PRIDE CYMRU’S big weekend is back on the 22nd and 23rd June and the crowds will be in the Capital for the annual weekend filled music, events, togetherness and love. This year it’s a huge celebration as 25 years of Pride Cymru is marked in the capital.
It all begins with the parade and although a few hundred LGBTQ+ supporters have marched through the streets of Cardiff since 1985, the parade has grown enormously and has become an integral part since 2012 and has become Cardiff’s most colourful event.
Here’s a look back at last year’s event with highlights of the parade, some of the people, sights and sounds, and a few words from then First Minister Mark Drakeford.
To use that well worn cliche ‘there’s something for everyone‘ is, well – cliched and well worn.Simply put it’s 2 days of pure party atmosphere and extravagant entertainment. A celebration of the importance of LGBT+, people and culture in our communities as well as bringing more than 200,000 of us together in Wales’ capital city.
They’ve been doing this for a long time now, because of lockdown and missed events it’s difficult to put a number on it, so we’ll stick with the original Mardi Gras date which started in 1999 in Bute Park, by the Circle of Stones. Back then it was a one day thing and attracted around 2000 people.Here’s a selection of our pictures from previous events.
The Pride festival entertainment covers 3 stages over the 2 days with jam packed performances from a mix of big names and local talent! Here’s a small flavour of what’s to come. To see the full line- up, go HERE.
As well as the fabulous acts on the Principality Building Society Main Stage and the S4C Community Stage, they have some amazing activities planned for the EE Family Area, Admiral Youth Area and Iris Prize Festival Cinema.
Here’s just a few of the main stage highlights over the weekend, see the full line up at the link above.
SATURDAY
POLLY AMOROUS – From hosting her weekly residencies at a plethora of your favourite bars, to selling out 3 back to back Christmas shows at the Wales Millennium Centre, to this year taking a semi-autobiographical work to Edinburgh Fringe with her drag daughter Esther Parade… this queen’s reputation absolutely precedes her.
CWMBRAN DEAF CHOIR – Their performance is not of a traditional singing choir, but instead songs are performed in British Sign Language! Together, the choir have gone on to perform at the Royal Albert Hall and on the pitch at a WRU International match with the Welsh Male Voice Choir.
VENGABOYS – Europe’s Biggest Party Act will be bringing their massive hits, insane outfits, live vocals and spectacular visuals to Pride Cymru, as we celebrate 25 years of pride in Wales and we cannot wait!
SUNDAY
HEATHER SMALL – She’s an international touring Queen with hits to make us feel ‘Proud’ and get us ‘Moving On Up’ into the night.
Heather’s HUGE track ‘Proud’ has been heard all across the world, including the successful 2012 Olympic bid and Rugby World Cup Celebrations, and even performed for Oprah! Now it’s time to watch her take to the Main Stage on Sunday night as they celebrate 25 years of Pride in Wales!
BRONWEN LEWIS – Performing AND hosting on the Main Stage Sunday 23rd June, it’s radio presenter and Welsh singer/songstress… Bronwen Lewis. After starring in the BAFTA Award Winning and Golden Globe nominated film ‘Pride’ and bringing Tom Jones to tears during her time on BBC’s The Voice, Bronwen set out into the world to create her own path in music.
JAKE SHEARS – Headlining the Pride Cymru Main Stage on Sunday 23rd June, it’s lead singer of the multiplatinum-selling, Grammy-nominated, Brit award-winning glam rock band SCISSOR SISTERS and superstar performer, Jake Shears.
Since 2018, he has released two successful solo albums, with several singles reaching the BBC Radio 2 A-List. He’s also toured internationally with the likes of Kylie Minogue and Duran Duran (legends only!) Jake rounded off last year with sets at 2023’s Glastonbury and Mighty Hoopla Festivals…and recently starred in the acclaimed production of Cabaret in London’s West End alongside Self Esteem and co-wrote the Olivier winning musical Tammy Faye with Elton John.
We suppose family best sums up the theme of the whole event. Everyone coming together, throwing a big party, celebrating something very special and having a great time in the process.
As well as the annual Pride event which looks to connect the LGBT+ community physically, PRIDE CYMRU work throughout the year to increase engagement between different parts of the LGBT+ community so that we can support each other and grow as a united and empowered part of society.
They proudly work with organisations such as Glitter Cymru, Bi Cymru, Victim Support and the Deaf Hub Wales in a way that can benefit all parts of the LGBT+ community.
In summing up such a massive occasion I guess we would say it’s about bringing people together to help break down social barriers, which sadly still exist. They also do so much charitable good over the weekend itself. Give people a chance to volunteer and be an important part of its success. Most importantly however, it’s great fun and with all this on offer, it really couldn’t be anything but…..
PRIDE CYMRU’S Big Weekend takes place over this weekend – Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June at Cardiff Castle, and of course the whole of the city. The parade negins at 11am.
It will be incredible, but on a practical note also be incredibly busy, so be aware of that if you are travelling in and around Cardiff. Please note that children under the age of 14 will have to be accompanied by an adult at the gigs.
In the meantime head to the website for all the information – PRIDE CYMRU.
