A proud and loud weekend
All you need to know about Pride Cymru
PRIDE Cymru’s The Big Weekend is back this weekend and, as ever, there’s going to be plenty going on.
If will feature everything from live music and comedy to a roller disco and beach party.
Drag performer Derrick Barry, who is widely known for impersonating Britney Spears, and the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race will also be part of the celebrations.
And, of course, one of the highlights will be the Pride Cymru parade.
Here’s all you need to know... When and where is it?
It takes place from today until Sunday on the lawns outside Cardiff’s City Hall.
What is it?
Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend 2018 brings together two of the city’s favourite events – Pride and Cardiff’s Big Weekend, which returned last year after a break since 2011.
The Civic Centre is turned into a carnival of colour, with funfair rides, amusements and entertainment, as well as some of the UK’s biggest names in music.
More than 40,000 people are expected to attend during the weekend.
When is the parade?
The official Pride parade takes place tomorrow. It starts at 11am, with registration at 9am at the beginning of North Road (by the Civic Centre).
It is hoped 10,000 people walk the mile-long route in the city centre. Families, individuals, groups and organisations all are welcome to join the parade to showcase the true diversity and equality across Wales.
The route has changed this year, and includes Westgate Street for the first time.
There will be music, walking groups and vehicles all taking part with 3,000 already signed up.
The parade will finish at approximately 12.30pm at the Civic Centre.
Who are the headline acts?
Friday
Electronic dance music duo Flip ‘n’ Fill will do a DJ set and singersongwriter Angie Brown will appear.
Former Sugarbabe Mutya will also be taking to the stage in place of Sonique.
The Brit Award-winning singer, producer and DJ, best known for her 1998 international hit single It Feels So Good, has had to pull out for health reasons.
Who is performing when?
Admiral main stage
6pm until late
DJ Lee, Claire Sweeney, Jolene Dover 90’s set, Amrick Channa, Angie Brown, Mutya, Flip and Fill DJ set. Cabaret stage
5pm until late
Dixie Normous, Justin Drag, Rita Mortis, Fae West, Amber Dextrous, Polly Amorous, Pompom, Nicki Knockers, Polly Esther, Willma Ballsdrop and Heidi Wurst.
Saturday
Derrick Barry is appearing as Britney Spears, X Factor star Saara Aalto and BBC’s All Together Now’s The Sundaes will appear.
Who is performing when?
Admiral main stage
Noon to 4pm:
Gypsy Divine, Amy Winehouse tribute, Gavin Sheppard, George Sampson, Wow Doll Dancers, South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus, Pixie Perez, Admiral Choir, Cher tribute, Song Birds 4pm to 8pm:
Channy, Night Ride, Mary Golds, Sum Ting Wong, SuRie, The Sundae’s, Hazell Dean, Little Mix tribute. 8pm until late
Jordan Stavrakis, Kitty, Lady Gaga tribute, Son Of A Tutu, Saara Aalto, Derrick Barry, Katherine Ellis
Sunday
English singer songwriter Gabrielle is best known for her 1990s singles Dreams and Going Nowhere.
Who is performing when?
Admiral main stage:
Noon to 4pm:
Jess Kemp, Tom Sutch, Amanda Henderson + Friends, WDO Dance Events Winners, House of Chords, Amber, Chris Hughes & Katy, Stephanie Webbeter.
4pm to 8pm:
Kinetic, Donchez, Sam Lavery, Dr Bev Ballcrusher, Alice Mee-Bishop, Martha D’Arthur, Christopher Haul, Heather Porter and Grace.
8pm until late
OMYO, Bang Bang Gabrielle, Courtney Act.
Who else will be appearing?
Other acts include Laura Bannon from The Voice, Hazell Dean, Night Ride Channy, Gracey Parry, House of Chords, The Songbirds and the South Wales Gay Mens Chorus will perform over the weekend.
The Admiral Choir, Chris Hughes, Son of a Tutu, Sum Ting Wong, Kinetic Theatre are also on the bill.
Tributes to Little Mix, Lady Gaga, Cher and Amy Winehouse are also scheduled.
What shall I wear?
This is the fun bit! Pride is for everyone, so whether you want to don glitter or fancy dress, or turn up in your shorts and T-shirt, it doesn’t matter!
Is there a theme?
The theme for this year’s event is #ProudToBeMe.
The campaign aims to encourage members of the LGBT+ community and beyond to use their voice and be proud of their identity.
How do I get tickets?
Standard ticket for today: £7. Standard ticket for tomorrow and Sunday: £7.
VIP ticket for either today, tomorrow or Sunday (includes a glass of bubbly): £25.
A £1.20 ticket fee and VAT are also applicable.
You can buy tickets online now and they will be available on the door but prices may not stay the same.
Can I take the kids?
Yes! Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend is for everyone.
There will be food and drink, rides and market stalls at the family event.
Are there any road closures?
The following roads will be closed to vehicle traffic from 9am tomorrow until after the parade finishes:
North Road in both directions from junction with College Road to the city centre.
Kingsway – both directions. High Street and St Mary Street. The restriction on all traders’ vehicles after 10am will apply, and will be strictly enforced to ensure all the roads and the pedestrian areas are vehicle free prior to commencement of the parade.
Wood Street from Wood Street Bridge to junction of Tudor Street and Fitzhammon Embankment.
Westgate Street, Castle Street and Duke Street in their entirety.
Buses are also likely to be impacted.