A look back at Pride Cymru's 20th anniversary Big Weekend in 2019.

Since 1999, Pride Cymru has been the biggest annual event in Wales's LGBT+ community. It welcomes people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to join them in celebrating diversity and striving for equality in support of the LGBT+ community and other minorities. Pride Cymru rocks. Here are some of the things we love about the celebration.

Pride Cymru 2024 takes place in Cardiff Castle on 22 and 23 June 2024.

It celebrates diversity

Pride Cymru has developed into Wales’ largest celebration of equality and diversity. It's a weekend where people come together to celebrate their uniqueness and where everyone is equal, regardless of sex, age, gender, race, social background or sexual orientation.

Someone at Pride Cymru holding a small dog.
Colourful balloons and banner spelling out Pride on the Pride march.

Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales

The colourful parade brightens up the streets

Each year, Pride Cymru encourages visitors to enter their annual parade on the Saturday. Whether people join individually or with friends or family, the parade sees thousands of people march peaceful through the streets of Cardiff city centre. Many local businesses join in too, promoting equality and standing behind employees who identify as LGBT+. It's one of Cardiff’s brightest parades.

A colourful parade at Pride Cymru.
Crowd of people, part of the Pride Cymru festival, including 2 women taking a selfie in front of colourful balloons in the shape of letters, spelling out 'Pride'.

Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales

Welcomes big names

Each year, more than 50 acts join Pride Cymru. They range from pop stars and drag queens to famous faces and local celebrities. Past headliners include Texas, Sonique, Melanie C, Atomic Kitten, Gok Wan, Boney M and Charlotte Church.

Crowd in front of the stage with someone filming on their phone.

The stage at Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales

The location

Pride Cymru takes place in the heart of the city. Not only has it made the event easily accessible for anyone travelling to the capital of Wales, but it is also in one of Cardiff’s most vibrant areas.

Opens the curtains for drag performers and comedians

From drag queens and drag kings to tribute acts and comedians, Pride Cymru has it all. A dedicated cabaret stage is the ultimate place for any musical and performance lover. There are always great tribute acts who bring the spirits of music queens and pop princesses by covering their major hits. Plus, there's entertainment for everyone in the youth and family area.

Performer on the stage with crowd cheering at Pride Cymru

The cabaret stage at Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales

It is community focused

Given Pride Cymru’s involvement with local communities, Pride Cymru has become the perfect opportunity to find out more about local LGBT+ communities and other charities. Pride Cymru offers stalls to community organisations to ensure they are represented throughout the weekend. There’s also a Faith Tent each year, because religion doesn't exclude anyone who identifies as LGBT+.

A colourful market stall at Pride Cymru
Market stalls under gazebo tents, with rainbow pride flags flying above and people milling around, browsing the stalls

The market stalls at Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales

Its dedication to accessibility

Pride Cymru is one of only two Pride events in the UK that has received a Gold award in accessibility by Attitude is Everything. This event has developed into one of the most welcoming events. It makes performances accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing community. With British Sign Language interpreters, a dedicated disability platform to the main stage, disability facilities, designated accessibility tickets and even a quiet zone, anyone who wants to enjoy Pride can do so.

People using wheelchairs enjoying Pride Cymru.

Access for all at Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales

Some great street food to try

All around Cardiff City Hall Lawns, there are rows of food stalls serving exciting takeaway options. Whether you’re vegan or a meat lover, a fan of fancy Caribbean-infused food or simply prefer a classic burger, there's something you'll like.

Woman working at a food stall at Pride Cymru

Street food at Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales

The volunteers

Pride Cymru wouldn’t be the same without the hundreds of welcoming volunteers. The Welsh LGBT+ charity wouldn’t exist without them. During the weekend, all volunteers come together to celebrate diversity with visitors and bring the LGBT+ community closer together.

Supporting local acts

Alongside the big names attending, Pride Cymru welcomes some of South Wales’ finest local performers, ranging from drag acts to singers to choirs. Visitors are spoilt for choice.

It is great for children

With a designated Family Area and reduced ticket prices for kids, Pride Cymru has become a great day out for families with children of all ages. The family area hosts a range of activities for the younger visitors and even a dog show.

Children being entertained at Pride Cymru

Family Area at Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales

It continues to be a safe space

Pride Cymru was originally created in response to a rise of hate crime. While diversity and equality is celebrated throughout the weekend, the fight against intolerance and abuse continues. Pride Cymru continues to be one of the biggest events where minority groups can highlight the difficulties they face. People can come together and be true to who they are, without feeling judged or unprotected.

Each year families and friends come to Cardiff to show their support to loved ones who have recently come out to them, making it one big celebration of love.

Image signifying a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community

Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales

When is the next Pride Cymru?

Pride Cymru takes place in Cardiff Castle on 22 and 23 June 2024

Visit Pride Cymru's Facebook page to stay up to date with the charity's activities.

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