Heartlands Pride to host alcohol-free Summer Wrap Party later this month

Athlone's Heartlands Pride are set to host an alcohol-free Summer Wrap Party later this month.

Taking place at Reel & Bean coffee shop from from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, August 29, the event follows feedback from a community consultation which asked organisers for more alcohol-free events to be held by the group.

Athlone singer Liadh will open the event, followed by a Q&A with Ciaran Hanniffy, a contributor to the book, "Queer Recovery Capital".

Both Liadh and Ciaran are on their sobriety journey, and are helping Heartlands Pride Athlone to become more inclusive of that community, organisers have said.

There will also be pastries, coffee and music at the event.

A night time event will also take place on Saturday, August 29, in O'Brien's Pub from 9pm.

There will be music, food, cocktails, a raffle and a special performance from Pole Bat, who recently set up her own Pole Studio in Athlone called The Coven.

Entry to both events are free and for the LGBT+ Community and Allies.

In addition, Ciaran has collaborated with Heartlands Pride Athlone to create "Heartlands in Motion", a group for LGBT+ and Allies for hiking and wellness activities.

To get involved, email heartlandspride.athlone@gmail.come to join the Whatsapp group or follow @heartlands_in_motion. The first outing is set for Sunday, September 6, with details shared in the Whatsapp group.