Hundreds gathered in Enniskillen on Saturday for the third annual Fermanagh Pride parade, which concluded with live entertainment and information stalls at Enniskillen Castle. The event featured a DJ, food vendors, a bar and a Dolly Parton tribute act.

The parade, led by grand marshal Councillor Deborah Coyle, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, moved through the town centre. A small group of counter-protesters from Christian churches stood in the Diamond.

Cllr Coyle said she was honoured to be asked and noted that a decade ago many in the LGBTQ+ community were fearful about holding a Pride event in Fermanagh. She said the event demonstrates that the community is integrated and equal.

Noeleen Hayes, the council’s Diversity Ambassador, said despite global targeting of LGBTQ+ people, the rural event shows that local people deserve to feel welcome and free from discrimination.

Drag performer Iowna Bush, who also attended the first Fermanagh Pride in 2024, said the event was quieter than earlier editions but still important for the small town. Lisa Howe, attending her third Pride, said the event continues to improve and reflects changing attitudes in rural Fermanagh.

Pride Chairwoman Lisa Woods told attendees at the castle that she never expected to see a Pride event in Fermanagh when she was growing up. She said media coverage and social media posts help isolated individuals feel less alone.

Youth Parliament member Jack McCubbin spoke from the stage about ongoing challenges for young LGBTQ+ people in schools and highlighted a Youth Assembly proposal to change school uniform policies to accommodate transgender students. Stalls at the castle included the Western Trust foster recruitment team and Adoption NI, whose representatives said that adoption and fostering are open to all, including same-sex couples and single people.

While some acknowledged attendance was below expectations, the event proceeded without disruption and was seen as a sign of the county’s growing acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.