Guide to Pride | A blog full of ideas and inspiration

Running over 100 events over 10 days (from 26 July to 4 August 2019), Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals the city. The theme for this year is ‘Rights Now’, which promises a call for equality, a stand for solidarity and a celebration of the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Belfast. For more information visit www.belfastpride.com or download the festival brochure at issuu.com/belfastpride.

Highlights

From talks to parties, parades and much more, here are some of the highlights of this year's Belfast Pride Festival.

The Groove Line

Friday 2 August from 9pm, Belfast Empire

Don’t miss this exciting, funny and poignant production from Kabosh Theatre that explores the events of the 1983 National Union of Students Lesbian and Gay conference, held in Queens University. And enjoy a disco afterwards!

Airpunch: Pride Special

Friday 2 August from 9.30pm, The Speakeasy

Airpunch is an unmissable night of pure power ballads, and this week, it’s undertaking a special Pride theme! Sing your heart out to everyone from Whitney Houston and Celine Dion to Alice Cooper and Michael Bolton, and enjoy fabulous drinks promotions.

Trans Performance Night

Friday 2 August from 8pm, The 343

A night of poetry, comedy, music and more from the incredible talent of the trans community. Tickets can be purchased from belfasttrans.org.uk or buy them on the door on the night.

The 29th Annual Belfast Pride Parade

Saturday 3 August from 1pm, Belfast city centre

Don’t miss the ultimate highlight of the festival, Belfast Pride Parade, departing from Custom House Square at about 1pm and proceeding to High Street, Royal Avenue, Donegall Place and Belfast City Hall and Victoria Street. The parade will encapsulate the theme of this year’s festival, ‘Rights Now’, by offering space to protest for denied rights in an atmosphere of positivity, while also celebrating diverse identities.

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Pride Breakfast

Saturday 3 August, 9am-12pm, LGBT+ Centre

Join Cara Friend LGBTQ+ Youth for a pre-pride parade breakfast before getting ready for the parade.

Party in the Square

Saturday 3 August from 12pm, Custom House Square

Get ready for a Pride party to remember! With a huge line-up of LGBT+ talent and presenters, including Matthew Cavan aka Cherrie Ontop and Sonya Mac, expect a party like no other at the Kremlin Stage in Custom House Square!

Take Me to the Clouds Above

Saturday 3 August from 5pm, Culture Club

Join Alexis, Penny, Kitty and guests at the Culture Club for an epic Pride party with games, prizes, drinks promotions and plenty of camp chart hits.

The Pride Village

Saturday 3 August from 12pm, Donegall Quay

Take in the atmosphere at the Big Fish, where you’ll find a Pride-themed market place, information stalls, a mini family fun day, kids’ entertainment and space to relax. There will also be bouncy castles and plenty of freebies for kids, plus a picnic on the grass after the parade.

Breastival 2019

Saturday 3 August, 9.30am-5pm, Botanic Gardens

Breastival is a one-day festival to celebrate and normalise breastfeeding in Northern Ireland. Join in for a day of fun, talks, celebrations, laughs and dancing.

Official Pride After Party

Saturday 3 August, from 9pm The Telegraph Building

Finishing the festival off with a bang, the Official Belfast Pride After Party promises an incredible night of dance, house and camp hits, as well as Harland & Poof bringing the disco beats and their legendary dance moves. Buy tickets now from taboo.glistrr.com.

Pride Church Service

Sunday 4 August from 3pm, All Souls Church

Join All Souls Church on Elmwood Avenue for their annual Pride church gathering, which celebrates an ethos of inclusion and acceptance. Communion will be available to everyone and there will be music by Northern Lights and Quire.

Live Pro Wrestling

Sunday 4 August from 3pm, Wellington Park Hotel

Check out the talent of the School of Pro Wrestling NI and Wrespect at Wellington Park Hotel, where you can see the local up-and-coming Wrestlers, many of whom are part of the LGBT community.

Pubs & Nightlife

Pug Uglys

Saturday 3 August, from 11.30am

Join an all-day Pride Party at Pug Uglys, a quirky Irish venue in the heart of Belfast serving tasty pub grub, sourdough pizzas and specialty cocktails, with live music and entertainment throughout the day.

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Parlour Bar

Saturday 3 August, from 3pm

Head to the Parlour Bar in the heart of the historic University Quarter for awesome drinks offers, cheap and cheerful food, a lively beer garden and live music from the String Ninjas.

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VooDoo

Saturday 3 August, from 10pm

Enjoy all your favourite 80s and 90s classic cheese hits at Mature Cheddar at VooDoo, a Pride special not to be missed. Tickets are £5 and payable at the door.

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Plan Your Visit

Getting Around

Belfast is compact, so getting around the city is easy on foot or by bike. Visit the Translink website for bus and train times, or find out more about the Value Cabs taxi service.

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Car Parking

There are plenty of options for car parking in Belfast, including multi-story car parking and on-street parking. View our map of car parks in the city.

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Stay for the Night

Belfast has accommodation to suit every taste and budget, so view our summer hotel offers and make a night of it!

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