**Abergavenny Shines Bright: Small Town Makes Big Strides with LGBTQ+ Pride Festival**
In recent years, a remarkable transformation has swept through the smaller towns of the UK, challenging the notion that change only takes root in metropolitan centres. Abergavenny, a picturesque market town nestled in south Wales, stands as a shining example of this shift, with its yearly LGBTQ+ Pride event steadily gaining momentum and community support.
Unlike larger cities, where Pride events have long been established, places like Abergavenny were once perceived as bastions of tradition, seemingly resistant to dramatic social change. However, a growing spirit of inclusiveness has taken hold, as rainbow flags adorn local businesses and public spaces. These symbols serve not just as colourful decorations but as markers of an evolving, open-minded community embracing diversity as a strength.
The catalyst for Abergavenny’s Pride celebrations was humble and spontaneous. In December 2018, a group of friends gathered for festive drinks in a local hotel bar. Their conversation veered towards the needs of the local LGBTQ+ community, particularly its lack of visibility and social space. Seized by inspiration, they crafted a social media post right there in the bar, inviting thoughts on holding a local Pride festival. The response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, with locals quick to lend their support.
From this modest beginning, Abergavenny Pride soon moved from idea to reality. The first event, launched in 2019, surpassed all expectations. The town hosted an array of live performances, wellbeing activities, and community stalls, attracting over 200 attendees. For many, the festival was a profound experience: individuals felt empowered to express their gender identity openly and same-sex couples were able to enjoy public displays of affection, often for the very first time in their hometown.
Like many public events, Abergavenny Pride faced a hiatus during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, once restrictions eased, the festival made a strong comeback in 2022. Organisers continued to build on their earlier successes, introducing innovative features in 2023 that elevated the event further. One notable addition was Abergavenny’s inaugural Pride parade, which wound its way through the town’s streets, vibrantly brought to life with music, flags, and the cheers of supportive spectators.
Recognising the need for further inclusivity, 2023 also saw the introduction of “Out of the Closet.” This creative initiative offered festival-goers — particularly those from younger age groups — the opportunity to experiment with clothing and gender expression in a safe, supportive environment. It came about after conversations with students at a local secondary school, highlighting how responsive Abergavenny Pride has become to the needs and ideas of its community.
With each passing year, the festival has grown in both spirit and scale. The organisers ultimately decided that the event had outgrown its original venue. As a result, this year’s celebration, scheduled for 28 June 2025, will unfold within the historic grounds of Abergavenny Castle, promising a festival atmosphere beneath marquees and open sky.
Event highlights this year are set to include live musical performances, a bustling market area, expert-led discussions in the ‘Think Space’, and the much-loved return of “Out of the Closet.” Organisers have promised that this edition will be the biggest and boldest yet, with something for members of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.
Abergavenny’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ equality stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and solidarity. The festival’s journey from a chat in a hotel bar to a flagship event at the castle underscores the power of grassroots activism and the enduring desire to make every individual feel valued.
In doing so, Abergavenny continues to set an example for other small towns across the country. By championing acceptance, they offer a beacon of hope, signalling that positive social change truly can happen anywhere — and that Pride belongs to all who wish to celebrate it.