Newry Pride returns for 2025 after lotto funding boost
LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Newry has been awarded funding from The National Lottery’s Awards for All programme to host Newry Pride 2025 for the second consecutive year.
This year’s Pride celebrations will take place on Saturday, August 30, with a vibrant Pride Parade departing at 1pm, followed by an open-air concert in Marcus Square. The full entertainment lineup will be announced soon, promising a day of celebration, visibility, and community pride.
Many of last year’s events from last year are set to return, including the Pride 5k and Cliterature, as well as a blast from the past with Newry Pride’s Pride Talks Back panel making a return after six years. The Bank will be hosting a fundraiser on August 7 – more details will be announced shortly.
Parade registrations are now open! Community groups, organisations and businesses are invited to take part. Register here: https://forms.gle/h3xW2ajwsLLqhhjW9
The Pride season kicks off with a pre-Pride fundraiser and the launch of a new regular queer night in Newry called Velvet. The launch event will be held on Saturday, June 14 at Bellini’s, featuring:
• Show Some Love – returning as MCs and DJs after their standout performance at last year’s Pride
• A fierce drag performance by Balencia Bliss
• Captivating burlesque acts by Poison Holly and Caitlín Eve
Tickets are available now via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gay-night newry-tickets-1357337696589?msockid=00e47609d3fa60ab07d9626ad2ca6183
A Pride spokesperson said: “We are delighted to announce that Newry Pride 2025 has secured enough funding to proceed with this year's festival. It was touch and go but National Lottery Community Fund have once again pulled through for Newry, so massive thanks as we couldn't do this without them!
“We are looking forward to again delivering this key event for the city's LGBTQ+ calendar with another show-stopping day of celebration and fun.”
LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Newry have also just launched their new website: https://newrysapphicsociety.squarespace.com
The site includes details on how to get involved with LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Newry, who host weekly board game nights, workshops, and other community events. Visitors can also sign up to the Newry Pride mailing list to stay informed about all upcoming events and announcements.
As they prepare for another impactful year, the organisers wish to sincerely thank the incredible sponsors and supporters who stood with them in 2024. These included: The National Lottery Community Fund, Lush Newry, ASEE, Newry Credit Union, First Derivatives, NIPSA, Unite the Union, Sainsburys, The Quays, Buttercrane, Canal Court, Centered Soul, Finnegan & Son, Magee’s on the Quay, Bellinis, Newry BID, Surefreight, Smart Storage, and Violet Psychology.
“Your support helped us deliver meaningful programmes, connect with our community, and create lasting impact,” a spokesperson added.
“As we look ahead, we warmly invite you—and new potential partners—to join us once again. With your continued support, we can build on last year’s success and make 2025 even more transformative. Let’s keep the momentum going, together.
“Contributions from individuals and organisations are welcome to help make the day even more spectacular. Donate via Crowdfunder: https://gofund.me/9abc5411
“If you would like to contribute via bank transfer, please contact us and we will share details. They can also be found on the Pride registration form.
“We will again have the opportunity for Businesses and Organisations to get an advertisement in the Official Newry Pride Guide 2025, please contact us if you are interested.