Galway Pride Festival begins today.

The annual event, which is now in its 27th year, has been extended from four to seven days this year.

Celebrations get underway with the first pride flag raising ceremony in Eyre Square at 1.30pm and a launch party this evening.

Festival Chairman Bruce Henry has said there is something interesting happening every day this week.

“This festival all week long is really celebrating the different and important focuses of our community – such as mental health, coming out, HIV awareness and stigma update,” said Henry.

“Then we have entire day on Thursday which is alcohol free, focused on the bisexual and transgender community and having a discussion on reproductive rights.”