The European Association of Pride Organizers (EPOA) is preparing for one of its most anticipated events: the election of the headquarters of EuroPride 2028. With the hangover from the success of EuroPride 2025 in Lisbon still present and its eyes already set on the next editions of Amsterdam and Turin, the European LGTBIQ+ community awaits with expectation the decision on October 11. Two strong bids, Manchester and the west of Ireland, are vying for the honor of hosting this crucial event for the Pride movement.
What makes these candidates so special?
Both proposals, according to the EPOA, not only promise a significant impact on their local communities, but also on the broader Pride landscape in Europe. It is a decisive moment to reaffirm the visibility and rights of the LGTBIQ+ community in a changing global context.
From Manchester, the city presents itself as a historic bastion of inclusion and activism. Those who defend their candidacy emphasize that the city has been a reference for the LGTBIQ+ community for a long time. At a time when collective rights are threatened in various parts of the continent, Manchester seeks to be a beacon of joy, creativity and LGTBIQ+ resilience. Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, has stressed the importance of this moment for the advancement of LGTBIQ+ rights in the UK, especially following the recent exclusion of trans women from the legal definition of “woman”. Could Manchester be the epicenter of a new wave of protest and celebration on British soil?
On the other hand, the candidacy of the west of Ireland, which unites the forces of Limerick Pride and Clare Pride, offers a vision of Pride rooted in hospitality and social change. Its proposal includes a program of highly visible events, with a strong emphasis on safety, accessibility and collaboration with both local and European partners. Imagine a EuroPride that actively promotes social change, that supports LGTBIQ+ youth, that honors elders who have fought for our rights, that strengthens communities and that also welcomes everyone with the unmistakable warmth of Irish tradition. How will this proposal for community roots resonate in the EPOA?
See this post on Instagram
The road to EuroPride 2028
The final decision will be made on October 11 during the EPOA annual meeting, which will be held in the vibrant city of Barcelona. It will be a key day for the future of the LGTBIQ+ movement in Europe, a moment in which it will be defined which of these two visions of Pride will guide the 2028 celebration.
Amsterdam: The next stop in 2026
Meanwhile, eyes are already on Amsterdam, which from July 25 to August 8, 2026 will host not only EuroPride, but also WorldPride. Do you remember the magnitude of WorldPride Madrid in 2017? The Dutch capital promises more than 500 activities, including, of course, the emblematic LGTBIQ+ Pride march that will run through its picturesque streets and canals. Additionally, the year 2026 marks a quarter of a century since the Netherlands approved marriage equality, a milestone that will undoubtedly add special meaning to the celebration.
The choice of EuroPride venue is not just a logistical question. It is a declaration of intent. It is defining what message we want to send to the world, what values we want to highlight and what struggles we want to amplify. What characteristics do you think the ideal host city for EuroPride 2028 should have? What aspects do you consider most important for the future of the LGTBIQ+ movement in Europe?
