1000’s of individuals anticipated to attend parade

It has been a vibrant day in Londonderry as hundreds of individuals turned out for the 2025 Foyle Pride parade.

The pageant started on 15 August.

Now in its thirty second yr, Foyle Pride is described by organisers as a celebration of range and inclusivity, with a variety of occasions on supply, together with theatre performances, workshops, discussions and exhibitions.

Like Belfast Pride, which occurred in July, Stormont’s 4 govt events, Sinn Féin, the DUP, Alliance and the UUP, have been informed by organisers they weren’t welcome on the parade over their assist for a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s.

This is Kaye Noonan’s first Pride. She mentioned it’s actually thrilling to be in Derry.

“Everybody is just being so supportive about something that I felt so scared about for years, and I’m really glad to be here with my best friends,” she mentioned.

Niamh O’Neill mentioned the occasion sends a message that individuals “deserve to show off and be authentically you”.

John Storey mentioned he feels extra individuals are popping out to observe the Foyle parade, which is nice for town.

Sandra Duffy, a Sinn Féin councillor for Derry City and Strabane District Council, attended the occasion independently.

She mentioned it’s a “fantastic day” and “great to see so many people in the city”.

“When you see the Pride flag stretch the whole way of Shipquay Street, it’s just amazing to see.

“I’d fairly be right here as a member of the political social gathering I signify, however I’m right here right now as a person and I used to be very proud to hold the flag as a proud ally.”

The parade began at 14:00 BST from the North West Transport Hub, followed by live music and events in Guildhall Square.

Foyle Pride chairperson Jason Dunne said this year’s theme, existence is resistance, is “extra important than ever, given the present local weather for our group, particularly our trans siblings”.

“That’s identical to an announcement to say, ‘Look, we’re right here. We’ve all the time existed. We will live on’,” he informed BBC Radio Foyle’s Mark Patterson Show.

Foyle Pride Festival 2025 has already featured a packed schedule of events, which organisers say aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and community.

One of those occasions was a social picnic in honour of gay rights campaigner Mark Ashton.

Mr Ashton grew up in the County Antrim town of Portrush before moving to London in 1978.

He was a leading figure in the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) group during the 1984 miners’ strike.

Mr Ashton helped form the group which raised money to provide food and support for striking miners and their families. He died in 1987, aged 26.

There was additionally a Football v Homophobia event on the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium.

Eighteen teams from across the north west competed in the event which tournament organiser Meabh O’Neill said was a “particular and distinctive” event which provided “a secure area for LGBT folks to strive sport and luxuriate in sport”.

The festival has also hosted a number of panel discussions and talks highlighting this year’s theme, exploring issues of identity, activism and solidarity.

Organisers said workshops in areas ranging from embroidery to phone photography have encouraged participation and skill-sharing, while performances such as Pride Monologues showcased local talent and personal stories.

Music, comedy and nightlife events have also drawn crowds across various venues in the city.

In a social media post on Friday, Foyle Pride mentioned they have been “offended and upset” that a planned counter protest was scheduled near the parade route on Saturday.

As a end result, they determined to maneuver their household enjoyable day occasion to Guildhall Square.