Cardiff Pride 2024

Exploring the Roots: The History of Cardiff Pride

Cardiff Pride, also known as Pride Cymru, is the largest LGBTQ+ event in Wales, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The festival aims to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as celebrate the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in Wales and beyond. Cardiff Pride started in 1999 as a small march and rally in the city centre, organised by a group of volunteers who wanted to raise awareness and visibility of LGBTQ+ issues. Over the years, the event grew in size and scope, becoming a multi-day festival with live music, entertainment, stalls, parades and parties. In 2015, Cardiff Pride rebranded as Pride Cymru, reflecting its Welsh identity and its commitment to represent all aspects of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Cardiff Pride: Key Highlights from Recent Festivals

In 2019, Cardiff Pride celebrated its 20th anniversary with a four-day extravaganza that coincided with the UK Pride Network's annual conference. The festival featured headline performances by Texas, Gok Wan, Liberty X and Shalamar, as well as local and emerging artists. The parade, which took place on the Saturday, saw over 15,000 people marching through the streets of Cardiff, displaying colourful costumes, banners and flags. The theme of the festival was "Proud to be Me", encouraging everyone to embrace their individuality and diversity. The festival also hosted a range of workshops, talks, panel discussions and film screenings, covering topics such as mental health, trans rights, disability, faith and intersectionality.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cardiff Pride had to cancel its physical event and instead moved online, creating a virtual festival that was streamed on YouTube and Facebook. The online event, dubbed "Pride Cymru's Big Online Weekender", featured performances by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Charlotte Church, Lucy Spraggan and many more. The event also included interactive sessions, quizzes, competitions and interviews with LGBTQ+ activists and celebrities. The online festival was a huge success, reaching over 250,000 viewers and raising over £10,000 for local LGBTQ+ charities and organisations.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect at Cardiff Pride 2024

Cardiff Pride is planning to return to its physical format in 2024, with a bigger and better festival than ever before. The festival is expected to take place in August, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the event. The organisers are hoping to secure some of the biggest names in the music industry, as well as showcase the best of Welsh talent and culture. The festival is also aiming to expand its reach and impact, by collaborating with other LGBTQ+ events and groups across Wales and the UK, as well as engaging with the wider community and the public sector. The festival's vision is to create a safe, inclusive and fun space for everyone to celebrate their identity and express their pride.