First ever Offaly Pride Festival is officially launched at event in Birr

OFFALY'S first ever Pride Festival was officially launched in the County Arms Birr on Thursday evening last.

The organisers say Offaly Pride 2024 is a “collaboration between businesses, services, individuals and volunteers across the county.” It will run over five days from Wednesday August 21st to Sunday August 25th, featuring a large number of events in many different parts of the county.

The event was officially launched on Thursday evening by Louise Larkin, the Social Inclusion Team Leader with Offaly Local Development Company, who said the five days will be about fostering inclusivity and togetherness.

“Offaly Pride '24 will be a strong statement of people's solidarity with one another,” she said, adding that “everyone deserves to be able to lead an authentic life, true to who they are inside.”

She said the LGBT+ movement has made vast strides forward in terms of receiving acceptance from society but still has quite a way to go. She drew our attention to a booklet “LGBT+ Life in the Midlands” which has many interesting findings from surveys, including the finding that 36% of people often or always avoid being open about their sexuality or gender identity for fear of being assaulted, threatened or harassed. 42% of people often or always avoid holding hands with their partner in public due to fears of being assaulted, threatened or harassed. One in five LGBT+ people say they don't feel safe in the Midlands.

Louise said Offaly Pride grew out of a conversation between members of Offaly Local Development Company in Banagher.

Hazel Daly and Stephanie Hill of OLDC said when they first started planning the project they weren't sure what to expect, “but we've been absolutely blown away by the interest and passion from Offaly and beyond. We are both honoured and humbled to have worked on this calendar of events and want to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone involved. Offaly Pride is not only a celebration of diversity and inclusion within our county, but also a celebration of the power of community spirit and collaboration.”

Christina Fitzharris of the Midlands LGBT+ Project said she's thrilled about the announcement of the first Pride festival in Offaly. “This historic moment is more than just a celebration; it is a powerful symbol of visibility, acceptance and unity for the LGBT+ community in our region. Having our first Pride in Offaly means creating a safe and inclusive space where everyone can be their authentic selves. It is an opportunity to come together, celebrate our diversity, and show that love and equality are values we cherish deeply. This event marks a significant step forward in promoting understanding and support for LGBT+ individuals and their families in our community. We look forward to sharing this joyous occasion with all of you. Let's make history together and show the world that Offaly is a place of love, respect and pride.”

She said the Midlands LGBT+ Project is the only service of its kind in the Midlands, providing support to people every day of the week, some of whom are living happy lives, some not so happy.

Barry Kennedy, General Manager of the County Arms, warmly congratulated Hazel Daly and Stephanie Hill for putting so much work into the project. Barry said two core values in the County Arms are community and inclusivity, therefore hosting the launch of Offaly Pride was a natural fit. “I am confident that Offaly Pride will be well received by the people of Offaly and it will go from strength to strength for years to come.”

Some of the festival's events include the following:

Wednesday August 21st: Prideful Poetry. Time 6.30pm. Location: Birr Library

Social Walk. Time: 7pm. Location: Garryhinch Wood.

Saturday August 24th: Rainbow Yoga. Time: 10am. Location: Banagher Park.

Film Screening. Time: 8pm. Location: Kinnitty Castle.

Sunday August 25th: Coffee & Cupcakes – Tullamore. Time: 11am to 12.30pm. Location: Jenny's Kitchen, Bridge Centre.

More information can be found on the OLDC website.