Slight traffic delays expected this Saturday as Athlone hosts first-ever Pride parade

Slight traffic delays are to be expected tomorrow (Saturday) as Athlone hosts it's first-ever Pride parade.

Organised by Heartlands Pride, the parade will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 1pm to 2pm as part of Summer Pride.

The route will move from Walsh’s Pub (Connaught Street) past Sean’s Bar, across Athlone Town Bridge down Church Street and the sensory zone at John Broderick Street, ending at Burgess Park.

The parade will be held in memory of the late Michael Woods, who had sought to organise Athlone’s first Pride parade in 2021 before plans were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Woods passed away in 2023, shortly before Heartlands Pride Athlone was formally established as a volunteer-led organisation.

The Grand Marshal of the parade is Irish transgender rights and HIV/AIDS activist and television host, Rebecca Tallon de Hallivand.

Those marching in the parade include Haus of Kwen, a group of Irish drag artists; influencer Jack Swift; a handmade Sile Na Gig sculpture; Stonewall riot survivor and activist Jay O'Toole; Mr Pride Eddie McGuiness, and many more.

Celebrations will continue at 2pm in Burgess Park with Heartlands Pride Outdoor Festival hosted by Eddie McGuiness.

The event will feature performances from Gabrielle and Vali, Aidxn G, Liadh, What's That Smell, Ciara Lawless, and MZ Red Dear.