Crowds at Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend dance through event’s history

Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend ends in style as performances from Honeyz, Atomic Kitten and Samantha Mumba take crowds through Pride history.

The 90’s and 00s stars hit the main stage in celebration of 20 years of Pride in Wales. Classic Pride hits such as Baby Come On Over, Whole Again and Finally Found were enjoyed by crowds after a full day of Bank Holiday sunshine.

Artists from that era took the crowd back in time, before headliner Bang Bang Romeo ended the night with a bang. Also showing their support were the casts of BBC’s Casualty and Holby City, who were hosting on the day.

Gian Molinu, Chair of Pride Cymru said:

“Twenty years ago the first Cardiff Mardi Gras took place, so to have Atomic Kitten, Honeyz and Samantha Mumba with us on Sunday and Texas and Tina Cousins on Saturday, means a lot. Their hits took us back to the 90s and 00s which was incredible.

“The support we have received this year from local politicians, businesses, fellow charities and of course the general public, has been overwhelming and I hope that together, we are taking further strides towards an inclusive society where diversity is celebrated and not just tolerated.”

Over 50,000 people came to Cardiff across the three days to join Pride Cymru to unite local communities with the LGBT+ community. One of the event’s highlights was Saturday’s parade led by the First Minister of Wales, which was the biggest one in Pride Cymru history, attracting over 15,000 marchers and an estimated 2,000 spectators.

Gian said:

“It was really emotional to see such diversity in the people, who came together throughout the weekend and I am proud to see that Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend has become one of the biggest events in Wales. Pride is more than just a celebration; it is an event where everyone can be who they want to be without fear of judgement.

“Through communication, we can break down barriers and learn from one another. I believe that our event has become a platform where people can get their voices heard and that is what this is all about.”

Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend will be back in 2020, but in the meantime will continue to work with local communities to further the message of equality and tolerance.