Heartlands Pride receives €5k funding after success of Athlone winter festival

Athlone's Heartlands Pride has received a €5,000 funding boost following the success of the 2025 Winter Pride Festival.

The group received the funding from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality under the 2025 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund, which will go towards Heartlands Pride Festival 2026, and to set up a regular social club in Athlone and Monksland.

Heartlands Pride Athlone held its third Winter Pride festival from November 5 to 14, featuring a wide range of events including meet-ups, talks, an art exhibition, a Pride party, breakfast gatherings, a Christmas market, a poetry and prose afternoon, a quiz night, and a “Gig for Gaza” fundraiser in aid of the Palestine Red Crescent.

The committee reported strong community support despite choosing not to put up posters due to past vandalism, relying instead on social media. Chairperson Christine O’Mahony noted the warm response, including a visitor from Australia who planned her trip around the festival.

This year’s festival was supported by Westmeath County Council’s festival and events grant, along with sponsorship from numerous local businesses and organisations. The poetry and prose event at Athlone Bookshop, sponsored by Westmeath Arts Office, drew particular praise for its uplifting atmosphere and performances by local poets and singers.

The festival closed with a charity gig that raised over €700 for the Palestine Red Crescent, featuring local bands and artists and contributions from members of the Palestinian community.

Heartlands Pride is now planning for 2026, with hopes of eventually bringing a full street parade to Athlone. Follow @Heartlandspride_athlone for updates and AGM information.