**New Bar Brings Safe Haven for LGBTQ+ Community in Merthyr Tydfil**
A young couple from Merthyr Tydfil, frustrated by the lack of inclusive spaces and uncomfortable stares while out together, have taken matters into their own hands by opening what is believed to be the valleys town’s first gay bar. Their mission: to create a welcoming venue where members of the LGBTQ+ community could feel at ease, celebrate who they are, and enjoy a vibrant nightlife close to home.
Freya Curtis, 22, and her partner Kate Bailey, have lived with the reality of growing up in a small Welsh town where being open about their relationship would often attract unwelcome attention. “We experienced people staring at us in pubs—just for who we are,” Freya recalls. This feeling, familiar to many LGBTQ+ people in less urban settings, led the pair to dream up a space free from judgement.
That vision materialised with the launch of Sparkles, which first opened its doors in November. The aptly named venue is more than just a bar; it’s a landmark for Merthyr Tydfil, representing a significant step towards greater visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community in the area.
Freya’s understanding of the bar scene comes from her family background. Her parents, Marnie and Matthew Curtis, have managed the Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club for three decades, providing Freya with invaluable insights into running a hospitality business. This familiarity made the leap into bar ownership feel all the more natural. For Freya and Kate, the lack of a dedicated LGBTQ+ venue locally was glaring—most had to travel to Cardiff for a larger, more prominent gay scene.
It was not an immediate journey to becoming business owners. The couple spent several months considering their idea and keeping an eye out for possible locations. Their first attempt to secure a venue—previously the Morlais Cocktail Bar—fell through. However, they persisted, and a second chance arose when the site returned to the market. Sharing their vision with the landlord proved successful, and the keys to their new venture were soon handed over.
Financial support arrived in the form of a £35,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales, helping them to cover vital initial costs. Within just thirteen days of receiving the keys, they transformed the space and officially opened Sparkles in the heart of the town on 14 November 2024. With doors open from Tuesday to Sunday, the venue quickly gained popularity and became a focal point for the local LGBTQ+ community.
Sparkles stands out not only for its inclusivity but also for the diversity of its entertainment. From live music and drag shows to karaoke nights and Pride celebrations, the bar offers experiences that previously required a journey to the capital. This new visibility allows local drag performers to gain crucial experience and has even given two queens, Vanity and Glas, their first regular residencies. Such initiatives provide invaluable opportunities for up-and-coming talent to build a following outside the competitive Cardiff scene.
Freya and Kate’s independent ownership means they can curate the space and activities to truly reflect their community’s needs. “It’s ours,” Freya explains. “Not a chain, not tied to a brewery—we control the atmosphere, the events, and the environment.” This autonomy ensures Sparkles provides a sense of safety, authenticity and inclusivity that many patrons previously found lacking elsewhere in the town.
The community response since opening has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite initial concerns about potential backlash or prejudice, Freya reports that respect and support have greeted their venture. “It’s just been an absolute whirlwind because it’s taken off so well.” The bar’s reach even extends beyond Merthyr Tydfil, with inquiries coming from as far afield as Newcastle, North Wales and Ireland, from those eager to experience the town’s new LGBTQ+ hub.
In its short lifespan, Sparkles has already attracted famous faces, including Ruth Jones and Steve Spiers, thanks to a feature on BBC One Wales’ From Merthyr with Love. For Freya and Kate, these visits further highlight the bar’s growing significance.
Looking ahead, the couple harbour ambitions of expanding their community-driven approach to other towns. “The biggest goal is to put this sense of belonging into new places—maybe Aberdare, Pontypridd, or even across Wales. Who knows, maybe one day abroad,” says Freya with optimism.
Sparkles’ story is not just about one venue—it reflects a wider movement towards acceptance, visibility, and celebration of LGBTQ+ lives in small towns across the country. For many in Merthyr, this bar is so much more than just a night out: it’s a long-overdue homecoming.