Flags fly, spirits soar at Belfast Pride parade

Crowd fills Heritage Park for after-party

Sun, 06/07/2026 - 1:48pm

Erica Thoms

The streets of downtown are filled with a sea of pride flags as drum beats fill the air. (photo by Erica Thoms)

People lined either side of Main Street to watch the procession. (photo by Erica Thoms)

The start of the parade comes into view as beating drums announce their arrival. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Belfast Has Pride parade, June 6, 2026. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Parade participants head to the Belfast Has Pride after-party at Heritage Park. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Belfast Has Pride after-party, June 6, 2026. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Belfast Has Pride parade, June 6, 2026. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Belfast Has Pride after-party, June 6, 2026. (photo by Erica Thoms)

The streets of downtown are filled with a sea of pride flags as drum beats fill the air. (photo by Erica Thoms)

People lined either side of Main Street to watch the procession. (photo by Erica Thoms)

The start of the parade comes into view as beating drums announce their arrival. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Belfast Has Pride parade, June 6, 2026. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Parade participants head to the Belfast Has Pride after-party at Heritage Park. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Belfast Has Pride after-party, June 6, 2026. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Belfast Has Pride parade, June 6, 2026. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Belfast Has Pride after-party, June 6, 2026. (photo by Erica Thoms)

BELFAST — Gray skies were no match for the light brought by the Belfast Pride parade, as a sea of rainbow flags and smiling faces marched down Main Street.

With a handful of drummers announcing the parade's arrival before they were in full view, spectators on both sides of Main Street were there to witness the event. A sense of joy was in the air as the participants, from small children to older generations, celebrated the love, support, and community surrounding them.

Just as varied as the participants were the countless signs being held by some of those marching, most created by hand.

Along with a wide variety of rainbow flags, representing everything from the original pride flag, the LBGT rainbow flag, and trans-inclusive flags, were held aloft by a strong breeze.

Following the parade, the community was invited to attend the Belfast Pride after-party in Heritage Park, where music, pizza, and informational booths awaited.

With bubbles filling the air as much as the upbeat music, people danced, laughed, and mingled with other attendees. It marked a perfect end to another successful Pride parade.

The Pride parade is organized by Belfast Area High School’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance Group.

This year's parade was sponsored by the Belfast Co-op.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com