Thousands of people are expected to gather in Cardiff this weekend for the annual Pride Cymru festival, one of Wales’ largest celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride, culture, and visibility. The event will bring together a city-wide parade, live music, and community activities across two days.
Now in its 27th year, Pride Cymru has grown from its early days as Cardiff Mardi Gras into a major national event. Organisers say this year’s festival represents both celebration and protest, highlighting ongoing efforts for equality and inclusion while showcasing the strength of the LGBTQ+ community in Wales.
The main parade will take place on Saturday morning, beginning at 11:00 BST on Westgate Street. The colourful procession will move through central Cardiff, passing key streets including The Hayes, Queen Street, and St Mary Street before finishing near Cardiff Castle. The route spans around 1.4 miles and is expected to attract large crowds along the way.
Organisers estimate that more than 50,000 people participated in last year’s event, and similar numbers are expected this year. The parade remains free to attend, allowing members of the public to line the streets and take part in the celebrations.
Following the parade, Cardiff Castle will host the main festival site, where ticket holders can access multiple stages, community spaces, and themed zones. The event includes family areas, a youth zone, and a faith tent designed to promote inclusivity across different groups within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
The festival will run performances across three stages throughout the weekend. Headlining Saturday’s show is singer Kate Nash, known for her hit song “Foundations.” She will be joined by performers including Louise, Ultrabeat, 911, Caity Baser, and drag artists from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK such as Divina de Campo and Catrin Feelings.
Sunday’s lineup features Bright Light Bright Light, known for collaborations with Elton John, along with Drag Race UK star Marmalade. Organisers also say the Cabaret Stage will highlight well-known LGBTQ+ performers from across Wales, while the Community Stage will showcase local cultural talent.
Pride Cymru chair Dan Walsh said the festival is “more important than ever,” describing it as a chance for people to come together in solidarity and celebrate resilience within the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized that the event continues to play a key role in promoting visibility and acceptance.
This year’s event also includes a notable political presence, with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth invited to attend. In contrast, political parties were excluded from last year’s event in a show of support for the transgender community.
Festivities began on Friday with a performance by pop star Mika at DEPOT Live, marking the start of the weekend celebrations ahead of the main parade and castle events.
The festival will continue late into Saturday night before resuming on Sunday morning, offering a mix of music, cultural programming, and community engagement throughout Cardiff.
As Pride Cymru continues to grow, organisers say the event remains both a celebration of identity and a public statement in support of equality, diversity, and inclusion across Wales and beyond.
