First ever Mullingar Pride week to be celebrated this summer

Mullingar will host its first ever Pride week this July with the highlight being a one day festival organised by The Mullingar Pride Group.

Some of Ireland's best drag and music acts are set to come together in celebration of Mullingar’s debut Pride festivities on Saturday, July, 16 in Belvedere House and Gardens, Mullingar. The Pride week celebrations will take place from July 12 to 16.

The main event will be hosted by English actress, Cheryl Fergison, famed for her role as Heather Trott in Eastenders along with performances from RuPaul's Drag Race season 7 star Tempest DuJour and performers from Ireland's world of Drag, Burlesque, Music, Circus, Theatre on July 16.

Celebrating Mullingar’s first ever official pride day, WERK! Fest is a concert and show all in one, with some of Ireland's most notable LGBTQ+ performers and special guests from the world of Drag entertainment, POP music and more. The event is a beautiful celebration of Queer culture and will take place in the scenic grounds of Belvedere House and Gardens.

In the build up to this exciting night, there will be a week of jam-packed events. The Legacy Exhibition is a look back at some of the Midlands’ most notable LGBTQ+ people, throughout history. It opens in the Westmeath County Council Buildings Atrium on Tuesday, July 12.

Following this people will be treated to an evening of theatre on Thursday, July 14, in the Greville Arms Hotel - titled 'Queer Stories' which will encompass a night of dramatic readings, poetry and monologues all of which are centred around queer themes and written and performed by local writers and artists.

Event Manager for WERK! Fest, Daniel Boyne, said "WERK! Fest is designed in a day festival setting on the gorgeous grounds of Belvedere. It's going to be great craic with something for everyone.”

‘’The whole week has been curated to ensure that a wide spectrum of Queer culture is being represented. From the Legacy Exhibition to the Queer Stories theatre performance and then all culminating in WERK! Fest, Mullingar Pride Committee wanted to ensure that the Queer community felt celebrated. Personally, I am absolutely thrilled to bring the art of drag to Mullingar in such a big way. This night is not to be missed!’’

Visit facebook.com/mullingarpridefestival or instagram.com/mullingarpride/ for more information

Tickets are available for €45 excluding booking fee from mullingarpride.eventbrite.com