Colour, community, and celebration as Pride 2026 schedule unveiled
Navan Pride Festival 2026 bursts into life this summer with a dazzling programme of events that celebrate love, diversity and the vibrant LGBT+ community of Meath.
From glitzy gigs and glittering drag shows to film screenings, thought-provoking discussions and the long-awaited Pride Parade, Navan is set to sparkle from 15th to 20th June. Whether you're loud, proud, or simply an ally, there's something for everyone!
This year, the Meath Pride festival is once again sponsored by Specsavers, Forte's (Valley Café) and Credit Union Plus. Countless other businesses in the town and from further afield are supporting the festival in other ways and teh committee is especially grateful to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for grant funding that keeps events running.
This year, Willow (the new name for Meath Women's Refuge), has been chosen as charity partner once again, and two fundraisers will be staged, with all proceeds from both nights going directly to Willow.
Seán Flood, who is Navan Pride's new chair and is forging a collaboration with Youth Work Ireland Meath for this year's Pride, said of taking over the role to be the face of Navan Pride 2026: "I am truly honoured to have been selected to take on the role of chair as a young member of the LGBTQIA+ community and I will support not only the LGBTQIA+ community, but also the township of Navan."
Navan Pride event manager Manita Mewa said: "It's a real honour to step into this role as an ally of the LGBT+ community and to support work that champions equality, dignity and inclusion.
"I take on this role with respect for the lived experiences at the heart of the movement. Allyship is an active responsibility that requires listening, learning and showing up consistently."
Navan Pride's parade marshal for 2026 will be Castleown-born and Mercy-educated Ann Marie Toole, who is an LGBT+ activist, psychotherapist and clinical director with Insight Matters. Ms Toole, who has been a speaker at previous Breaking Down Barriers events, said she was "honoured" to be chosen to lead this year's parade.
Communications Director and Navan Pride founder Patrick Lawlor said: "The Navan Pride team are delighted to be bringing you another array of fun LGBT-themed nights and educational events to the town, and we may have a surprise or two in store this year too.
"The dedicated core team of volunteers in Navan Pride, which is growing year on year, are the people who make this happen and bring a splash of colour to the town every June.
"If you are a business, sports club, community group, union or just someone who has an LGBT+ friend or relative, please show your support by attending our events and walking in our parade. We are grateful to the many businesses in the town who support us each year with sponsorship, raffle prizes, in hosting events and even putting up flags and posters.
"A particular thanks must go to staff and management at The Central, who have always supported our cause and even given us the use of their Green Room for committee meetings throughout the years. Pride conquers shame and we want our LGBT+ community in Navan and Meath to feel like they are seen and heard, especially in these fractious and political times of culture wars, so join us for another amazing festival."
Saturday 16th May sees a Loud and Proud Music fundraiser, Backroom of The Lantern, 7pm – €10 entry on door. An all-female line-up of Quinn Smullen, Colette Clinton, Joy Booth headliner Micah – raising the roof and vital funds; raffle with great prizes.
The Navan Pride 2026 official launch take splace at Specsavers, Navan, 6.30pm on Wednesday 27th May. Expect announcements, surprises and a sparkle or two.