Hundreds celebrate city’s first N.wales Pride
BIG TURNOUT FOR 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF REGIONAL EVENT
HUNDREDS turned out to celebrate the first ever North Wales Pride to be hosted in Bangor.
In what was the 10th anniversary of the first North Wales Pride in 2012, events were held across the city on Saturday.
A parade started at the Dean Street end of the High Street, lead by Oompah Stompers & Crystal Bawls, proceeded along the High Street to Bangor Cathedral.
The parade stopped briefly by the Clock Tower for some music and celebrations.
Then the heavens opened and so did the umbrellas. But the rain did not quash celebrations as the music continued and the parade marched on.
Meanwhile, Bangor Cathedral grounds played host to community stallholders including representatives from North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and GIG Cymru.
Noah Greenhalgh, attending a North Wales Pride event for the first time, said: “It was amazing to see how big the turnout was. I think it was a much needed celebration of Pride and felt like a very monumental event for the LGBTQ+ community across North Wales.
“I only hope that it gets bigger from here.”
The party continued at Y Ranch with an official
opening from Crystal Bawls. This was followed by performances from local groups, artists and bands. Pontio hosted a showing of Swan Song, a film celebrating an aging gay man’s last hurrah with director Todd Stephens and actor Udo Kier paying homage to hairdresser and gay bar owner Pat
Pitsenbarger.
Owen Hurcrum, previous mayor of Bangor, tweeted: “I was always able to be me in Bangor, and was so grateful to serve openly and queerly as Mayor.”
They added: “Still, seeing today’s Pride, I have never been more proud of our city. Love is love”.