live traditional music and learn a few dances.
Tickets: belfasttradfest.com

THE BIG GAY QUIZ 2023 - Union Bar, Queen’s Students’ Union

After last year sold out, The Rainbow Project's annual Pride week fundraiser THE BIG GAY QUIZ is back bigger and better on Thurs 27th July in the brand new Union Bar at Queen's Students' Union!
Huge prizes, tough questions and great craic delivered by your amazing quiz hosts Emma-Rose & Rusty Hinges! The Union Bar pizza kitchen will be open to fuel those brain cells too!

AIR PUNCH: PRIDE SPECIAL - Oh Yeah Music Centre

Air Punch returns for a power ballad filled Pride special on Fri 28th July in The Oh Yeah Music Centre!
Expect to hear everything from Bon Jovi to Mariah Carey, Queen to Bonnie Tyler, Meat Loaf to Celine Dion, Alice Cooper to Whitney Houston and so much more!
£1 from each ticket donated to The Rainbow Project.

TRANSFORMATIONAL KARAOKE & KOCKTAILS - Black Box

Join Alliance for Choice for a night of cheap cocktails & out of tune renditions of your favourite belters & ballads.
Dress up & melodrama is enabled & encouraged as are sequins & feathers. Spot prizes for the best crooners. Proceeds to Trans Pride.

CARA-FRIEND LGBTQIA+ YOUTH PRE-PRIDE PARTY - Belfast LGBTQIA+ Centre 23-31 Waring Street

Cara-Friend will be holding their annual pre-Pride party for LGBTQIA+ young people aged 12 - 21 years old.
Celebrating everything Pride!
Dress in your most colourful outfit and get ready to have a blast.
There will be fun activities and party games on the night to get you into the spirit of Pride the night before the main event.

NORTHERN WHIG’S PRIDE BREAKFAST - Bridge Street

Limited space available for the annual Pride Breakfast. Please contact The Northern Whig for information on availability.

THE RAINBOW PROJECT RECHARGE ZONE - 15 Union Street

Need a moment of peace and quiet during the hectic Pride day, a plug to charge your phone or want to find out about our services?
Then come along to the Recharge Zone in The Rainbow Project centre in Union Street!

BELFAST PRIDE PARADE - starting at Custom House Square

The Belfast Pride Parade is a chance to celebrate our lives and identities and protest for the rights we don't yet have. Join the party atmosphere at the pre-parade build up from 11.30am before the parade sets off at 1.00pm sharp.

BELFAST PRIDE’S PARTY IN THE SQUARE with KREMLIN

It's the original Pride Party and the biggest LGBTQIA+ party in Belfast – your Pride wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Square!
The Main Stage will feature a whole host of LGBTQIA+ local talent and entertainment starting as soon as the parade gets back to the Square.
Its unique atmosphere is more popular than ever, with a range of food vendors on site, not to mention the ever popular Pride Shop!

BELFAST PRIDE’S PRIDE VILLAGE - The Big Fish

Across the road from Custom House Square, take in the atmosphere of Pride Village located by the 'Big Fish'. You'll find a range of stalls from community groups and statutory agencies along with community and family spaces and entertainment.

Sit on the grass, talk to local community groups, find out about support services and social groups and enjoy family friendly fun throughout Pride Day.There will be a wide range of stalls with a lot of freebies for you and the kids as well as music and entertainment.

TABOO’S PRIDE PARTY AT THE TELEGRAPH BUILDING

It's Belfast's BIGGEST and only OFFICIAL Belfast Pride After Party, located right in the heart of the queer quarter!
Expect big tunes, big production, big performances in Belfast's BIGGEST club venue!

SEXUAL HEALTH TESTING DROP IN AFTERNOON

The Union Street Centre is a safe space - stop by to say hello to the staff, have a break, grab a cuppa/water/juice and find out information on our services.
Rapid HIV and Syphilis testing is available from 2pm. These tests are free and confidential and only take twenty minutes! Ages 18+ for testing

TRANS SWIMMING - details on registration

Trans Only Swimming sessions help to eliminate some of the fears and barriers trans, non-binary and intersex people face going swimming.
We book out the entire swimming pool and changing rooms to ensure the privacy and comfort of all our participants.
This allows participants to wear what they feel comfortable in, around people that have the same insecurities as them, without fear of staring or harassment.
Email to book: ren@rainbow-project.org
Under 18yrs must be accompanied by an adult

PRIDE NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM THE DRUTHAIB’S BALL TALK AND TOUR - Ulster Museum

A very special Pride Night at the Museum for HEReNI.
This will include a tour and talk on the Turner Prize winning installation 'The Druthaib's Ball' by artists from the Array Collective. This event is open to all lesbian and bisexual women.
To book, please email jennifer.mckinnon@hereni.org

What is happening at Custom House Square for Belfast Pride?

From midday on Saturday 29th July, the main stage at Custom House Square will feature a host of LGBTQ+ and local entertainment, it’s a truly unique atmosphere.

The team have tried to improve accessibility, with a dedicated viewing area and the show will be signed.

The Mayor of Belfast will welcome everyone before the artists take to the stage. More details on who will be performing will be shared soon – we’ll keep you posted.

Where is the Belfast Pride Village?

From 12:00 on Saturday 29th July, Belfast Pride Village will be set-up at Donegall Quay (beside the Big Fish).

Here you’ll find a Pride themed marketplace with community and family spaces, the perfect spot to relax and take in the buzz from the celebrations.

It’s open from 12:00 and continues after the parade.

Take a look back at Belfast’s past Pride parades 👇

Belfast Pride 1991

The very first Belfast Pride Parade took place in 1991

Belfast Pride 1991

Belfast Pride 2003

Belfast Pride 2006

Belfast Pride 2007

Belfast Pride 2008

Belfast Lord Mayor Tom Hartley attended the annual 2008 Belfast Pride parade in Belfast.

Belfast Pride 2009

Belfast Pride 2011

Belfast Pride 2012

Belfast Pride 2013

Belfast Pride 2014

Belfast Pride 2015

Belfast Pride 2016

Belfast Pride 2017

Belfast Pride 2018

Belfast Pride 2019

Mid Ulster Pride 2021

Mid Ulster's 2nd Rural LGBTQI+ pride event took place in Cookstown in September 2021

Mid Ulster Pride 2021

Omagh Pride 2021

Omagh hosted its first ever Pride event in September 2021 to celebrate LGBT rights. A march took place through the town centre followed by live entertainment.

Omagh Pride 2021

In photos: SuperCup NI opening ceremony & parade

Over 100 Pride events to take place this year across Belfast

CHSq 2022: A closer look at this year's full line-up

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