Pride as Protest

Pride of the Déise is back!

Now in its seventh year, Waterford's volunteer-run LGBTQ+ community festival runs through to June 6.

Its first festival, held online during the Covid-19 pandemic, laid the groundwork for what has become one of the south-east’s most exciting community celebrations.

Pride of the Déise is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ lives, experiences, history, culture, creativity, and joy which the whole family can enjoy, with fun events available for all ages and interests.

Whilst fun and celebration are central to the festival, Pride is also a crucial forum to acknowledge the challenges the community face.

At its core, Pride is not only a space for creativity and entertainment, but also one of protest, activism and visibility.

The team at Pride of the Déise work tirelessly year-round to ensure Waterford is a safe place for the LGBT+ community, and this dedication is reflected in the thoughtfully prepared programme of activities available this year.

What to expect this year?

Preparation on this year’s festival started all the way back in October 2025.

In the months since, the organising committee have put together a packed programme of events for everyone.

Whilst speaking to Pride of the Déise organiser, Amy Uí Ríordáin, she said this year’s festival is not to be missed.

Providing insight into the behind-the-scenes organisation of the festival, Amy said: “We’re all volunteers on the committee here, so we’re all working full time, or we’re part time working creatives or students; so, trying to find the time to do an entire festival can be hard. But we always get such good community support and that’s what’s so special about Waterford!

“It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s also very fun and I’m really looking forward to the start of the festival.

“We’re doing an official flag raising on the Mall this year to formally start the festival, and we’ve kept the fan favourites central to the festival; the block party, the markets, and the march are here to stay!” 

Rehearsed play readings at Garter Lane, community picnics, boat parties and a dedicated youth led programme are also on the agenda for Pride this year, along with much, much more.

“We always have such a good time, and we have so many talented people involved” Amy added.

Activism and protest Along with the celebrations, Pride is also an important space for activism and visibility.

While pride is a celebration on the enormous strides that have been made, making Ireland a more equal, tolerant place, it is also crucial to recognize that the work is far from over.

Organiser Éadaoin Brethnach said: “Activism is at the heart of any pride organisation, you have to start from the position of activism, and then you can get into celebration.

“We always say that we have a Pride March, not a Pride Parade. That doesn’t mean we’re not having fun, but pride of the Déise has always been activism first.

“At our core we are a human rights organisation, and we always try to ensure our events are historically and cultural relevant and significant.” 

The theme of this year’s Pride March in Waterford is Super Queeros, a reminder to the public of their strength and heroism.

Éadaoin said: “I think to feel heroic and triumphant in even the little things we do in our life is important. For everybody, the past year has been really heavy. Global politics is a lot right now and sometimes you have to find things that remind you of how heroic you are and celebrate that.

“Pride is just that; it’s something to make you feel good and gives you an opportunity to feel creative, active and heroic.” 

The committee say that Pride is open for anyone’s attendance, and all are welcome to come and join in on the celebrations.

Éadaoin said: “Come get involved! Something that’s really important is allyship. We’re platforming people who are of the community, but that’s not to the exclusion of other people, so allies are very, very welcome to come join in. Sometimes people can get a mistaken idea that because it’s an LGBTQ+ run festival that it’s specifically for that community. But this is a festival for everybody. The only requirement is to be nice!” 

Pride of the Déise takes place from May 27 to June 6.