The countdown has begun as Wales’ largest celebration of equality and diversity – Pride Cymru returns to Cardiff for its 16th year running.
For the first time this year, Pride Cymru is hosting one big weekender at Coopers Field, Bute Park. Worldwide Hitmakers Years and Years, with an electronic support line-up will be performing a full concert at Party in the Parc on Friday 12th August and Pride Cymru’s annual celebration will be taking place on Saturday 13th August.
Olly Alexander lead singer of Years & Years said:
“We’re so excited to play Cardiff’s pride party this August. Pride is something that we all care deeply about and having grown up in Wales I’m so happy we get the chance to celebrate with people there. Pride continues to be a vitally important day for the LGBT+ community and our allies, especially in the light of recent events. Celebrating our diversity, supporting each other and promoting visibility is something I really care about. Pride Cymru is a great organisation that provides crucial support for the LGBT+ community and we’re so thrilled we get to play at their party. See you in August Wales!”
Saturday’s celebrations will kick off from 11am, Churchill Way with the city centre parade returning for it’s fifth year with over 3,000 anticipated to take part, leading towards the Coopers Field site where the festivities will continue from 12pm with an eclectic main stage and community stage line-up and an assortment of attractions. Over 15,000 are expected to attend!
Actress, singer and LGBT activist Heather Peace will be hosting and performing, along with nineties girl group and ITV Big Reunion stars B*Witched, Britain’s Got Talent Semi-finalist Danny Beard, Eurovision’s UK entry duo Joe and Jake, DJ Lisa Lashes, BBC The Voice UK Semi-finalist Jordan Gray and Welsh contestant Leighton Jones, plus many more.
Louise Thomas, Chair of Pride Cymru said:
“We are incredibly excited this year that we are able to extend the celebrations, making Pride Cymru a full weekend festival, with fundraising fringe events taking place from the Thursday beforehand through to the Sunday.
“I strongly believe that Pride this year is more than important than ever, following the tragic events that has taken place in 2016 and further in recent years, affecting many people around the world. We encourage all to join us and parade with us on August 13th to show that love wins regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, ability or religion.
“I would like to thank everyone on behalf of our volunteer charity organisation, the support from the community, our partners, sponsors, key stakeholders, local to large-scale businesses and other charity organisations and everyone who has had an involvement in shaping this year’s Pride event. Without that support Pride Cymru would simply not exist.”
Divisional Commander for Cardiff, Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies, said:
“Each year thousands of people come to Cardiff for Pride Cymru to celebrate equality and diversity.
“Once again, our officers will be on duty to ensure the safe running of Pride Cymru and off-duty colleagues will show their support by taking part in the march through the city centre.
“South Wales has a long and proud tradition of strong, diverse communities and events such as these help to reinforce our commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.”
On the Saturday, in addition to a multi-stage line-up, Pride Cymru 2016 will also feature a Dance Tent with a Studio 54 takeover playing disco, funk and soul, a Family and Youth Area, Faith Tent, Vintage Tea Rooms, market stalls, fairground rides, food and drink, plus loads more to be announced in the run up to Pride weekend!
Advance tickets and multi-entry wristbands for Pride Cymru (13th August) are now on sale until Sunday 7th August: http://ticketsource.co.uk/pridecymru
Big Weekender tickets giving a 2-day pass to Party in the Parc on Friday 12th and Pride Cymru Saturday 13th can be purchased from: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/partyintheparc
