Newport Makes History as First Welsh Pride to Host UK Pride 2026
Newport’s Pride in the Port has been selected to host UK Pride 2026, marking a historic milestone as the first Welsh Pride to be awarded this prestigious event. Founded in 2022, Pride in the Port will be celebrating its fifth anniversary when it takes on the honour of bringing together the LGBTQ+ community from across the UK in September 2026.
The announcement was made at the start of LGBT+ History Month, which this year highlights the theme of ‘Activism and Social Change.’ Each year, the UK Pride Organisers Network selects a host city based on its commitment to advancing the Pride movement. Newport’s successful bid showcased the city’s cultural richness, deep-rooted history in social justice movements such as the Suffragettes and the Chartists, and its inclusive vision for representing all four UK nations.
Since its inception, Pride in the Port has gone from strength to strength. Launched during the challenging post-pandemic period, the organisation held its first Pride event at Belle Vue Park and has continued to grow, drawing thousands to its city centre celebrations. In September 2023, Newport’s Pride attracted around 6,000 attendees, with over 2,000 taking part in the vibrant parade. The event featured standout performances from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Tayce, Lady Bushra, Don One, and local favourite Zoe Allen’s band, Fenix.
Chair of Pride in the Port, Andrew Mudd, expressed excitement and gratitude for being awarded UK Pride 2026. “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing UK Pride to Newport in 2026. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped make Pride in the Port such a standout annual event. With over 180 volunteer-led Pride events across the UK, we are deeply honoured to receive this vote of confidence from our peers.”
Mudd emphasised the core mission of Pride in the Port: “Our organisation was founded on the belief that no child in Newport should feel they have to leave home to be themselves. Hosting UK Pride in 2026 will give us an even bigger platform to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community.”
As part of the preparations for UK Pride 2026, Pride in the Port will launch a community consultation period from February 1 to June 30, 2025. “Our movement is nothing without our community,” Mudd continued. “We want this to be a Pride that is for the community and by the community. We encourage everyone to get involved, share their voices, and help us make history.”
With Newport now set to take centre stage on the UK Pride calendar, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of love, identity, and inclusivity in Wales.