Foyle Pride attracts thousands to Londonderry
BBCThousands of people were in Londonderry on Saturday for the 2026 Foyle Pride parade.
Now in its 33rd year, Foyle Pride is described by organisers as a celebration of diversity and inclusiveness, with a wide range of events on offer, including theatre performances, workshops, discussions and exhibitions.
Foyle Pride committee member Mary Molloy said the committee, which is made up entirely of volunteers, worked incredibly hard to ensure the festival was an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.
The parade left from the North West Transport Hub in the Waterside and followed the 1968 civil rights route before finishing at Guildhall Square.
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's Mark Patterson Show, Molloy said the parade is the highlight of the festival each year and has followed a packed programme of events.
Mary said she is a "very proud mammy" to a wonderful daughter named Chrissie, who is transgender, and said Foyle Pride is all about community, inclusion and creating a safe space where everyone can be themselves.
The family is originally from Lurgan, County Armagh, but has attended Foyle Pride since they moved to the city in 2017.
"We were both delighted to join the committee this year to help out. It's given us an even greater sense of community and a space where my daughter feels safe at a time when trans rights are constantly being attacked," Molloy said.
"We are going to march the original civil rights route this year, and we will have a disability bus for people with disabilities or anyone with mobility issues leading the parade through the city.
"For any families with children who don't want to walk the full parade, the Playhouse will be hosting a craft making session as well in the afternoon.
"Families can even join the parade at the bottom of Artillary Street to finish the march along Ferryquay Street around the Diamond and down Shipquay street."
What Foyle Pride events were on this year?
Foyle Pride Festival 2026 officially opened on 19 August, under the theme Strength in Unity.
The programme has featured a range of cultural, social and community events celebrating LGBTQ+ people and their experiences.
One of the main highlights was the Queers Art Market, held at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin on Saturday 22 August, showcasing work from queer artists and creatives and the annual Football v Homophobia match.
The festival has also provided opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to share their experiences through events such as The Pride Monologues.
The performance brought together local LGBTQ+ writers and performers to present funny, moving and thought-provoking pieces based on queer experiences and lived realities.
The festival culminated on Saturday with the main Foyle Pride Parade. The celebrations continued afterwards, with live music in Guildhall Square and other events that took place across the city.
There were also several options for people wanting to continue the celebrations on Saturday night.
The Pride Day Alternative/Silent Disco is taking place at The Playhouse on Saturday evening, offering an alternative to the main nightlife events.
Meanwhile, the official Foyle Pride After Party at Sandino's Bar will feature David Hoyle, the Camp Vamps and Dusty Grooves, providing a final night of performances.
'Community front and centre'
Maeve O'Neill, who is part of the Foyle Pride committee, said the parade is the highlight of the festival.
"It was just brilliant to see so many people out, because pride is a protest but it is also an opportunity to celebrate who we are and to feel comfortable in yourself," she said.
O'Neill said one of the aspects of Foyle Pride she is proudest of is that it is "grassroots and community-led".
"We feel it's really important to put the community front and centre and put the issues that LGBTQ+ people face front and centre," she added.
