A HUGE THANK
YOU TO ALL OF OUR
SUPPORTERS:
The Chair’s Vision...
My name is Lu Thomas and I live in Penarth with my wife Charlie. We got
married in 2010, bought a house, got a Pug and then I became Chair of
Cardiff-Wales LGBT Mardi Gras in December 2013. But that’s enough about
me. We have a vision to look forward to...
Contents
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INTRODUCTION
Well, obviously I wish for the main event (now called Pride Cymru) to continue; and to grow in strength
An introduction to Pride Cymru and what our events are truly all about...
(politically) and to further increase the number of visitors to the event year on year. However, this is not going
10 VOLUNTEERING
to be an easy task with the current economic climate taking hold, and the unprecedented cutbacks affecting
the Third Sector in Wales. We are faced with the daunting task of organising a complex and resource hungry
event with a greatly reduced budget.
Find out how you can become a Pride Maker for this year’s event, what it takes, and also how to
page 6-7
register your interest to shape Pride Cymru next year...
12 MARKET STREET
So, my first aim is to ensure that the main event continues. Pride Cymru is entirely organised and run by volunteers and I am
extremely pleased that so many talented and committed volunteers this year have agreed to join the event management
team to help us make this year’s event a success. The committee is responsible for the organisation, planning and delivery
A summary guide to a favourite feature of Pride - the market place. A little bit about what to expect
of the entire main event and parade activities. Without them the event simply would not happen, so I’d like to take this
and a few names that will certainly be attending...
opportunity to thank them, sincerely. We have analysed the feedback received from Cardiff Mardi Gras 2013, and whilst
14 PARADE
our intention to hold the event in the Millennium Stadium was to try something new, reduce costs and make the event
weather proof – we have listened and realise that Pride Cymru belongs in Coopers Field.
Our Parade is back for it’s third year running. Find out why it’s an important aspect to Pride Cymru and
We have met with our key stakeholders to further share ideas and work areas, we will continue to seek new sponsors,
the all important details...
complete new grant funding applications, review event expenditure and seek to reduce costs where possible. What is
20 SPONSORSHIP
important to emphasise here is that whilst the board aims to be fiscally efficient, our entertainment team will be working
tirelessly to ensure that the event is bigger and better than ever. With that in mind we are looking at future ways to expand
Pride Cymru to a two or three day event. This will mean holding satellite events in and around the city, incorporating the
page 10
Pride Cymru would not be possible without the support of all our sponsors (see far left) year-onyear. If you run a business or if you are part of an organisation - find out how you can get involved in
unique arts and culture scenes, history, music, film, theatre, poetry and literature events etc. We are also looking at the
supporting Pride and keep it thriving. We are very approachable...
future possibility of providing a camping site close to Cooper’s Field to create a festival atmosphere in the capital of Wales.
22 GUIDE TO PRIDE
Secondly, srengthening our political identity – I believe this to be of paramount importance. Since its inception in 1999,
Mardi Gras has been a medium to promote LGBT equality and highlight issues faced by our community on a public
stage. Since 1999 we have come a long way in our fight for equality with many successes, including the Marriage Act,
Don’t leave everything to the last minute! Think and plan ahead to save yourself time and money.
page 12
which came into force in March 2014. However, unfortunately discrimination still happens. Homophobia is still prevalent
page 14 & 15
Consider this page an all important traffic light system to the big day...
networks to continue to work with our public officials and political leaders to combat ignorance and discrimination in our
27 WHAT’S ON
community. Therefore, it will be a priority for the board of trustees and I to increase our public and political engagement
We couldn’t possibly list every single activity going on at Pride Cymru as we would run out of time and
in Wales throughout the next three years.
space, but we have included a few unmmisable highlights, and when and where they can be found...
Thirdly, increasing the number of attendees to Pride Cymru. Without you the event wouldn’t happen, and we want to
32 CYMRAEG
within society. It is therefore important that we, as a long established LGBT organisation should use our contacts and
celebrate and relax with you in an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment. To me, what has always been so attractive
This part of our guide is dedicated to our Welsh readers and those who are Welsh-curious. It can also
about the event is that the audience accurately reflects our city community – whether you are lesbian, gay, straight, bi,
be used as a good resource if you are attempting to learn the language...
trans, questioning, young, old, tall, thin, short or fat, black, white, Christian or Muslim. It doesn’t matter if you identify as
being part of the LGBT community, know someone who is and wish to support them, or couldn’t care less about whom
someone chooses as their partner, you are welcome to come and celebrat e with the whole family and us.
With your support and the commitment of our excellent volunteers I will endeavour to ensure that the event is more
page 22
page 24
financially secure, bigger and more broadly appealing to the whole community, so we may be in the best position to host
Euro Pride 2018, which is our ultimate aim over the next three years.
I look forward to the challenge.
DIOLCH ENFAWR I’N
CEFNOGWYR
Lu Thomas
PRIDE CYMRU GUIDE 2014
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