Shoppers of queer culture and celebration will want to mark their diaries , The GALAS 2026 has announced Louise McSharry and Michael Fry as this year’s hosts, promising a night of big laughs, heart and glitter at Dublin’s Royal Convention Centre on 3 October. This matters: it’s one of Ireland’s biggest queer fundraisers and a showcase for community creativity.

Essential Takeaways

  • Dynamic pairing: Louise McSharry and Michael Fry will co-host The GALAS, blending sharp wit with playful drag energy.
  • Familiar faces: Both presenters have strong ties to GCN through previous live events, so they know the room and the audience.
  • Live music and choirs: Ailbhe Reddy performs, joined by Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus and Glória LGBT+ Choir for emotive and uplifting moments.
  • Afterparty energy: Expect DJ Glamo to keep the party going with pop, camp and plenty of sparkle.
  • Community-first awards: The ceremony honours 15 categories across activism, arts, allyship, sport and more, and supports GCN’s independent LGBTQ+ media work.

Why this hosting duo feels effortless , and a little electric

Louise McSharry’s dry, candid delivery pairs perfectly with Michael Fry’s theatrical drag sensibility, and that contrast is exactly what makes the announcement feel exciting. According to GCN, McSharry has previously headlined their Roast Battle Royale, where her comic timing and no-nonsense charm landed well with queer audiences. Michael Fry, meanwhile, shot to drag fame at GCN’s So You Think You Can Drag fundraiser, performing as Buncrana del Rey and winning over the crowd with a cheeky Lana Del Rey send-up. Together they promise warm roast-style jabs and show-stopping camp.

What the night will sound like , music, choirs and emotional highs

The GALAS isn’t just about presenters; it’s about moments that stick. Dublin-based singer-songwriter Ailbhe Reddy brings an intimate, indie-folk sensibility that contrasts nicely with choral power from Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus and Glória LGBT+ Choir. That mix means you’ll go from a quiet, heartfelt song to a rousing communal number in minutes , and that emotional swing is part of what makes The GALAS such a memorable occasion. If you’re choosing tickets, think about whether you want to be in the thick of the applause or somewhere quieter to savour the performances.

The history and why the venue matters

The 2026 ceremony returns to the Royal Convention Centre at the Radisson Blu , fittingly, the same venue that hosted the very first GALAS back in 2009. GCN and the National LGBTQ+ Federation (NXF) have shaped the event into a fundraising highlight that underwrites independent queer media in Ireland. That continuity matters: it keeps the night rooted in community history while letting newer acts , like Fry’s drag persona , share the spotlight. If you care about legacy and visibility, this is a night that symbolises both.

How the awards continue to reflect the movement’s priorities

This year’s awards cover 15 categories, from activism and arts to events, allyship and sport, which means recognition stretches from grassroots groups to public figures. According to the nominations information, the shortlists showcase a broad cross-section of contributors to Irish queer life. For anyone following policy, culture or community activism, The GALAS is a useful barometer of where energy and recognition are being directed in Ireland right now.

Practical tips for attendees , what to expect and how to prepare

Buy tickets early if you want a front-row experience, especially if you’re keen on the post-awards DJ set: DJ Glamo is slated to keep the dancefloor alive with pop bangers and camp anthems. Dress-wise, this is Ireland , embrace the glitter if you fancy it, but bring a jacket for the October chill. If you’re new to The GALAS, arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and support the fundraising stalls; it’s a great way to connect with local groups and pick up queer-made merch.

It's a small change that can make every celebration feel a bit louder, prouder and more joyful.

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