Flag is raised: Laois Pride Festival officially underway!

By Hannah Cahill

Reporter

Published 8th Sep 2025, 22:33 GMT
Pictured: Laois County Council launches Laois Pride. Photos by David Simpsonplaceholder image
Pictured: Laois County Council launches Laois Pride. Photos by David Simpson

Laois County Council officially launches Laois Pride

The pride flag was raised at Laois County Council offices in Portlaoise this week, marking the start of Laois Pride.

While many counties celebrate Pride month in June, Laois waits until September to host their celebrations.

This is the fourth annual Pride Festival to be held in Laois, organised by Midlands LGBT+ Project and Laois Pride. placeholder image
This is the fourth annual Pride Festival to be held in Laois, organised by Midlands LGBT+ Project and Laois Pride. 

Pictured: Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh officially raises the pride flag on Monday

Taking place from Monday September 8 to Sunday September 14, a week of inclusive activities is expected.

"The week is filled with events from a clothes swap and woodlands dog walk to an upcycling workshop and boardgames night - showcasing the incredible diversity and inclusivity that we are proud of in Laois and celebrating our LGBT+ community," organisers said.placeholder image
"The week is filled with events from a clothes swap and woodlands dog walk to an upcycling workshop and boardgames night - showcasing the incredible diversity and inclusivity that we are proud of in Laois and celebrating our LGBT+ community," organisers said.

On Saturday September 13th, the Laois Pride Parade and family friendly festival will take place from 1-4pm at Laois School of Music, with the Laois Pride Parade kicking off beforehand at 12pm from Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise.

"Everyone is welcome to join in the parade or stand on the streets waving the parade on," the group encouraged.

"At 1pm at Laois School of Music they are hosting a free pride fun day with drag bingo, a raffle, market vendors for crafts and

vintage clothing, performances from drag queens, a dance group and more."

For the night time, a Pride Afterparty will kick off at 9PM at Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue, promising an entertaining evening of Drag Queens and music from DJ Ruth and Sing Along Social.placeholder image
For the night time, a Pride Afterparty will kick off at 9PM at Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue, promising an entertaining evening of Drag Queens and music from DJ Ruth and Sing Along Social.

All information about events and tickets is available via their website at MidlandsLGBTProject.com.

Laois Pride has been organised by The Laois Pride Committee and by Midlands LGBT+ Project - the only dedicated adult LGBT+ support service of its kind in the Midlands.

If you would like any more information or to join one of their groups, you can get in touch via their Instagram or Facebook @midlandslgbt or you can email [email protected].

Related topics:LaoisLaois County Councillaois festivals
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