June marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identities (and more!). Pride started as a protest during the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and activists within Wales have continued to protest for over 50 years. To kick off Pride Month in Wales 2023, we’ve listed a selection of parade and other related events taking place across the summer below. 

CLWB MWLDAN: GOLDHILL DISCO’S RAINBOW DISCO

Yn Cyflwyno presents Goldhill Disco’s DJ Branwen hosting this night of upbeat, feel-good tunes to celebrate the arrival of Pride Month in Wales.

Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Fri 2 June.

Tickets: £5. Info: here

PRIDE CYMRU

What started as a one-day pride event during September 1999 is now Wales’ largest pride event and grassroots LGBTQ+ charity. This year, Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend features a mile-long parade, market stalls and a lineup of entertainers over three stages – including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, July Jones, The Feeling and Drag Race’s Ginny Lemon and Black Peppa.

Cardiff Castle, Sat 17 + Sun 18 June.

Tickets: £16.80 per day. Info: pridecymru.com

HAY PRIDE

Celebrate the natural world in Hay-On-Wye: with the theme ‘Nature is Queer’, they’re celebrating diversity, with events and spaces created for LGBTQ+ community and allies. 

Hay Castle / The Globe At Hay, Sat 17 June.

Admission: FREE. Info: haypride.com

COWBRIDGE PRIDE

Raising funds and LGBTQ+ resources for schools while collectively empowering and support LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies across Cowbridge & the Vale of Glamorgan.

Various venues, Cowbridge, Mon 19-Sat 25 June.

Admission: FREE. Info: cowbridgepride.com

DUSTY LIMITS

Original songs and twisted covers from the Australian-born, UK-based leading cabaret figure and singer and comedian, joined here by long-time collaborator Michael Roulston. Expect satire, comedy and heartbreak.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 22 June.

Tickets: £15. Info: here

LADY BUSHRA

BBC New Comedy Award-shortlisted drag comedian, brainchild of Bradford breakout Amir Dean, in a show of standup, lip syncs, one-liners and South Asian-meets-classic British comedy. 

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Fri 23 June.

Tickets: £12. Info: here

ABERGAVENNY PRIDE

This LGBTQ+ visibility event in the town centre of Abergavenny includes a Pride parade, drag performances, standup, live entertainment, a ‘think space’, workshops, talks and more.

Priory Centre, Abergavenny, Sat 24 June.

Tickets: £20. Info: abergavennypride.co.uk

BURNIN’ LOVE BINGO

Tracey Collins presents Elvis Lesley in a high-energy Vegas-style performance. Expect comedy, music, and, of course, bingo, as well as a chance to win some prizes to take home with you.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Sat 1 July.

Tickets: £15. Info: here

LLANELLI PRIDE

A Pride parade through Llanelli and multi-staged live event with food stalls, a kids’ area and pavilion, with an afterparty to follow.

Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli, Tue 4 July.

Info: Facebook

KLUB KIDS CARDIFF: MODE 2

After five sold-out shows in 2021, drag fashion show MODE returns to Wales in time for Pride season with performances from Awhora, Sminty Drop and Black Peppa plus more to be announced.

Cardiff University Students Union, Fri 14 July. 

Tickets: £30. Info: here

DRAGMA’S LATE NIGHT NATTERBOX

Ernie Sparkles – aka Dragma – and her grand-drag-daughters from the House Of Deviant are up for an uproarious evening of martinis, laughter, and inclusivity, and you’re invited. Over-15s only!

The Riverfront, Newport, Sat 15 July.

Tickets: £16.50. Info: here

LADY BUNNY

Prepare to be tantalised and traumatised at the same time by the leggy, false eyelash-wearing Lady Bunny at her newly (and aptly) retitled show, The Greatest Ho On Earth.

Glee Club, Cardiff Bay, Sun 16 July.

Tickets: £19.50. Info: here

PRIDE YOUTH GAMES

An annual residential weekend – held in Wales every third year around Pride season – offering taster sessions of various sporting activities and aimed at LGBTQ+ people aged 16-25. 

Glyndwr University, Wrexham, Fri 4-Sun 6 Aug.

Registration: FREE. Info: here

BARRY PRIDE

Barry Island celebrates Pride in Wales with a vibrant gathering showcasing diversity and inclusivity through culture, flags, stalls, and even more. 

Various locations, Barry Island, Sat 12 Aug.

Admission: FREE. Info: Facebook

PRIDE IN THE PORT

A weekend of entertainment, afterparties and opportunities to celebrate with the local Newport community.

Various locations, Newport, Sat 2 Sept.

Admission: FREE. Info: prideintheport.wales

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE WERQ THE WORLD TOUR 2023

Beloved US drag queens conquer with a futuristic sci-fi production and Season 12 winners Jaida Essence Hall, Aquaria, Rosé, Angeria, Bosco, Daya Betty, Kandy Muse, and Ginger Minj. 

Cardiff International Arena, Thurs 5 Oct.

Tickets: £35-£90. Info: here

WALES IS… PROUD

Explore artifacts such as protest banners and campaign badges and share stories to enrich the national collection and represent the LGBTQ+ people and communities of Wales. 

National Museum Of History, St Fagans, until Sun 31 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

words EMMA WAY