Shoppers of solidarity and community organisers alike are turning out for Belfast’s first-ever Dyke March on Friday 24 July , a wheelchair-accessible, grassroots walk from Writer’s Square to City Hall that promises chants, banners, and a strong show of feminist and queer solidarity across Northern Ireland.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: Gather at Writer’s Square at 6.45pm on Friday 24 July, march finishes with speeches at City Hall.
  • Accessibility: Route is wheelchair accessible, disabled participants encouraged to lead, and BSL/ISL interpretation will be provided.
  • Who’s involved: Supported by local groups like QPoC Belfast, Rainbow Refugees NI, ROSA and British Trans Resource Centre, plus community workshops for banners.
  • Vibe and voice: Expect practiced chants, handmade banners, and intersectional demands , from trans healthcare to international solidarity.
  • Practical notes: Limited public benches at City Hall for the closing speeches, bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and plan travel in advance.

A new kind of march for Belfast , and it feels alive

This is the first Dyke March Belfast has staged, and you can sense the energy in how organisers are asking disabled dykes and friends to set the pace. The opening line-up of chants is bold and political, the route is accessible, and the event treats inclusion as more than a token , it’s baked into the plan. That matters because visibility that centres marginalised voices changes how people turn up and listen.

How this came together , from banner workshops to broad backing

Local groups have spent weeks running banner-making sessions and rallying allies, so expect a colourful, creative crowd. Organisers have named a clutch of partner organisations , from paperxclips to Reclaim the Agenda and Rainbow Refugees NI , which shows this is a community-first effort, not a corporate parade. According to event listings and local press, that grassroots groundwork helps the march feel intimate and purposeful.

What will be said , chants, speeches and the politics on the street

The march isn’t just celebratory; it’s explicitly political. Organisers have shared chants covering trans healthcare, bodily autonomy, Palestine solidarity and demands to keep fascism and abuse out of queer spaces. That reflects a wider revival of Dyke Marches across these islands: Dublin restarted its march in 2025 and held another in 2026 with thousands attending. So Belfast’s event slots into a renewed tradition of visible, vocal lesbian and queer feminist protest.

Practical tips for attending , be comfortable, be considerate

If you’re going, arrive early to join the congregation at Writer’s Square and to find an accessible spot if needed. Dress for a warm evening, bring water and a small bag for essentials, and consider a hat or suncream if it’s sunny. If you need interpretation or seating, note that BSL and ISL will be available and there are limited benches at City Hall , arrive early to secure a seat for the speeches.

Why this matters beyond one evening

A Dyke March that puts disability access and intersectional demands centre-stage sends a signal: queer activism here aims to be broad and stubbornly inclusive. Beyond the chants and banners, the event is a chance to build networks, meet local groups and show solidarity across movements. It’s also a reminder that public protest remains a powerful tool for shaping how our cities hear marginalised voices.

It's a small change that can make every march feel more inclusive and louder for those who need to be heard.

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