Here are the highlights of Cork Pride 2024...

While the queer community blossoms in Cork, it’s no surprise that Cork Pride is back in 2024 - but you’re not going to believe the extensive line-up they’ve got this year.

The committee have been extremely busy in the lead up to this year’s event. They have released a Cork Pride Magazine 2024, with lots of information on this year’s festival, in digital and print.

Cork Pride 2023 was a huge success with a variety of events across the week. Organiser Damien O’Halloran reflected on some of the highlights.

“Last year was a fantastic year for Cork Pride, filled with memorable moments and incredible events. While we always remember the origins of Pride as a protest and a fight for human rights for all, we also celebrate the progress our society has made,” he said.

“One stand-out event for us was the Family Fun Day at Fitzgerald’s Park. It was heartwarming to see families enjoying the funfair rides, live music, and community activities together. We are excited to announce that the Family Fun Day will be back this year, along with all our other cherished events.

“We look forward to another year of celebrating our vibrant community in the city and county and continuing the journey towards equality and acceptance.”

This year, Cork Pride is looking to be bigger and better than ever, with an extensive line up and brand new theme, Unity in the Community’, highlighting the strength of the LGBTQ community in the face of the most recent iterations of discrimination against it in Ireland, while also reminding us of the roots of Pride as a protest and why it’s still relevant today.

Damien spoke more about the importance of the theme.

“This year’s theme, is a powerful testament to the strength found in solidarity and inclusiveness. It highlights the collective power of the LGBTQ+ community, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities to foster a supportive and welcoming environment.

“Cork Pride 2024 is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action against discrimination and inequality.”

In keeping with this year’s theme, events have been created to promote values that mirror and strengthen the unity within the LGBTQ community.

“Festival events and activities are thoughtfully designed to promote understanding, acceptance, and mutual respect,” said Damien.

“By focusing on unity, the festival aims to weave a rich tapestry that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community while addressing challenges head-on. As we navigate an evolving society, it is more critical than ever to foster a sense of unity among the LGBT community in Ireland.

“Unity allows us to collectively address the challenges and barriers we continue to face, such as discrimination, prejudice, and social stigma,” said Damien.

“Moreover, ‘Unity in Community’ emphasises the value of collaboration and allyship. Building bridges between different groups within the LGBT community and establishing connections with allies strengthens our collective voice. It allows us to advocate for our rights, raise awareness of our issues, and create a more inclusive society.

Cork Pride 2024 boasts an impressive headline act this year. Alongside a variety of exciting talents such as J90, Lady Gaga and Cher tribute acts, drag performers, DJ Ruth, and the winner of Pride’s Got Talent - Bambie Thug takes to the main stage at Party at the Port.

Here are some of the highlights of Cork Pride week events, from Saturday, July 27 to August 4.

Saturday, July 27 - The Pride On Tour event in collaboration with Bus Éireann.

To kick off the week-long Pride festival, they are taking the parade on the road!

Starting at the Port of Cork at noon, a vibrant convoy of vehicles will travel through Mallow, New Twopothouse, Buttevant, Mitchelstown, and Fermoy, spreading the spirit of Pride throughout the county.

Wednesday, July 31 - Welcome to the

Community

This year’s event, hosted by renowned designer Don O’Neill and other notable figures, celebrates personal coming-out stories and lived experiences in an intimate setting.

Wednesday, July 31 – Gaze Film Festival

in The Pav.

GAZE returns to Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival with a selection of some of the most heart-warming and eye-opening queer cinema. This year’s events showcases the best of Irish feature length and short movies.

The feature festival pick this year is Corey Sherman’s Big Boys, one of the most lovable, smart and authentic gay comedies in years. Following fat queer kid Jamie (Isaac Krasner) on a supremely awkward and enlightening camping trip as he grapples with a newfound attraction to his cousin’s boyfriend, Big Boys is a coming-of-age comedy sure to delight gays of all shapes and sizes.

Friday, August 2 – The Big Queer Debs

A unique debs event where you can relive your debs experience and bring the person you always wished to invite.

This evening of glamour and glitz promises to be an unforgettable night.

Saturday, August 3 – Family Fun Day at Fitzgerald’s Park

A free, fun-filled family event featuring funfair rides, activities for all ages, Zumba, balloons, face painting, community groups, and a variety of food stalls. The main stage will host live music, Pride’s Got Talent, and the very popular dog show.

Sunday, August 4 – Pride Parade

Gathering at 1pm on Grand Parade, with the parade kicking off at 2pm. The streets of Cork city will come alive with the vibrant colours and lively music of the Pride celebrations.

This year promises to be the largest yet, featuring community groups and employee resource groups from sponsors and friends of Cork Pride.

Sunday, August 4 – Party At The Port

The parade will conclude at Kennedy Quay with the free Party At The Port. This year’s headliner is Bambie Thug on the main stage, alongside fantastic acts such as J90, a Lady Gaga tribute, a Cher tribute, drag performers, DJ Ruth, and the winner of Pride’s Got Talent.

Damien said: “By embracing the theme of ‘Unity in the Community’, the Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival sends a powerful message of solidarity and inclusivity.

“It is a reminder that the LGBT community in Ireland is stronger when we stand together, support each other, and work collectively towards a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

“‘Unity in the Community’’ goes beyond the LGBTQ+ community, extending a hand to all of society. By engaging local organisations, businesses, and individuals, Cork Pride 2024 aims to bridge gaps and forge connections that transcend differences. This collaborative spirit encourages everyone to contribute to a culture of acceptance and equality, showing that unity can drive meaningful social change.

Damien continued: “In his message to Cork Pride for 2024, President Michael D Higgins had the following to say: ‘Pride is not just a celebration. It is a powerful symbol of solidarity, collectivity, identity and resilience, offering as it does an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together, recognising that our differences enrich us rather than diminish us, unite us rather than divide us’.”

For more information and links to parade registration see see www.corkpride.com