**Pride Cymru 2025 Transforms Cardiff with Colour, Activism and Community Spirit**
Cardiff was awash with rainbows and celebration this weekend as thousands of people gathered for Pride Cymru 2025, an event that continues to grow in both size and significance since its humble beginnings 40 years ago. What initially started as a small gathering of fewer than 100 participants in 1985 has evolved into one of Wales’ largest and most vibrant annual parades, drawing a diverse crowd and shining a spotlight on both the joys and the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities.
This year’s milestone event was a testament to how Pride has flourished in the capital. Streets across the city centre became a joyous spectrum, filled with families, friends, community organisations, and performers expressing themselves with pride and solidarity. There was a palpable sense of unity as people of all ages and backgrounds came together to mark four decades of progress since that very first march, originally initiated by Cardiff University students.
However, the celebrations also reflected Pride’s origins in activism. A protest action near the iconic Cardiff Castle saw members of Cymru Queers for Palestine block the intended parade route. The group, advocating for Palestinian rights and seeking further dialogue with event organisers, used the opportunity to urge greater accountability. Protesters staged a sit-in and displayed banners reading “Profiting from genocide”, causing the parade to be redirected. In response, organisers released a statement underscoring their commitment to maintaining Pride as a place of both celebration and protest. “Pride is a space for protest, celebration, and solidarity. We remain committed to creating a Pride that reflects the diversity and voices of our entire community,” the statement read.
Despite the disruption, the overall mood across Cardiff remained upbeat. For many, such expressions of protest served as an important reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. As one participant shared, “Pride began as a protest. To have today’s voices demanding visibility and support is a vital part of what makes this event meaningful.”
The day’s festivities did not stop with the parade. Cooper’s Field became the heart of a lively after-party, hosting performances from high-profile artists including Ella Henderson, Shola Ama, Kimberly Wyatt, Booty Luv, and much-loved local drag performer Carrie Sauce. The programme provided a platform for LGBTQ+ talent alongside mainstream acts, reinforcing the event’s inclusive values and celebratory spirit.
Throughout the weekend, Cardiff’s city centre was transformed into a sea of colour. Balloons, extravagant costumes and handmade signs added festivity to the proceedings. Smiles and laughter were abundant as people expressed the joy of being their authentic selves — a scene that volunteers at Pride Cymru, a charity run entirely by dedicated individuals, have worked tirelessly to facilitate and protect.
Many attendees commented on the vital importance of visibility for LGBTQ+ communities, particularly for younger people. Parents and allies emphasised that seeing diversity openly celebrated helps foster acceptance and inspires confidence among children and young adults. “It’s more important than ever for our voices to be seen and heard,” another parade-goer remarked, echoing the sentiments of many.
Looking back over the four decades since the first Pride Cymru, the growth and transformation of the event is striking. What began modestly now sees participation from over 50,000 individuals, with the parade winding along major thoroughfares such as Castle Street and High Street, drawing crowds of both marchers and enthusiastic spectators. The evolution of Pride Cymru mirrors broader social changes, highlighting both achievements won and the work still to be done.
As Cardiff’s main thoroughfares returned to normal at the close of the parade, the energy remained high, a testament to the resilience and joy of those who rallied to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. While challenges remain, this year’s Pride Cymru has again shown that solidarity, visibility, and activism make change possible — and that, above all, Pride in Wales remains a powerful force for acceptance and hope.