This year’s Abergavenny Pride is expected to see an increase of up to 50% of people attending the event.
Around 400 people took part in the 2022 event and organisers say they are expecting an increase to 500 to 600 when it returns to the town on Saturday 24 June.
Aaron Flowers, Abergavenny Pride, committee member, said: “Abergavenny Pride was first established in 2019, when Kate and Elaine McCulloch, alongside Jo Webb, discussed how there was a lack of visible LGBTQ+ presence in the town. Elaine posted on a local Facebook group asking if there was interest in a Pride event being set up in Abergavenny and whether anyone would like to be involved in creating one.
“After a significant amount of interest, alongside Amy Pope and Frankie Wesson, within five months, the first Abergavenny Pride was held on 6 July 2019, the town’s first pride, at the Park Street Community Centre and was attended by about 200 people.”
The pandemic stopped Pride taking place but it returned in 2022 in a new venue at St Mary’s Priory Centre and Tithe Barn.
Aaron continued: “This year’s Pride is going bigger again, we are holding it in the same venue as 2022, and we are expecting 500-600 people. The committee has also increased to 12 members which has allowed for more things to be planned for the day.
“The organising committee demonstrates the inclusivity of our Pride, with the committee being made up of both gay and straight, male and female members, and we strive to consult with transgender people on a regular basis. All 12 committee members give their time voluntarily and are proud to participate in an event which can be seen as a positive asset to Abergavenny. Additional volunteers participate via our social media outlets and at various smaller events.
‘Everyone is welcome’
“Everyone is welcome at our events – Abergavenny Pride celebrates inclusivity and diversity, and we hope that the Pride itself acts as a catalyst for bringing together the whole community, providing support to all, whatever their sexual orientation. We also think that Pride makes Abergavenny an even more attractive place for LGBTQ+ to live, work and contribute.
“Aside from LGBTQ+ individuals and their families feeling less isolated and more connected to the community, we are really proud to be working from a real community ethos. Not only does Pride increase footfall, but many local businesses will have a presence at the event.”
The Pride Parade and events
The day kicks off with a parade starting 11am in the square by the Grofield Pub and finishing in The Brewery Yard.
Free events and lots of stalls will be open from 12pm to 5pm at St Mary’s Priory Centre and Tithe Barn. Visitors can enjoy entertainment on the main stage throughout the day with food and drinks on sale.
After party
Tickets (£20 + booking fee) are on sale for the evening party (over 18s) that runs from 7pm to 11pm and entertainment includes drag artists, a comedian and DJ.
Social media
Follow Abergavenny Pride on:
The committee have worked with a number or organisations including Gwent Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, St John Ambulance, Abergavenny Town Council. Monmouthshire County Council, local businesses, charities and sponsors