'Cork has a thriving LGBTQ community': Volunteers make Pride possible again

Cork will once again celebrate Pride this year after a new group of local volunteers picked up the mantle to continue the much-loved event.

The company originally behind the Cork Pride Festival, Cork LGBT+ Pride CLG, went into liquidation in late 2025 following financial pressures and legal costs related to a High Court dispute.

This led to concern about whether there would be a Pride celebration in the city this year, but a community event line-up over the August Bank Holiday weekend has now been promised.

In a statement, the new organisers said: “Cork Community Pride is being organised by a passionate, grassroots collective of volunteers from across Cork city and county.

“United by a shared commitment to equality, visibility and celebration, the group brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies determined to deliver a Pride event that reflects the diversity and spirit of Cork.

“While still a grassroots work in progress, Cork Community Pride 2026 hopes to feature a colourful Pride march and a Pride Family Picnic.” 

They added that they are a relatively small group of brand new volunteers, and are looking for more people to get involved and volunteer.

Parade routes and event listings will be shared on www.corkcommunitypride.ie and social media.

Konrad Im, the manager of the Gay Project, said that they were delighted to have worked with LINQ Ireland and Gender Rebels in facilitating the Future of Pride in Cork Community Consultation in January, “and we're excited to see what the working group that formed from that consultation comes up with.

“It's an exciting time and it's great to see the community coming together for such an important event that highlights how far we've come and the struggles the LGBTI+ community still faces not only locally but globally.” 

Cork Social Democrats TD, Pádraig Rice, added: “Cork has a thriving LGBTQ community and a long history of LGBTQ activism.

“From the early days of the Quay Coop and the Other Place to LINQ, the Gay Project and Gender Rebels, we have always had great community organisations that provide events and support all year round.

“It’s brilliant news that a date has been set for Cork Pride after a period of uncertainty. The parade, which attracts thousands of people is always full of love, diversity and fun. There’s always a great buzz in town, and it’s a great day for traders in the city. I also want to wish the new committee all the best with their preparations for the events.”