Colwyn Bay’s First Pride

Together for Colwyn Bay carried on their tradition of putting on brilliant events by holding Colwyn Bay’s first Pride event. Held on Sunday 14th May, they brought Pride to their promenade, with people from across the LGBTQIA+ communities, represented on stage and in stalls.

There was a carnival type atmosphere with flags representing different groups being flown from piers and gazebos, rainbow balloon arches and an array of groups providing information on services in the local area for people from the LGBTQIA+ communities, whether it be Conwy Dragons Gay and Inclusive Rugby Team, Unique Transgender Network or the local Police, Fire and Ambulance Services. 

As well as the colourful prom, there was also a stage which hosted brilliant performances from local artists, including Two Sick Steves, Ghost Buskers and a Lady Gaga tribute amongst many others. Visitors were able to take in all the sights from the stage from deck chairs places across the beach.

This event was important the steering group of Together for Colwyn Bay, having been pinpointed as a priority in their Driving Change plan under Wellbeing, Isolation and Loneliness. As well as the Pride event, they have also supported an LGBT friendship group which will hopefully blossom as a result of the warmth of feeling coming from Colwyn Bay’s First Pride event.

Kai, vice-chair of Together for Colwyn Bay and organiser of the event said: “I think it should have happened a long time ago. Our LGBTQ friendship group really wanted it to happen and the steering group were really keen for it to happen. It’s gone well and hopefully we’ll be able to deliver more events in the future.”

This won’t be the last event held in Colwyn Bay this year either. Their Big Picnic returns for another year in the grounds of St Paul’s Church. They also continue to look to meet the needs of their community, making good use of their Invest Local funding to try and secure new community space to bring people together.