CARDIFF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ANNOUNCE SECOND ‘PRIDE IN ROATH’ EVENT IN AID OF LOCAL CHURCH!
Images: St Andrews’ Coffee Court
'Pride In Roath' Returns Bigger and Brighter!
Members of St Andrews' Church supporting the joyous weekendAfter a hugely successful event last year, ‘Pride In Roath’ is back and better than ever! With an exciting new line-up featuring some favourites from last year, the weekend is bound to be a massive success. Organised by Nathan Wyburn and Wayne Courtney, two pillars of the LGBTQ+ community within Cardiff, with support from Ivan J-J, Sophie Baker, Sam Walters and Lydia Wheeler - the wonderful team down at ‘Cardiff Theatre Café’.
The charitable fundraiser showcases the power of community while celebrating diversity, inclusion and allyship - All while raising funds for the continuous repairs at St Andrews’ URC, a community hub located in Roath.
Nathan Wyburn, An organiser of ‘Pride In Roath’ said -
“We’re hoping that local shops within the community will get involved. it starts with nothing, It’s definitely All about the people. celebrating love, equality and every uniqueness that makes us special.”
The event will feature a bustling marketplace, showcasing the talents of local artists, artisans, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. This not only offers a platform for local entrepreneurs to thrive but also encourages attendees to support and uplift the community economically.
Last year’s ‘Pride In Roath’ event was a clear demonstration of community among local businesses. Gaining support from Saraztro Greek Bar and Restaurant, Gwen’s Pantry, Bar Dros Dro. Along with proud LGBTQ+ businesses in Roath; John Henry Flowers, Café du Chat noir, Wow hair and Beauty bar, The Little Jar Co and the wonderful KelZo Jewellery!
The Official Line-up has been announced!
The line-up features a wide variety of different talents, from WWE wrestlers with New Wave Academy to a wide assortment of drag performers, to ‘Fenix’, a cool new transgender rock band. It’s looking to be a really colourful weekend!
Beyond the vibrant celebrations and electrifying performances, 'Pride In Roath' remains deeply rooted in its mission to give back to the community. Proceeds from the event will go towards the ongoing repairs at St Andrews' URC, a beloved community hub located in the heart of Roath.
By supporting this charitable cause, 'Pride In Roath' not only amplifies the voices of the LGBTQ+ community but also reaffirms the importance of maintaining spaces that nurture and uplift all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Nathan Wyburn said -
“Last year’s event was a huge success, and we’re going even bigger this year! with a bigger than ever line-up - and lots of exciting special guests from britain’s got talent, the voice and even wwe wrestling champions!”
Last year, as the powerful energy of 'Pride In Roath' reached its finale, audiences were drawn into a profound moment of gratitude, guided by the heartfelt words of Reverend Desmond Kitto, MBE, KStJ, the esteemed Minister of St Andrew's United Reformed Church.
His speech, filled with genuine appreciation, served as a tribute to the collective efforts that brought 'Pride In Roath' to life, extending gratitude to the countless individuals who contributed to its remarkable success. In that cherished moment, the audience embraced a profound sense of reflection, unity, and celebration, further cementing the event's undeniable significance.
Take a look at some of the wonderful pictures taken from last year’s event below:
Last year’s event was documented by the wonderful guys at the Iris Prize Film Festival - An annual LGBTQ+ film festival in Cardiff renowned for its dedication to showcasing LGBTQ+ stories through the power of cinema.
Through their lens, they beautifully captured the vibrant atmosphere throughout the event. For those who missed out on the festivities last year, don’t worry!
You can relive the magic of last year’s 'Pride In Roath' by clicking below, joining the celebration, and experiencing the joyous event firsthand.
Here’s what Berwyn Rowlands, MD of Iris Prize had to say:
“It feels to me that the local Prides appearing all over Wales have one thing in common, they are a mirror to the local community who are hosting them. They also remind me of the carnivals of old which you would find in villages and towns across Wales. The annual summer tradition of dressing up and coming together and having fun as a community. The difference is that the “new” carnivals which we call Prides are organized by the “GAYS” for the wider community!
The tradition of protest linked to the original Prides is still relevant in todays Prides, celebrating diversity and demanding the right to be LGBTQ+. But for many they are a celebration, which I hope confirms we have come a long way. Reflecting on the past 40 years, I feel proud that Wales is today a country that celebrates diversity - this was not possibly always the case.”
Mark your calendars and prepare to join 'Pride In Roath' in its mission to celebrate love and promote inclusivity.
Here’s a look at this year’s line-up:
FRIDAY AUGUST 11TH:
New Wave Wrestling Academy Pride Special!
SATURDAY AUG 12th - ALL DAY EVENT!:
St. Andrews Makers Market, FOOD STALLS, BAR
Midday - 6pm OUTSIDE:
Britain's Got Talent's Travis Smith
Jackie LeBeanstalk
Gavin Sheppard
Christopher Hughes
Sophie Baker Music
Micheline Starr
SJ Hill
Myky Sartain-Webb
STUDIO 54
Claire Bear
TayaMwah
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT 7-11pm:
Venus Flytrap
Fenix Rock Band
Joanna Bumme
SUNDAY AUG 13th:
Cardiff Theatre Cafe ‘Pride Special’ with West End guest
Levi Tyrell Johnson
Don't miss your chance to be a part of this extraordinary celebration of love, diversity, and community.
