Cardiff Prepares for Major Road Closures as Pride Cymru Marks its 40th Anniversary
Cardiff city centre is set to become a vibrant hub of celebration this weekend, as Pride Cymru returns for its biggest event to date. Marking its 40th year, Pride Cymru will fill Cooper’s Field, Bute Park, with festivities, culminating in the highly-anticipated parade and a series of headline performances, including star Ella Henderson. The milestone event is expected to draw crowds exceeding 50,000, as the city honours four decades of LGBTQ visibility and community togetherness.
As with any major city celebration, ensuring the safety and smooth running of such a large-scale public event requires significant planning. Cardiff Council has detailed a series of road closures to facilitate the parade and associated activities, which will affect travel throughout the city centre on Saturday, 21 June. Motorists and public transport users are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the closures to avoid disruption.
The weekend’s schedule promises an extensive programme of family-friendly entertainment, live music, and community engagement, extending beyond the parade itself. What began as a grassroots protest in support of LGBTQ rights has grown into a flagship event for the Welsh capital, reflecting both greater societal acceptance and the continued need for visibility.
Saturday will see thousands gather on Westgate Street from 11am, where the parade will embark on a two-mile journey through some of Cardiff’s most iconic thoroughfares. The procession will make its way along Castle Street, continue through High Street and St Mary Street, weave into the Hayes and St John Street, and proceed along Queen Street and Park Place before looping back via Greyfriars Road and Kingsway. The route will finish back on Castle Street, offering countless opportunities for residents and visitors alike to catch a glimpse of the colourful spectacle.
To accommodate the parade and to ensure the safety of participants and spectators, Cardiff Council has announced a phased schedule of road closures. These restrictions will primarily affect the city centre and several key connecting routes throughout the day. Specific times and roads are as follows:
From 6am until 3pm on Saturday, Castle Street, from its junction with Westgate Street, Duke Street, and Kingsway to the junction with North Road, will be closed. However, buses will still be able to exit Greyfriars Road.
A wider set of closures is scheduled from 8am to 2:30pm, affecting Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Cowbridge Road East up to Cathedral Road, High Street, St Mary Street, Churchill Way, and Callaghan Square.
For a window from 11am until 2:30pm, further roads will also be inaccessible to general traffic, including Wood Street, Central Square, Park Street, Havelock Street, Scott Road, Custom House Street, Mill Lane, The Hayes, John Street, Queen Street, Park Place, and Greyfriars Road up to Kingsway.
While these closures may pose challenges for some commuters, event organisers stress the importance of prioritising public safety and urge everyone to plan their journeys in advance. Public transport providers are working to issue alternative routes and timetables where possible, and additional signage will be in place to redirect drivers and pedestrians around the closed areas.
This year’s Pride Cymru does not only celebrate past successes but also highlights the ongoing journey for equality and acceptance. The continued expansion of the celebrations signals both increased support from the wider Welsh community and a growing appetite for inclusive public events.
In the spirit of unity and respect for all road users and event participants, Cardiff Council asks locals and visitors to exercise patience throughout the weekend. Despite the temporary inconvenience, the city centre promises an atmosphere of festivity, solidarity, and positivity.
Residents and business owners affected by the road closures can access further information through Cardiff Council’s dedicated helpline and event website. As the city readies itself for one of the year’s landmark events, anticipation is high for a Pride Cymru that not only looks back at its roots but also paves the way forward.
For those wanting to stay updated with the latest developments and advice, the council encourages following its social media channels and subscribing to local newsletters. With clear skies forecast and an inclusive spirit in the air, Pride Cymru 2025 is set to be a memorable occasion for Cardiff and beyond.