Northwest Pride kicks off on Thursday in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim and in it’s fourth year the festival is making even more firsts.  All the events over the weekend can be found here and everyone is welcome to attend.

The Pride Parade takes place in Sligo Town on Saturday and there are several other events in Sligo and Leitrim which may appeal to those interested in partying or taking the air at a beach barbecue.

NW Pride 2008 – photo Dave Dellow

Community involvement and support of allies is one of the really fascinating things about the way in which Northwest Pride has developed. It’s a wonderful weekend of events with all kinds of people, young and old,  local and visitor alike in attendance.

I’ve attended each year since 2006 and see again that this year the organisers have continued to work with local groups in seeking support and co-operation and a welcome for all. It’s not easy coming out as LGBT in rural Ireland or in a small town and the support from other groups and public representatives towards the festival and inclusive nature of the entire event needs to be applauded! And this event is just about being there, it’s not about commercial ventures, one track campaigns, or personal gain.

Sligo Town had the title of being the smallest town to host a pride event but on Sunday will be beaten by the town of Easkey (pop. 250).  The local Family Resource Centre has invited the festival and the local lgbt community to a reception in the centre followed by a  Shoreside Barbecue.

Next year presumably there will be a competition to host an event in an even smaller town the way things are going 🙂  And maybe this will spread to other Pride events throughout the country!