Throughout the week, The Dean Galway will showcase top DJs and talented Blue Grass Bands, ensuring a lively atmosphere and captivating entertainment. However, the highlight of the racing calendar will be on Friday, August 4th from 7pm when The Dean Galway breaks away from traditional best-dressed rules and hosts a stylish evening celebrating the LGBTQAI+ community. This groundbreaking event promises to be a first for Ireland, featuring an inclusive best-dressed competition, welcoming individuals of all genders and orientations to showcase their unique style at Galway’s newest boutique hotel.

The best-dressed judges, including the renowned Galway drag queen “Blondie,” Tom Walsh of Aztec Hair Salon, and Stylist, Caroline Downey, will crown the first-ever LGBTQAI+ best-dressed winners during any racing festival. Caroline Downey expresses her enthusiasm, stating, “Galway Race Week is one of my favorite weeks of the year. While I have been involved in many best-dressed competitions in the past, I wanted to contribute to an event that embraces inclusivity across all of Galway’s communities. There will be four categories of style; the most ‘dapper in a dress’, ‘stylist in a suit’, ‘fabulous in an out-fit’ and ‘delicious in drag’. We cannot wait to see the creativity within the different categories. The evening is free to enter. All you have to do is put your most stylish look on and join us for an unforgettable night in The Dean Galway.”

Cian O’Broin, General Manager at The Dean Galway, shares his excitement about the event, stating, “We are thrilled to announce this event, encouraging Galway’s LGBTQAI+ community to join us for a night of support, equality, and inclusivity. We have fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a dinner at Sophie’s and a Pool Party for 10 guests at Power Gym. Furthermore, we are delighted to invite the best-dressed finalists to a special drink’s reception, followed by DJ entertainment and an electrifying performance by local drag artist ‘Annie Naggins.'”

Galway’s well known Drag Queen, “Blondie” said; “I’m very excited to be part of this event. The queer community of Galway have so much to offer creatively and any night showcasing our style is not something anyone should miss out on.”

This is an absolute first in Ireland and is shaping up to be absolutely amazing and very exciting event:

The most stylist categories include: 
The Most ‘dapper in a dress’,
The Most ‘stylist in a suit’,
The Most ‘fabulous in an out-fit’
The Most ‘delicious in drag’