So said the Reverend Chris Hudson of the Unitarian Church, observing Belfast pride in 2008.
First gay pride parade in belfast full#
It’s a changing city, full of hope and full of joy. And you can see here the welcoming that people are getting, that the gay community are getting on the streets of Belfast. It was a chance to meet new people, experience new things and when it comes down to it celebrate who we are and have a massive party in the sunshine.I think it’s the metamorphosis of Belfast, I think Belfast is a wonderful city, a great city with great people. The Pride Festival was a really fun way to pass a week for young and old alike. The bill consisted of Kitty Brucknell, Tina Cousins, Ryan Jagger, Kezi Silverstone, Ryan John, Diva Dolls, Tommy Shots, Ajenda Mister Underground and much much more!
After a few drinks outside McHughs, we headed inside Custom House Square for the ‘Party in the Square’ which ran from 11am to 7pm and had a variety of entertainment. Then, as the afternoon wore on, the crowds headed back to Custom House Square, where they filled the streets and even for five or ten minutes, stopped traffic as they crossed the road to the Albert Clock. But, let’s face it, that’s to be expected.
People from all walks of life participated, with political parties, charity groups and even the girls from Belfast Roller Derby dropping by!Įveryone really seemed to enjoy themselves and there was no trouble from what I could see (apart from the traditional religious groups who stand at city hall with their loudspeakers shouting damnation). This year’s Parade was top notch, lasting at least 40 minutes and as the sun shone on us, everyone could really feel the party atmosphere as the crowds, colour and noise passed us by. To be perfectly honest, no gay man or lesbian woman or transgender stereotype was left unfulfilled. This year’s theme was ‘Pride at Sea’, and everyone really camped it up by getting into the nautical spirit of things! We saw floats decorated like boats, with fish and octopi galore, we saw sailors and Navy men and to add to the stereotype: a hell of a lot of men with little puppies wearing real-people clothes. The Parade left Custom House Square at 12 noon and made its way through the streets, up past City Hall and then back to the Square. The parade itself is the highlight of the Pride Festival and thousands took to the streets of Belfast to join in the fun. On Saturday 4th August, the Pride Parade took place. There was also a number of lectures and workshops, including the Amnesty Pride Lecture 2012 on The Dangerous World of Gay ‘Cures’ at the Europa Hotel and the LASI Confidence Building Workshop at the LASI Community Space. From the Out ‘n’ About Pride Walk, to the Lark in the Park, there was something for everyone.
Spanning from Friday 27th July all the way to Saturday 4th August, Belfast Pride Festival 2012 is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender festival in Ireland and this years was one of the biggest ever (it also ranks in the top ten largest pride parades in the UK).Īccording to the Pride Guide, Belfast Pride costs around £60,000 to run (raised by sponsors, advertising and donations), with around 6,000 hours of volunteer service.īelfast Pride isn’t all about being gay, it’s about being proud of who you are, and there were tons of events and activities throughout the week to help keep you occupied. As a massive gay myself, I was seriously excited to attend this years Pride Festival in Belfast.