Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend is celebrated annually on the August bank holiday weekend. This year, it is scheduled to begin on August 23 and last the entire weekend. Pride Cymru is a “volunteer-led charity that works to promote the elimination of discrimination.” Its annual Pride event is aimed at connecting the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community and raising awareness of equality and diversity, whilst being an extravagant celebration of individual sexuality and gender identity. The event takes place in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. The festivities include cabaret performances, rides, live music, food, and beverages, along with a family area.
History of Pride Cymru
While they are some of the most advanced in Europe today, L.G.B.T.Q.+ rights in the United Kingdom, unfortunately, have a dark history. The formal introduction of Christianity in Britain happened in 597 A.D. with the arrival of Augustine of Canterbury to the region. At this point, the religious orthodoxy and homosexuality “began clashing.” Same-sex male sexual activity was deemed sinful, though it was not yet a crime. Then, the Buggery Act of 1533 made it entirely illegal and punishable by death. The decriminalization of same-sex male sexual activity happened in 1967. Same-sex female sexual activity was never quite addressed in legislation.
The 21st century saw the introduction and later improvement in the laws protecting the rights of members of the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community. While some protections had been in place since 1999, the Equality Act of 2010 made the list of protections more comprehensive. The ban on members of the LGBTQ+ community joining the army officially ended in 2016.
Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend first began in 1999 when a rise in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community led to the first Big Weekend, then known as Cardiff Mardi Gras, which was initiated in the hope of creating a better, safer Cardiff for the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community.
Pride Cymru timeline
The Buggery Act of 1533 outlaws same-sex male sexual activity.
The Buggery Act is lifted.
Pride Cymru leads its first pride event.
The Equality Act of 2010 improves the protection of L.G.B.T.Q.+ rights in the United Kingdom.
Pride Cymru FAQs
Why is pride called pride?
PRIDE is an acronym for “Personal Rights in Defense and Education.”
How many pride flags are there?
There are over 20 pride flags.
What does the pink white and orange flag mean?
It is the lesbian flag.
How to Observe Pride Cymru
Read about L.G.B.T.Q.+ issues
The L.G.B.T.Q.+ community still faces a lot of systematic discrimination. Spend the occasion educating yourself.
Attend the Big Weekend
If you can, go attend Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend. Join in on the festivities.
Find pride events near you
If going to the Big Weekend isn’t feasible, find other pride-related events near you. Plan to go when they happen next!
5 Interesting Facts About Cardiff
11th largest city
Cardiff is the 11th largest city in the United Kingdom.
Welsh
9% of the city’s population speaks Welsh.
Fairtrade
Cardiff was the world’s first Fairtrade capital city in the world.
City
Cardiff was made a city in 1905.
Shopping arcades
Cardiff is known as the City of Arcades.
Why Pride Cymru is Important
It shines a light on an important issue
The L.G.B.T.Q.+ community still faces a lot of systemic discrimination. The Big Weekend brings attention to the fact.
It’s a celebration of equality, diversity, and identity
The Big Weekend is a celebration of equality, diversity, and identity. All three are very important to celebrate.
It brings visibility to a historically oppressed community
The event provides a platform for members of the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community to celebrate themselves on a very visible platform. Considering the shame often thrust upon members of the community, it’s an important space to express their identities with pride.
Pride Cymru dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 24 | Saturday |
| 2025 | August 23 | Saturday |
| 2026 | August 29 | Saturday |
