Over 150 Pride events to take place this year across Belfast
We've put together a helpful guide of what's happening and where 👇
Last updated 19th Jul 2024
Belfast Pride Festival kicks off today (Friday 19th July - Sunday 28th July), with over 150 events and celebrations taking place over 10 days across the city.
Back for 2024, organisers hope to have the biggest Pride parade since the event started back in 1991.
The theme for Belfast Pride 2024 is Love Your Mind. A statement from the Belfast Pride team explains: "Our message to every person in our community is that you are loved and that you matter. It really is OK not to be OK, and it is always good to ask for help. We want to promote positive mental health.
"We can do this by signposting all of the organisations doing great work in this area and raising awareness of how we can access their valuable services. We can do this by celebrating who we are and building on the tremendous sense of community that we have.
"We want to help each other to Love Our Minds, and in doing so, to love ourselves."
To find out more about Belfast Pride and for support, visit belfastpride.com
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 so if you're there, be sure to give us a wave 👋
Check out a recap from last year's parade 👇
Take a look at our handy guide to find out what’s happening, where and when across the city for Belfast Pride 2024 👇
Belfast Pride Awards 2024 – Clayton Hotel, Belfast
Belfast Pride Awards acknowledge and celebrate the local talent, LGBTQIA+ champions, partnerships and services that work tirelessly to make Belfast a brighter, safer and more inclusive place for everyone.
The winners are chosen through a combination of public votes and expert panel discussions. You can keep up to date on all the action and winners on Belfast Pride's social media.
Cara-Friend LGBTQIA+ Youth Mixer – 23-31 Waring Street
Whether you're new to the community or a regular, this is chance to meet new friends, connect and have a great time in a safe and welcoming space.
Bring your friends, your energy and your true self for a night to remember.
Cold Water Queers – Dip With Pride – Browns Bay, Larne
Grab your brightest swim attire and pack a brunch, as the team turn the sea rainbow in the second annual dip for Pride. Proceeds donated will go to a local LGBTQIA charity and to keep their swim group running.
For registration details, email coldwaterqueers@yahoo.com
Entering the water if at your own risk so please assess your ability to do so before joining in.
Belfast Pride Family Fun Day – Belfast City Hall Grounds
Brought to you by Belfast Pride and HERe NI – you don't want to miss this jam-packed day of fun and activities for all ages, including bouncy castles on the lawn, face painting, circus school performers, amazon jungle show, mini explorers and lots more.
If you're peckish, enjoy refreshments for sale from Happy Out Coffee and Carson Ice's.
LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project Places of Pride Walking Tour – Meet at Writer’s Square, Donegall Street
Explore Belfast's rich LGBTQIA+ Heritage on this walking tour that takes approx. 90 minutes. Comfortable outdoor shoes and weather appropriate clothing is required. Registration is via email, contact maryellen@hereni.org
Belfast Pride Presents…Crafted with Pride
Discover an array of stunning crafts made by queer crafters and artists – from intricately crocheted goods and mesmerising glass art to unique prints, playful stickers, hand-dyed yarns, exquisite embroidery, chic berets, charming watercolour illustrations, handmade jewellery, stylish tote bags and so much more.
Not only can you feast your eyes on these amazing creations, but you can also purchase them to support local artisans.
All Souls Church Annual Pride Service – Elmwood Avenue, Belfast
The Ministers, Elders and Congregation of All Souls Church warmly invite the LGBT+ community of Belfast and beyond to our annual service of praise, communion and reflection for Belfast Pride.
The service will be led by Rev Alister Bell and Elder Mr Alan Kirk, with music from 'Quire'.
St Christopher’s Community Pride Brunch – 70 Mersey Street, Belfast
'Pride Brunch' is run by St. Christopher's Community, an inclusive faith community based in East Belfast. It aims to provide a contemporary faith space during Belfast Pride Festival to explore issues relating to faith and sexual/gender identities as well as giving people a chance to connect with one another.
The Rainbow Project Welcome To The Gaybourhood – Happy Out Coffee, Newtownards Road
Enjoy coffee, lunch or chat in one of Belfast's newest LGBTQIA+ owned cafes.
This event is open to anyone, members of the Rainbow Project and Happy Out team will be there to welcome you with a quick tour and chat should you need it.
Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Awareness Training – Belfast LGBTQIA+ Centre, 23-31 Waring Street
This is a two-hour training session for people wishing to develop an understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and the issues that affect the community. It will also outline practical ways that you or your organisation can help support LGBTQIA+ people.
The Rainbow Project Hate Crime Information Night – Union Street, Belfast
A welcoming space to discuss community safety support, get advice and gain information on how to report a crime and what to do if you experience a hate crime.
Rainbow Reels Pride Session – The American Bar, Dock Street
Join Rainbow Reels Northern Ireland's own LGBTQIA+ Trad Group for a few traditional tunes in Pride week. You are welcome to come along, have a drink and listen to us play or bring your instrument and join in. Everyone is welcome for an evening of great music and craic.
Belfast Pride Presents: Pride Talks Back 2024 – The Mac
Northern Ireland's main party leaders have been invited to answer your questions on the issues impacting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hot on the heels of the 2024 General Election, Pride Talks Back host William Crawley will put your questions to representatives of Northern Ireland's main political parties.
If you would like to ask a question, submit in advance via belfastpride.com/pridetalksback
Inspire Wellbeing: ‘Love Your Mind’ Creative Writing Workshop – 2 Royal Avenue
On Tuesday 23rd July from 12pm-3pm join Inspire at 2 Royal Avenue Belfast, for a series of creative writing workshops and open tables designed to amplify positive emotions.
