Torfaen Pride takes place one month today in Pontypool Park.
Club F.O.D, an LGBT+ charity organising the event, is reminding people that the free, family-friendly event is on Saturday 1 June 2024.
Jamie Wake, the charity’s CEO, said: “For the LGBT+ community, Pride is a celebration of identity, diversity, and inclusion and for a significant number of the LGBT+ community, an individual’s first pride literally can change their life. It’s empowering and exhilarating to discover that there are people just like you.”
In 2023, Jamie shared his idea for a Pride event with Torfaen Council and a date was “pencilled” in and discussed at June’s full council meeting. One of his local councillors, Giles Davies (Abersychan Ward), then brought a motion to July’s meeting to get support from councillors.
“This council therefore resolves to support LBGTQ+ Pride events across the borough in their communications including social media channels, highlighting the importance of Pride and why we must continue to support our LGBTQ+ family members, friends, colleagues, and constituents.”
The motion was passed unanimously by Torfaen’s councillors at their July 2023 meeeting
The event will consist of a main stage, market stalls, community stalls, food and drink stalls and a fun fair.
Traders and community groups
There is still space available for traders and community groups to get involved. Email [email protected] if you’re interested.
The event kicks off Pride month in Wales which runs throughout June and for Club F.O.D it’s also a double celebration as the weekend also marks their fifth birthday.
Performers currently announced include Drag Performers such as Lady M, Tammy Paxton, as well as vocalists such as Kyle Finn and Petra Evans and a performance by the Rock Choir. More acts are being announced over the next week.
The weekend will also feature Drag Bingo on Friday 31 May at the New Inn pub, Abersychan.
More details of the event can be found at torfaenpride.co.uk or on Facebook @torfaenpride