Pride Cymru
![]() | |
Predecessor | Cardiff Mardi Gras |
---|---|
Formation | 1999; 2014 |
Type | LGBT Charity |
Registration no. | UK Registered Charity (no. 1137744) |
Location |
|
Website | https:// pridecymru / |
Pride Cymru(previouslyCardiff Mardi Gras) is anLGBT pridefestival held annually inCardiff,Wales.
Pride Cymru's Big Weekend is Wales's biggest celebration of equality and diversity. Over 3 days, Pride Cymru hosts over 50,000 people in the Welsh capital to raise awareness of equality and diversity and supporting the LGBT+ community.[1]As part of the festival, there are various cabaret performances, funfair rides, live music, bars and food stalls, and a family area.[2]
History
[edit]The first Cardiff Mardi Gras took place inBute Park,Cardiff, in September 1999 as a response to an increase in hate crime in South Wales.[3]Over 5,000 people attended this inaugural event.[4]Cardiff Mardi Gras became a registered charity in 2010. Since 2012 the event has included a pride parade through Cardiff city centre.[5]In 2014, Cardiff Mardi Gras was renamed Pride Cymru, and has been operating under this name ever since. The Charity has 3 Patrons including Steps singerIan 'H' Watkins,ActressLu Corfieldand Established Drag Performer Rob Keetch 'Dr Bev'. Previous Patrons include Russell T Davies, Charlotte Church and Nigel Owens.
Ever since its first event, the festival has continued to grow. It now attracts up to 50,000 people over the three days of the Pride Cymru Big Weekend Festival and is considered to be one of the fastest-growing LGBTI events in the UK.[6]
Pride Cymru was relocated from Bute Park to City Hall Lawns in 2017, due to a booking clash with the Champions League final that year.[7]However, the Big Weekend has continued to be held at the City Hall Lawns ever since.[8]The event is currently due to continue until at least 2022.[9]
Controversy
[edit]Cardiff Council
[edit]In 2016, there was a rumour started thatCardiff Councilhad dropped support for the event. [10]In an official statement, the Pride Cymru chair said she was told by the council that they'd "made a choice not to allow events during the summer of 2017".[11]There was strong local opposition to the decision and the issue prompted a personal appeal from SirIan McKellenin which he compared the negative attitude toward the LGBT community with that seen in India and China on his travels.[12]
Under intense pressure, Cardiff Council reversed its decision and awarded Pride Cymru a slot later in August to move it away from other major events taking place. The organisers would instead take over the running of the council'sBig Weekendopen-air music festival.[13][14]
2022 Parade Disruption
[edit]The 2022 parade was disrupted by protesters from Get the L Out, aGender-critical feminismgroup. The disruption was planned with Merched Cymru, Wales Women's Rights Network, and theLGB Alliance.[15]Signs held by the group included quotes of “Lesbian, not queer,” “TransActivism Erases Lesbians” and: “Lesbians Don’t Like Penises.”[16]The protesters were approached bySouth Wales Policeofficers and asked to move aside. Many in the community found the disruption disappointing and upsetting on a day intended to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Cardiff. Pride Cymru later released a statement reading:
“Today’s Pride Cymru parade was all about celebration and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite a small group of people interrupting the march, they were drowned out by the shouts of solidarity from the community and spectators. There is no place for hate at Pride. And as our parade said today loudly and clearly: ‘Trans rights are human rights.'”[17]
References
[edit]- ^"The Big Weekend – Pride Cymru".Retrieved8 July2019.
- ^"The Big Weekend – Pride Cymru".Retrieved8 July2019.
- ^"Pride Cymru turns 20 this year amid a worrying surge in anti-LGBTI crime".Gay Star News.21 June 2019.Retrieved8 July2019.
- ^"About – Pride Cymru".Retrieved8 July2019.
- ^Liz Day (14 August 2016)."The best pictures from the Pride Cymru festival 2016".Wales Online.Retrieved1 August2017.
- ^"Pride Cymru turns 20 this year amid a worrying surge in anti-LGBTI crime".Gay Star News.21 June 2019.Retrieved8 July2019.
- ^Discombe, Matt (26 July 2018)."Future of Pride Cymru event 'under threat' as costs row ensues".walesonline.Retrieved8 July2019.
- ^Discombe, Matt (26 July 2018)."Future of Pride Cymru event 'under threat' as costs row ensues".walesonline.Retrieved8 July2019.
- ^Wood, Chris (26 August 2017)."Pride Cymru: Under threat event 'safe for five years'".BBC News.UK:BBC.
- ^"Pride Cymru: Uncertainty over 2017 LGBT event in Cardiff".BBC News.13 August 2016.Retrieved23 October2017.
- ^"Fears Pride Cymru will have to find a new home because of Champions League fanzone".Wales Online.18 August 2016.Retrieved1 August2017.
- ^"Sir Ian McKellen: Pride 2017 uncertainty 'alarming'".BBC News.2 September 2016.Retrieved1 August2017.
- ^Mosalski, Ruth (20 December 2016)."Cardiff's Big Weekend is coming back – and organisers promise it will be bigger and better".WalesOnline.UK.Retrieved20 October2017.
- ^"Pride Cymru & Other Major LGBTQ+ Events in Wales: 2023 Guide".22 March 2023.
- ^"No place for hate, says Pride Cymru after Cardiff protest".BBC News.28 August 2022.Retrieved12 March2024.
- ^Milton, Josh (28 August 2022)."Anti-trans group hijacking Pride Cymru 'drowned out' by the LGBTQ+ community".PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.Retrieved12 March2024.
- ^https://twitter /PrideCymru/status/1563539420711915520?t=hcjwET8jcR5CMITOpngwVA&s=19[bare URL]