L-R: Navan Pride committee. Peter Heylin, Aoife Mallon, Paddy Lawlor, Richard Casey, Charmaine Donnelly, Sean Flood, Manita Mewa, John Murphy, Aine Reynolds and Philip Miller.

'This celebration is a vital affirmation of the rights, dignity and joy of the LGBTQIA+ community'

Holly Adler

Published: Tue 3 Jun 2025, 12:33 PM

Navan Pride's week of colourful back to back events begins on 16th June with film screenings of Wicked and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert at The Solstice Arts Centre, culminating in a spectacular parade and march through the town on 21st June starting in the Fair Green.

The festival’s third year in a row was celebrated with an evening held by one of their sponsors, Specsavers Navan, with live music and entertainment. The event finished with some heartfelt speeches from members of the committee, including chairperson of Navan Pride, Patrick Lawlor.

L-R: Aine Reynolds, Benite Forte, Eddie Fennessy, Navan Lord Mayor, Leon Duffy and Amy Davidson, Deputy Manager of Specsavers at Navan Pride Festival Launch, Specsavers, Navan. Photo by Gerry Shanahan

Quoting a message from President Michael D Higgins, Patrick said “this celebration is a vital affirmation of the rights, dignity and joy of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is also a time to remember with gratitude those who paved the way for progress, when marching was not safe, who gave voice to truths that were long silenced and who set the foundations for the inclusive Ireland that we continue to strive towards.”

Patrick also dedicated this years Navan Pride Festival to their long time ally and supporter, Mandy Mink from KM Aroma, Navan, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

L-R: Specsavers staff Byron Wearen, Amy Rennicks, Amy davidson and Julia Jozwiak at Navan Pride Festival Launch, Specsavers, Navan. Photo by Gerry Shanahan

The launch was just the first of many Pride events that are to be held in Navan over the summer, including a music fundraiser this Saturday 31st May in The Lantern Bar and a whole array of fun and dynamic activities, talks and fundraisers that will take place in the town.

L-R: Cllr. John Duffy, Paddy Lawlor, chairperson Navan Pride, and Eddie Fennessy, Navan Lord Mayor at Navan Pride Festival Launch, Specsavers, Navan. Photo by Gerry Shanahan

L-R: Aoife Mallon and Christine O'Mahony at Navan Pride Festival Launch, Specsavers, Navan. Photo by Gerry Shanahan

Drag queen Victoria Secret will return to Jackal Bar on Thursday 19th June for a second year in a row following the success of last year's Drag Bingo event. The full itinerary of events can be found here.