The first Drogheda Pride Festival took place ten years ago shortly after the people of Ireland overwhelmingly passed the same-sex marriage referendum making us the first country in the world to legalise same sex marriage.

This morning the tenth Drogheda Pride Festival was launched at a special ceremony at Millmount at which the rainbow flag was raised over the town.

The Pride festival is always one of colour, celebration, and community and this weekend will be no different with a powerful programme of pride, performance, and togetherness starting today Friday, June 6th to Sunday, June 8th.

Speaking at today’s launch the event organiser Peter Nugent told Drogheda Life that Drogheda and the whole region has changed considerably in the ten years since the referendum.

“Same sex marriage has been a very positive outcome as it celebrates who people are from different backgrounds and culture” he said. “It also allows people to be themselves and to have love within the community.

“It is about integrity, inclusion and diversity and I do think that the local community has developed a very a high degree of inclusion.”

However, he said that the number of homophobic attacks, both verbal and physical has risen locally. “Sometimes we think we are going backwards but since Trump returned to power a lot of attitudes had change in the world.

“But, thanks to the work of LGBTQ+ activists who are pushing every day, narrow minded people are slowly being educated. Because there are so many amazing people standing with us to support the LGBTQ+ community in their struggle, slowly the message is getting through.”

The only Councillor at this morning’s launch ceremony, Cllr. Declan Power said: “As we launch Drogheda Pride, we celebrate the strength, diversity, and inclusivity that make our town a real vibrant community.

“Pride is not just a celebration, it's a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to live openly, love freely, and be respected equally. As a Louth County Councillor, I stand with our LGBTQ+ community today and every day, as we continue building a Drogheda that is welcoming, safe, and equal for all.”

Drogheda pride will feature special guest Jack Swift, the well-known TikTok influencer, who will join local leaders and community members to launch the weekend’s festivities.

The celebrations continue tomorrow, Saturday, June 7th with the Drogheda Pride Parade, kicking off at 12 noon from the King Street car park. The parade is open to everyone, with the Gardaí coordinating temporary rolling road closures to ensure a safe and festive atmosphere for all involved.

Saturday evening sees the highly anticipated Drogheda Pride Main Event at McHugh’s Venue, with doors opening at 8 PM and showtime at 9 PM. Hosted by the iconic Phil T Gorgeous, the night will feature incredible live performances from headline drag artist Wicked White, music by The Telling Band, and a glittering lineup of drag stars and entertainers.

On Sunday, June 8th, the celebrations conclude with a family-friendly community event at the Crafty Market in Duleek Courthouse, running from 12 PM to 5 PM. Visitors can browse handmade goods, enjoy local food and art, and connect with others in a relaxed, inclusive environment.

Drogheda Pride organisers extended their heartfelt thanks to the many businesses and individuals who supported the festival this year, including WaterWipes, Love Drogheda, Louth County Council, Ireland’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, Senator Alison Comyn, Drogheda Credit Union, and many more who made the event possible.

Follow Drogheda Pride on social media for real-time updates and announcements throughout the weekend. Everyone is welcome — come celebrate 10 years of pride in Drogheda!