Creative tools like writing can help support people and their mental health, so why not pick up a pen and get creative with Team Inspire.
HERe NI Pride Afternoon Tea - Belfast LGBTQIA+ Centre, 23-31 Waring Street
Enjoy a cuppa, a sweet treat and a chat at HEReNI's special Pride afternoon tea. Booking required for catering purposes, open to all lesbian and bisexual women.
The Rainbow Project – Drop-in Sexual Health Clinic, Union Street
A walk-in clinic for LGBTQIA+ people aged 25 and under. A GUM doctor or nurse will be on site offering sexual health advice and support, STI testing, treatment, information on PEP & PrEP and free condoms and lube.
Access note: Union Street building is not accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking aids. To book in a 1:1 appointment contact info@rainbow-project.org
Cara-Friend Queer On A G-String – Black Box (Green Room)
Cara-Friend is thrilled to announce Queer On A G-String is back for Belfast Pride 2024. Following last year's roaring success, the Belfast Ukulele Jam are back to sprinkle a little more Ukulele joy on the Queer Folk of Belfast.
Learn to play the ukulele with one on one tutoring or develop your existing skills from last year. Plus a special guest appearance by the fabulous Emer Maguire.
For ticket information contact admin@cara-friend.org.uk
Skelpielimmer: Scaredy Fat – Grand Opera House, Belfast
Come to the movies with Scaredy as they poke fun at fat and queer representation in the horror genre, asking what it means to love a genre that doesn't love you back.
Winner of the LET Award 2023, and nominated for four Dublin Fringe Awards including Best Performer, the big gay smash hit from the team behind Two Fingers Up is not to be missed.
Here NI – Plant for Pride – The Bug, Urban Garden, Kent Steet
Come along and relax in Belfast city centre's urban garden where you can do some planting, learn about herbs and enjoy some mindfulness practice.
Belfast TradFest’s Pride Céilà – Black Box, Hill Street
After a full house again in 2023, Belfast Pride is partnering with Belfast TradFest for more LIVE traditional music with dances by Ronán Eastwood.
There will be help for beginners at the start , so there's no excuse, come along for a bit of fun, hear some great live music and learn a few dances.
Belfast Pride Presents…Poetry with Pride – The MAC
The year, Poetry with Pride welcomes Belfast poet and songwriter Suzi Bloom and Herstory Poet-In-Residence Niamh McNally, along with poets Padraig Regan (Some Integrity, Caranet, 2022) and Paul Maddern (The Tipping Line, Templar Poetry, 2018).
The team will also be launching this year's Poetry with Pride e-Magazine – a collection of original queer poetry from new and established writers across the community.
The Rainbow Project – Big Gay Quiz – The Union Bar, Queens Student Union
After selling out last year (again), The Rainbow Project's annual Pride week fundraiser THE BIG GAY QUIZ is back bigger and better on Thursday 25th July.
Huge prizes, tough questions and great craic delivered by quiz hosts Deci & Misty Halls.
Ticket son sale now from www.taboopresents.com
Starr Records: Beats, Books & Life – DJ Fat Tony – Lavery’s
DJ Fat Tony, one of the UK's biggest voices and contributors to LGBTQIA+ club culture to talk about his life both in and out of the club, mental health and what it means to be a queer in 2024.
Of course, this is followed by a full scale party with Sean McCann and a very special guest to interview.
Show Some Love/Another World Belfast Pride Werkshop, 175 Victoria Street
An evening workshop to create great looks, paint placards and make flowers to team with Show Some Love for you to serve up at Pride!
Expect lots of upcycling, reworking & customising. For clothing you can bring your pieces, but they will have lots of materials & help needed to get creative.
Air Punch Pride Special – Oh Yeah Music Centre
Non-stop FABULOUS power ballads from start to finish! Expect to hear everything from Bon Jovi to Mariah Carey, Queen to Bonnie Tyler, Meat Loaf to Celine Dion, Alice Cooper to Whitney Houston, Whitesnake to Phil Collins and so much more.
The Official Pride Breakfast – The Northern Whig
The official Pride Breakfast is back at The Northern Whig, the perfect way to kickstart your Pride celebrations. So whether you're craving a hearty full breakfast or something lighter, this is a first come, first served event, so arrive early to secure your spot.
2024 Belfast Pride Parade
Get into the party spirit at the pre-parade build-up starting at 11.30am and be ready for the parade to kick off at 1pm sharp.
Belfast Pride’s Pride Village – Donegall Quay
This lively hub is your destination to dive into the spirit of Pride and discover everything it has to offer.
Relax on the grass, chat with local community groups, and learn about the amazing support services and social groups available in NI.
Belfast Pride’s Party in the Square 2024, Custom House Square
The Main Stage will showcase an array of talented local LGBTQIA+ performers and entertainment, starting immediately after the parade returns to the square.
Headliners include a special Ibiza DJ set from local TV legend Julian Simmons and one of NI's leading tribute Acts, The Bjorn Identity – Tribute to ABBA.
The atmosphere is sure to be buzzing, vibrant and a proper party!
The Official Belfast Pride After Party 2024 – The Telegraph Building
Taboo returns to The Telegraph Building on Saturday 27th July for Belfast's BIGGEST and only OFFICIAL Belfast Pride After Party with a portion of the proceeds helping fund the festival.
Tickets are on sale now from www.taboopresents.com