Just when you thought Pride was over, the Kingdom stands apart - as Kerry is to host its own festival this weekend - with in-person, COVID-safe events taking place across Killarney, Tralee, Listowel, and Waterville.

From tomorrow (Friday) to Sunday, events will take place supplemented by online events for those who chose to celebrate remotely, whether they are located elsewhere across Kerry, Ireland, or indeed the world.

The festival will run across three days and includes a schedule of hikes, swims, picnics in pods, drag karaoke, quiz night and family-friendly events. Full event details, including information and links for ticketed events, are available at www.kingdompride.ie.

Pride is important all year round, and not just in big urban centres. While the main focus of the public and the media’s attention has been on the fantastic Pride celebrations in Ireland’s main cities throughout June, it is often forgotten that LGBTQI+ communities exist throughout Ireland, from big cities to small rural communities. With this in mind, Kingdom Pride organises this annual event to highlight and celebrate those LGBTQI+ individuals that make up the fabric of Ireland’s regional towns and villages.

“In a time that has been isolating for so many, Pride couldn’t come at a better point," Morgan Queeney, Chairperson of Kingdom Pride, said. "Our Pride’s theme is 'Year of the Phoenix'. Every social community is rising from the ashes and being reborn, and we aim to do the same. Our goal is to deliver hope, fun, and colour into life in Kerry for our community and our many allies.”

The festival is being organised by Kingdom Pride, a voluntary group of LGBTQI+ activists in Kerry. The group has an advisory panel of community supports that include the Listowel Family Resource Center; ScEEN In Kerry; Jigsaw Kerry; Trans Kerry Support Group; Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS); BLM Kerry; Tralee International Resource Centre (T.I.R.C.); CYPSC Kerry; LINC Out Kerry; Gay Project; and Kerry Adolescent Youth Counselling.