Get ready, Navan – the rainbow is rising! 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 June 15-20. Whether you’re loud, proud, or simply an ally, there’s something for everyone!

This year we are once again being sponsored by Specsavers, Forte’s (Valley Café) and the Credit Union. Countless other businesses in the town and from further afield are supporting us in other ways and we are especially grateful to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for grant funding that keeps our events running. 

This year we chose Willow (the new name for Meath Women’s Refuge) to be our charity partner once again. We will be putting on two fabulous fundraisers, 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.”

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THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS

Saturday, May 16
Loud and Proud Music Fundraiser
he Backroom of The Lantern – 7pm – €10 entry on the door
Featuring an all-female line-up of Quinn Smullen, Colette Clinton, Joy Booth headliner Micah – raising the roof and vital funds. Plus a raffle with great prizes on the night. 
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Wednesday, May 27
Navan Pride 2026 Launch
Specsavers, Navan – 6.30pm
Join us for the official launch. Expect announcements, surprises and a sparkle or two.

PRIDE WEEK EVENTS

Monday, June 15
Wicked: For Good (Film)
The Solstice – 7.30pm – €8
Defy gravity with this spellbinding sequel celebrating difference.

Tuesday, June 16
Breaking Down Barriers

The Solstice – 7.30pm – FREE (ticketed), see solsticeartscentre.ie
Panel discussion with the theme “Living Authentically: Courage in our Community”, with guest speakers long-time LGBT+ and feminist activist Ailbhe Smyth, GAA referee David Gough, transgender and HIV/AIDS rights activist Rebecca Tallon de Havilland, a representative of the Transgender Equality Network of Ireland (TENI) and more to be announced. Dublin Pride’s Alex Campbell will be MC.

Wednesday, June 17
Navan Pride Quiz Fundraiser with MC Joe Rooney
The Vintage Lounge of The Central – 7pm – €10 per person (tables of 4), see ticketstop.ie
Fr Damo himself will be blessing us with his presence, as Joe Rooney brings the banter and tests our brains on general knowledge and plenty of LGBTQ+-related questions, so brush up! There will be a generous cash prize for the winners with some fabulous raffle prizes on the night. All funds raised on the night will go to Willow.

Thursday, June 18

Drag Bingo with Victoria Secret
Jackal – 9pm – €5 Entry
Glam, games and glitter guaranteed! This is always packed to the rafters, so book a table early!

Friday: Rest day before the parade

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PRIDE DAY – SATURDAY, JUNE 20

NAVAN PRIDE PARADE
March with us through the heart of Navan in a blaze of colour and courage. Gathering at the Fair Green from 1pm, setting off at 2pm. 

AFTER-PARADE GIG
Henry Loughran’s (Lockie’s), from 3pm – FREE
Live performances from Spin-Itch, Messy Avocado, DJ Alex L, Dark Marx and headliners Abba tribute band Mama Mia! Let the love flow on the longest day of the year.

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Navan Pride 2026 is more than a festival – it’s a movement. Be part of the story. Be proud. Be you.

Follow us on social media for updates, line-ups, and how you can get involved.

#NavanPride2025 #LoudAndProud #LoveIsLove

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For any press queries or interview requests, please contact Patrick Lawlor on hello@navanpride.ie or on 0872436156.

Kind regards, 

Patrick Lawlor
Communications Director, Navan Pride 2026

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Navan Pride Mission Statement:

Navan Pride 2026 is a week-long festival of events celebrating diversity and emphasising solidarity with our LGBTQ+ family, friends and neighbours in Navan town.

There will be an array of events commencing on the week beginning June 15th, with an event planned for every day of the festival and a parade through the town also planned.

We are a not-for-profit community group that aims to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and visibility of this community. We aim to bring together like-minded people supporting individuals being themselves and freely expressing who they are, without fear or negative comment.

Join us in proudly celebrating our LGBTQ+ community this June.