PRIDE AND JOY: 15,000 MARCH IN CARDIFF
THOUSANDS of people marched through the streets of the capital to celebrate Pride Cymru as Wales sizzled under some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded during the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Organisers of the LGBT+ celebration of diversity and individuality – which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year – confirmed 15,000 people had taken part in a milelong march through the city on Saturday.
Yesterday, attentions turned to the main stage on the lawns of Cardiff’s City Hall, where headliners included Bang Bang Romeo, Atomic Kitten, Honeyz and Samantha Mumba.
In Cardiff and across Wales, people enjoying the bank holiday had the benefit of largely unbroken sunshine, the result of high pressure bringing tropical continental air to the UK.
A temperatures of 29˚C in Gogerddan, Ceredigion, topped the previous August bank holiday record of 27.3˚C, which had been measured in Velindre, Powys, in 2003.
A measurement of 31.6˚C taken at Heathrow Airport yesterday lunchtime was the hottest figure ever counted in the UK over this weekend.
However, in some areas the conditions caused sudden and unexpected sea fog to develop, which caused delays to displays at the Rhyl Air Show.
Temperatures could reach similar levels today before unsettled weather is forecast to return from tomorrow, the Met Office said. Pride’s march was led by First Minister Mark Drakeford, who took to the main stage where he told crowds he was committed to equality for all, without exception.
Other politicians present included AMs Hannah Blythyn, Adam Price and Jeremy Miles, councillors Ash Lister, Rodney Berman and Leighton Rowlands, and MP Stephen Doughty, who marched alongside Lisa Power, one of the founders of Stonewall UK 30 years ago.
Also joining in were a range of local groups and businesses, including Admiral, the New Theatre, University of South Wales, and LGBT+ groups like Glitter Cymru and Bi Cymru.
Gian Molinu, chair of Pride Cymru, said: “The parade is one of our highlights each year and allows parents, family, colleagues and friends to show their loved ones who identify as LGBT+ that they are behind them and support them through and through.
“Over the last 20 years it has become a sign that we are here to break barriers and are promoting a more inclusive society where no-one is discriminated against, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, age, ethnicity or social background.”
Mr Molinu added: “To see local politicians march alongside big LGBT+ representatives like Lisa Power is a great sign. Unfortunately, a lot of members within our community continue to face hate crime. By marching with us, these businesses and politicians highlight they are with us and will not tolerate any hatred.”
Craig Michael, who organised the parade, said: “This year’s parade was a big success. It is always encouraging to see such a variety of people unite as a group and make a stand for inclusivity. The parade is always one of the most vibrant events in Cardiff and this year exceeded our expectations.
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our volunteers, South Wales Police and the LGBT+ Police Network, who made sure everyone in the parade felt safe and enjoyed themselves. They have done incredible work and a big thank you goes out to them.”
Young and old alike were out to celebrate diversity.
Reverend Delyth Liddell was holding the “I” in the balloons spelling out “Pride” as part of the parade. She is from Cardiff University and organised the faith tent at this year’s event.
She said: “There’s a great atmosphere of expectation and anticipation.”
Others travelled from across Wales and England for the event.
Stella Millett and Sandra Rogan, from Llanelli, joined the parade. It was Sandra’s fourth Pride this year. She has also been to the Birmingham and Swansea events and helped to organise the one in Llanelli.
She said: “The parade was really good. Really inclusive.”
Erin McVitty and Sara Bradley travelled from Bristol.
Ms Bradley said it was her 12th time at the event, adding: “The atmosphere is always great. There’s never a bad crowd.”
It was Ms McVitty’s first time and she said she loved to see “happy people being themselves”.
Rhys Barnsby added: “We’re having fun, but visibility is really important too. There are rights we still don’t have.”