COMPETITION:

We’ve got a pair of tickets available for field entry and backstage bar access. Plus one pair for field entry, backstage bar access and after party access (over 18s 0nly). To win, simply answer the following question and email your answer to competitions@buzzmag.co.uk by 4pm on Fri 31 Aug.

Q: Which of these three Xfactor contestants will NOT be appearing on the main stage at the Cardiff Wales Mardi Gras on Sat 1 Sept.

Marcus Collins, Ruth Lorenzo or Little Mix?

NOW an established annual event, Cardiff’s Mardi Gras Festival is back for 2012, promising to be bigger and better than ever before. As well as being a fun and colourful day out, the event also aims to create visibility and support for the LGBT community by creating understanding, reducing fear, and creating equality, all in a way that is accessible to everyone.

Last year alone, 20,000 people joined in the celebrations, and now the festival is in its 13th year with a firm place on the Cardiff calendar. The main event, held in Bute Park on Sat 1 Sept, will begin at midday, continuing for 10 hours of non-stop entertainment.

A first for this year’s Mardi Gras is the introduction of a parade, which will begin at 11am on Dumballs Road and continue through St Mary St before arriving at Coopers Field in time for the main event. Richard Newton, chairman of the Cardiff Wales LGBT Mardi Gras said, “statistics show us that trans and homophobic hate crime is on the increase in South Wales and that many have suffered bullying and discrimination in schools and at work. We believe that the key to stopping this is to create visibility and understanding and we want to do this by taking this opportunity to parade through Cardiff City Centre.”

As for the event itself, a whole host of acts are set to perform, with artists Heather Small, Marcus Collins and Ruth Lorenzo taking to the stage. The event will also see the return of Bright Light Bright Light, and there will be a cabaret garden highlighting the best in local cabaret and drag acts. A dance arena and youth zone will also provide a space for those aged 16 and under to work with qualified youth workers on a range of issues. A funfair and range of bars and catering will also add to the excitement of the event, which promises to be a day to remember. HELEN LOCK

Cardiff Mardi Gras, Sat 1 Sept, Bute Park, Cardiff. Tickets: £6. Info: 08444 771000 / www.cardiffmardigras.co.uk