South Wales’ artists to take over local radio station in support of charity

A local radio station is welcoming regional singers, presenters and celebrities to its first on-air marathon. Radio Cardiff has teamed up with local talent to raise funds for Welsh LGBT+ charity Pride Cymru and bring a diverse entertainment programme to listeners over 27 hours.

The 27-hour-long marathon will hit off on Wednesday 14 August and be hosted by Matthew Cole. The presenter who introduced the Pride Cymru Hour to the radio station is known for updating listeners with all the relevant LGBT+ news, will take the lead of the takeover.

Matthew said:

“As someone who identifies as LGBT+ I am thrilled that Radio Cardiff has agreed to host this fundraiser takeover in aid of Pride Cymru. I am excited to take listeners on a journey and along the way welcome fellow presenters, celebrity guests and of course musical talent.”

Donna Zee, Head of Radio Cardiff said:

“Pride Cymru stands for inclusion and celebrates diversity and that is exactly what we hope represent over these 27 hour-long show. We always look to support charities that benefit local communities and are delighted to celebrate the work of Pride Cymru ahead of their Big Weekend this month.”

Among the visitors will be local musicians including Grace Parry, who performed at last year’s Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend, as well as long-standing LGBT+ supporter Gavin Sheppard. Also joining them will be local R&B singer Lucas Rowe, who has previously performed ahead of Sean Paul at the Motorpoint Arena.

Gian Molinu, Chair at Pride Cymru, said:

“We are proud to see an increasing number of local and regional broadcasters back the LGBT+ community in Wales. To have Radio Cardiff introduce a Pride Cymru Takeover is a great fundraiser and I am already looking forward to tuning in and hearing from all of their guests.

“Last year we welcomed Welsh singer songwriter Grace Parry to our Admiral main stage after she won Pride Cymru’s Got Talent, so, to have her as part of this fundraiser for us and voice her support for our work is amazing.”

Listeners can tune in to the radio-marathon between 7am on Wednesday 14 August until 10am the following day.

Anyone who would like to make donations or back radio organisers can listen live on 98.7FM, Radio Cardiff’s Facebook Live or online via the Radio Cardiff app.

All money raised throughout the takeover will go towards Radio Cardiff and Pride Cymru.

The leading LGBT+ charity in Wales is widely known for its annual Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend, which is celebrating its twentieth year this bank holiday August. Throughout the weekend (23, 24 and 25 August) visitors can expect to see the likes of Texas, Gok Wan, Tina Cousins, Joel Dommett, Charlie Hydes and local singer Shellyann Evans hit the stage.

Tickets can be bought at www.pridecymru.com.