Pride Cymru is a volunteer led charity that raises awareness of the issues that the LGBT+ community are facing, working towards a society free from hate crime and prejudice. The entire of June is Pride month with many pride events put on across the country.
Pride Cymru has been the biggest annual event in Wales’ LGBT+ community since the late 90s! From the first gay march in 1985, to the first gay mardi gras in 1999, the event grows larger every year, attracting thousands of supporters from around the UK and the world. Pride Cymru’s big weekend has become a hugely popular family friendly community event that enables diverse groups to come together, and discover more about what affects the LGBT+ community. It’s all about authentically representing and supporting the community, whilst recognising the ongoing struggle for equality.
Attend the Parade
The iconic Pride Cymru parade is an integral part of the celebrations and a long and proud tradition. It is now one of the biggest of its kind in the country, with over 20,000 people joining the march. The first parade in 2012 evolved from Cardiff Mardi Gras, and expanded the carnival entertainment from Coopers Field onto the high street. The parade will showcase spectacular floats, costumes and banners, as it moves along a mile stretch of the city centre.
The annual parade is inclusive and accessible for all. To join in with Cardiff’s most colourful event, you need to sign up for a place via the Pride Cymru website. Alternatively, you can join the thousands who turn out to watch the parade from the sidelines, or relax at a bar en-route as the floats pass by!
The number of organisations particpating in the parade promoting equality grows every year. 2023 will see Cardiff University and Cardiff’s Student Union join them for the first time. Gina Dunn, president of Cardiff Students Union, said “I’m so pleased that Cardiff University and the Students’ Union will be … parading at, Pride Cymru 2023.” Cardiff University’s vice chancellor and president, Colin Riordan said “this is an exciting first for Cardiff University’s LGBTQ+ community.”
You can also apply to volunteer at the parade, or in the wider organisation, as a way of meeting new people and improving your confidence, as well as giving back to the community!
More information can be found on their website at www.pridecymru.com/become-a-volunteer
Pride Cymru's Big Weekend Festival
The much loved Pride Festival covers three stages over two days this year (17th – 18th June) and is jam packed with performances, from both big names and local talent. The festival has changed location from previous years, to the magical Cardiff Castle set in Bute Park in the heart of the city. The acts confirmed so far include Sophie Ellis Bextor, Claire Richards, July Jones and The Feeling. More than 50 acts will perform over the two days, and range from local celebrities, to drag queens, to pop royalty.
There is a designated family area, with a range of activities to keep younger ones entertained. There will also be plenty of food and drink vendors from a whole host of Cardiff favourites to choose from. The market area will provide information from a wide range of organisations and some fantastic items to purchase from LGBT+ businesses.
Throw a Pride Themed Party
Our range of packages are perfect for supporting Pride Cymru by putting on a themed party, in your house or outdoor space if weather permits. You can really get stuck into the theme with plenty of rainbow decorations, and get creative with some rainbow themed food and colourful cocktails. The options for Pride outfits are endless, the more colourful the better!
You can create a fitting playlist full of queer culture classics and anthems to get the party started, using our Playlist Package which features a professional sound system that is plug in and play.
If you wanted to create an even bigger party atmosphere, then our party package featuring disco lights and a smoke machine, as well as two QSC speakers could be an ideal choice for you.
Visit one of Cardiff’s gay bars
All around Cardiff, there are a number of bars and venues that are sure to be celebrating Pride in a big way! Lots of venues throw after parties if you want to carry on celebrating after the main event. Here’s some of our favourites.
Mary’s on St Mary Street is Cardiff’s premium cabaret bar and is famous for its cocktails and outrageous live performances.
www.maryscardiff.co.uk
The Golden Cross is an iconic venue and Wales’ oldest LGBT+ venue. Known locally for its welcoming atmosphere, the pub promises a fun night out for all. They host regular karaoke, cabaret and drag nights.
www.instagram.com/goldencrosscardiff
Tiny Rebel welcomes Dirty Pop to their upstairs space on Saturday 17th June, hosting an after party and safe space for all. The Dirty Pop Pride Special will feature LGBT+ party throwers, Don’t Tell Your Mother, and promises the best electronic pop and disco dancing in Cardiff.
www.facebook.com/dirtypopcardiff
Pulse is known as Cardiff’s flagship LGBT+ venue and nightclub, and has hosted many legendary nights for Pride in the past. This year, they are putting on two massive parties on both Friday 16th and Saturday 17th June. Open until 6am, you can definitely party the night away.
Pride Cymru 2023
We hope this list helps you to plan how you will be celebrating Pride Cymru 2023 and encourages you to discover something new.
For all your Pride party and afterparty needs, check out our list of packages at www.cardiffspeakerhire.com/equipment , WhatsApp or call us on 02920 095590.