Well it’s officially Summer whatever the weather and it’s the time when we all check out what parties and festivals are happening so here are three of the local Pride Festivals on around the country (Not including our own September offering!)

Coming up first is Dublin Pride which runs from the 22nd of June to the 1st of July. It includes The Big Gay Wedding Project from the 22nd of June at The Exchange, an exhibition of photographs showing seven couples of different age groups, backgrounds and ethnicity who got a civil partnership in 2011. There also is a family sports day on the 24th.

The big party though is Saturday the 30th of June when the annual Pride Parade takes place starting from the Garden of Remembrance finishing with a concert in Merrion Square starring Brian Kennedy etc.

Next up is Dundalks second annual LGBT Pride which runs from the 12th to the 14th of July with a Pride Day in the Outcomers Centre at Roden Place including food, games, crafts, music etc. Also taking place at the Festival are an Art Exhibition opening on the 12th in the County Museum, Table Quiz in McGeoughs bar on the 13th and of course a Pride Party night in the Fairways Hotel on the 14th.

Finally Belfast Pride runs from the 28th of July to the 4th of August with the annual Pride Parade taking place on the 4th followed by a party in Custom House Square which is always guaranteed to include a few celebs.