Northwest Pride kicks off on Thursday in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim and in it’s fourth year the festival is making even more firsts. All the events over the weekend can be found here and everyone is welcome to attend.
The Pride Parade takes place in Sligo Town on Saturday and there are several other events in Sligo and Leitrim which may appeal to those interested in partying or taking the air at a beach barbecue.
NW Pride 2008 – photo Dave Dellow
Community involvement and support of allies is one of the really fascinating things about the way in which Northwest Pride has developed. It’s a wonderful weekend of events with all kinds of people, young and old, local and visitor alike in attendance.
I’ve attended each year since 2006 and see again that this year the organisers have continued to work with local groups in seeking support and co-operation and a welcome for all. It’s not easy coming out as LGBT in rural Ireland or in a small town and the support from other groups and public representatives towards the festival and inclusive nature of the entire event needs to be applauded! And this event is just about being there, it’s not about commercial ventures, one track campaigns, or personal gain.
Sligo Town had the title of being the smallest town to host a pride event but on Sunday will be beaten by the town of Easkey (pop. 250). The local Family Resource Centre has invited the festival and the local lgbt community to a reception in the centre followed by a Shoreside Barbecue.
Next year presumably there will be a competition to host an event in an even smaller town the way things are going 
And maybe this will spread to other Pride events throughout the country!
I’m sure not the smallest by any means! Lots of relatively small cities now have prides. This one looks interesting – http://bit.ly/zYN2i – Pine City, Minnesota, every year 75 gay/bi men have a “pride” picnic!!
Patrice DeGray and other residents of Pine City see it differently. She told the Star Tribune that she was particular offended by the Gay Pride ads and that “they’ve become brazen and bold. They say in their ads that this is possibly the smallest [gay pride] picnic in the world. Well, is Smallest Gay Pride Picnic Sparks ‘Pro-Family’ Picnic Across Town that what Pine City really wants to be known for?”
Smallest in Ireland? Or will we go the biblical route
where-ever two or three are gathered in prides name 
I think it would be nice if, when the ban on same-sex marriage is eventually lifted, the first lesbian or gay wedding reception was held there — a sort of thank you by bringing some spending to the town.
I think it would be even nicer if when the ban on discrimination against lesbian and gay teachers in our schools was announced-that it was announced there!
Looks great, and quite a number of participants. I was amused by the gendered division of labour, with women organising, making flags, banners, costumes, and the men dressed as cowboys or Gards … plus ca change! Suzy there’s a paper in there!!!
Maman Poulet » NorthWest Pride 2010 takes off // Aug 5, 2010 at 10:25
[...] to top the smallest town pride in the world from last year, this year’s Northwest Pride is seeking to create the biggest living rainbow [...]