Limerick part of Europride bid that could bring 100,000 people to city in 2028

Limerick part of Europride bid that could bring 100,000 people to city in 2028. Cover –  Limerick Pride in Limerick. Picture: ILoveLimerick/Dolf Patijn

Limerick could play host to up to 100,000 people for the biggest pride event ever to be held on the Island of Ireland with Europride 2028

The European Pride Organisers Association announced that Limerick Pride, QuareClare and The Outing have been short-listed alongside Manchester Pride in their bid to host EuroPride 2028.

Attracting over 100,000 people annually from around the world, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year.

The event has previously been held in London, Thessaloniki, Cologne, Warsaw, Rome, Oslo, Madrid, and Zurich. This year’s event takes place over nine days this June in Lisbon, Portugal.

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

The joint bid to host the prestigious event in Limerick and Clare has been submitted by Limerick LGBTQ+ Pride, QuareClare, and The Outing Queer Arts Collective & Festival, with the support of Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight, Visit Clare, Goudie Talent, and The George.

The host location for EuroPride 2028 will be announced later this year.

Speaking on behalf of the Limerick/Clare EuroPride bid, Lisa Daly, Chairperson of Limerick Pride said, “Hosting Europride in Limerick would be a testament to the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, but it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and inequalities that persist. It would also allow the Limerick Pride Festival to continue our legacy of advocating for equality and celebrating diversity. It is an important time in our history and for the progression of LGBQTIA+ rights and in an act of unity we are calling on our neighbours to join us in a joyous commemoration as we unite in solidarity and reaffirm our commitment to love, acceptance, and equality for all.

Securing this bid would mark a historic achievement for the LGBTQIA+ community in Ireland. This is an incredible opportunity for our international LGBTQIA+ family to visit Ireland and experience our unique culture and to show the world that Pride is for everyone!”

Eddie McGuinness, Co-Chair of The Outing said, “Ten years on since the marriage equality referendum, when Ireland was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage in a popular vote, Ireland continues to break new boundaries. Hosting EuroPride 2028 in Ireland for the very first time would be an extraordinary milestone,” he explained.

“With the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way as our backdrop, we would create a truly one-of-a-kind EuroPride experience—celebrating our vibrant community against the stunning landscape of the west of Ireland.The potential to host EuroPride 2028 could be transformative for tourism in the Midwest, showcasing our vibrant culture to an international audience. Should our bid be successful, our goal will be to paint the Wild Atlantic Way pink during 2028,” stated Mr. McGuinness.

Karen Ronan, General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, which has worked to attract business and sports tourism to the Shannon Region over the past two decades, said, “We are delighted to support this bid to host EuroPride in the Midwest Region in three years’ time.”

“The value of hosting an international event of this scale cannot be overstated from an economic, cultural, or social perspective,” she added. “Bringing EuroPride here would not only celebrate our diverse community but also showcase the Mid-West’s unique culture and warmth to over 100,000 visitors from around the world.”

Patrick Orth, President of the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA), which licenses EuroPride, stated, “The high velocity of political change across Europe is making EuroPride even more important for our community to come together and keep pressing for change. The political shifts in the UK and Ireland are no less profound and so it is exciting to have bids from both countries to centre their LGBTQIA+ communities in European consciousness. I look forward to seeing their ambitions in their full bid later this year.”

Visit www.epoa.eu for more on EuroPride.