Celebrate Pride in Lurgan: volunteers and locals are gearing up for a colourful parade, free family-friendly stage events in the park, food stalls, crafts and an evening of cabaret and club nights on Saturday 15 August , here’s what to expect and how to join in.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: Parade leaves Iceland Car Park at 12:15pm and makes its way to Lurgan Park for Pride in the Park from 1pm–3pm.
  • Free and family-friendly: Park events are free to enter, with live performances, food vendors, crafts and community stalls.
  • Evening entertainment: Drag Extravaganza & Bingo kicks off at The Cellar Bar and Lounge from 3.30pm; the Official After Party is at The Batcave from 8pm (tickets via Eventbrite).
  • Community powered: Lurgan Pride is volunteer-run and funded locally; donations via a GoFundMe help grow the event.
  • Ways to take part: Line the parade route, visit the park for daytime fun, book evening tickets, or donate/volunteer to support next year.

A bright, bold parade that feels like a street party

The parade is the heart of Lurgan Pride and it’s billed to be colourful and noisy in the best possible way. Expect floats, banners, families, marching groups and that warm, celebratory hum you get when a town turns out to cheer. According to local organisers, the procession will step off from Iceland Car Park at 12:15pm sharp, so get there early if you want a front-row view.

This event has ballooned in popularity since its early days, with more community groups and performers signing up each year. For first-timers, tip: bring a light flag or hand-held banner and a sense of cheer , people often mingle along the route and the atmosphere is very inclusive. If you're planning to photograph the parade, a small zoom lens helps capture faces and detail without getting in the crowd’s way.

Pride in the Park: free family time with food and stage acts

Once the parade arrives at Lurgan Park the main daytime fun gets underway. Pride in the Park runs from 1pm to 3pm and promises live stage performances, craft stalls, food traders and information tents from local community groups. It’s designed to be family-friendly, so you’ll see a mix of children, older residents and plenty of young people.

Organisers say keeping entry free is important to them , it keeps the event accessible and draws in neighbours who might not usually attend Pride. If you’re planning your visit, aim to try some street food from the vendors and browse community stalls; they’re where you’ll pick up the local feel and discover groups offering support or volunteering opportunities.

Drag, bingo and a lively evening circuit

After the park winds down, the entertainment shifts to town venues. From 3.30pm The Cellar Bar and Lounge hosts a Drag Extravaganza & Bingo Show , a fun, camp, crowd-pleasing combination that blends performance and audience participation. Later, the Official Lurgan Pride After Party takes over The Batcave from 8pm; tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Evening events help bridge the family-friendly daytime vibe with a more adult, club-style celebration after dark. If you prefer a quieter night, check the venue’s schedule and arrival times; drag shows often pack the room early. For those going on to the after-party, book tickets in advance , organisers report demand rises quickly.

How the community keeps Pride growing

Lurgan Pride runs on volunteer energy and community generosity, with a GoFundMe campaign inviting donations to make each year bigger and better. Local volunteers handle everything from route planning to stage bookings, and the funding covers essentials like stewarding, sound systems and safety measures.

This grassroots model mirrors other regional Prides , fundraising and volunteer teams are common across Northern Ireland events, from Fermanagh to Omagh. If you want to help beyond donating, look for volunteer calls on the Lurgan Pride Facebook page; joining the team is a great way to meet people and make a practical contribution.

Practical tips: what to bring and how to join in

Plan your day around the main timings , 12:15pm parade start and 1–3pm park events , and check the Lurgan Pride Facebook page for any updates. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the route, pack a small foldable chair or picnic blanket for the park, and bring a reusable cup or bottle for sustainability. If you need quieter spaces, community stalls typically have information on support services and accessible facilities.

If you’re travelling in, allow extra time for parking near Iceland Car Park and Lurgan Park, or consider walking from town to avoid the rush. And if you can, spare a few pounds to donate: even small contributions help volunteer-run events keep tickets free and grow their programme.

It's a small change that can make every moment of Pride safer and more welcoming.

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