User:Cardiff Mardi Gras/sandbox

Pride Cymru (Previously Cardiff Mardi Gras)
Pride Cymru is an annual LGBT parade and festival in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales and run by Pride Cymru. It is attended by thousands of people from around the world and is the largest of its kind in Wales. The event is run entirely by volunteers. In 2014, the Organisation changed their name from Cardiff Mardi Gras to Pride Cymru.

The first Cardiff Mardi Gras was held in 1999 which was attended by around 5-6,000 people. It is one of the few LGBT events in the UK not labelled as ‘pride’.

1999
Safer Wales underwrote Cardiff Mardi Gras for ten years. “We undertook to do this” they say on their web site, “As part of our commitment to raise the issue of Homophobic Biphobic and Transphobic Hate crime. Mardi Gras is now well established and was in 2010 wholly handed over to and is now run by the LBG&T community.”

2001
In 2001 Mardi Gras took place in Bute Park, the principal park in Cardiff. Speeches at the event were made by two openly gay and recently elected Welsh MPs Chris Bryant and Adam Price. The Liberal Democrats also launched a campaign for Cardiff to follow London's example by recognising same-sex partnerships. Chris Bryant in his speech said, "If you'd asked anyone for their stereotype of the Rhondda before the election it would have been that they would never elect anyone like me. But I ended up with more votes than anybody else in Wales in the election - which goes to show that kind of prejudice is a thing of the past. There are a lot of young people growing up in Wales who discover that they are gay and can feel some kind of freak. So it's important that we have role models and that we work to ensure equality in the law." Adam Price described the event as "a celebration of diversity that is characteristic of the tolerant and inclusive Wales we all want to see". The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP added, “''Unfortunately, there are still too many instances of gay men and lesbians facing discrimination. Mardi Gras is an opportunity to show the kind of confidence that allows all men and women to be open with their friends, families and colleagues''.”

2002
No articles were generated about Mardi Gras in 2002.

2003
By 2003 Cardiff Mardi Gras had grown in size and confidence and with an estimated audience of 40,000 Haydn Price, marketing officer for the event said it was being seen as the second biggest of its kind in the UK. Amnesty used the event to highlight the issues many LGBT people face around the world. Eleanor White, programme director of Amnesty, said that more than 70 countries around the world criminalises homosexuality.

2004
By 2004 Mardi Gras had become a week-long festival with events at Chapter Arts Centre and sports events in the park. There were rugby and football tournaments with Danish and Dutch teams joining the Cardiff Lions Rugby team and a fancy-dress lesbian five-a-side football.

The welcoming and friendly city, and its Welshness, made it unique in the Pride calendar, said Gay Times. Charlotte Church appeared and boosted press interest. She did a duet with Welsh singer Noel Sullivan from Hear’Say and the bill also featured Korben, Darius. Hosts included Nicki French and Ruth Madoc at a time when Madoc was appearing as the mother to Dafydd, the Only Gay in the Village. The festival featured a dance tent run by Saviour a gay night club hugely popular on the Cardiff and Bristol scenes, and the King’s Cross. The stage line-up included Bryan Murphy, Shah, Geekgirl, Sean Fox, 5Boyz, Diana Monte, Tracey Welsh and Baby Strange. There were appearances by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Rodney Berman, Cardiff Council and Red Dragon radio.

2005
Patrons were Charlotte Church and Russell T Davies.

Church headlined on the music stage along with Noel Sullivan, Gina G and Bjorn Again. Cardiff Council gave £10,000 towards the event and the Welsh Assembly Government agreed to give £5,000 a year for the next three years. Stonewall Cymru used the event to launch a campaign against discrimination when a gay couple from Porthmadoc had been asked to take a HIV test before being given life assurance for a mortgage. Other examples given were that a lesbian was refused a smear test by her doctor and a lesbian couple desperate for help after being harassed by a neighbour were not supported.

Councillor Nigel Howells said, “''It's excellent to see the Cardiff Mardi Gras going from strength to strength and once again thousands of people will be visiting our city to join the festivities in this important year for us. The party is all about celebrating diversity but it is also a vital part of the bigger picture to combat homophobic hate crime and make the city a safe place for everyone''."

However there were difficulties over a party following Mardi Gras. The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff had arranged to have an event for an estimated audience of 40,000 but the council granted a licence for a free street party nearby on the same night. Millennium Stadium chief executive Paul Sergeant said the decision by Cardiff Council's highways authority to grant permission for a street closure in Charles Street for a free party, organised by a nightclub, meant that their event would have to be cancelled at short notice. “''Our involvement was on the basis there was both a need and desire to give Mardi Gras revellers somewhere safe to congregate in the evening. To accommodate the event, the stadium dedicated a huge amount of resources, turned away other business and spent thousands of pounds. Top class bands were lined up (and) considerable advertising was put in place''." Mr Sergeant said they had been working closely with festival organisers and been planning the event for months. Mardi Gras organisers said the street party had been organised unofficially by a local club adding they were disappointed with the stadium's decision to cancel.

Reacting to Mr Sergeant's comments, a Cardiff Council spokeswoman said: "Cardiff plays host to a great number of events, often more than one event at any one time. All applications whether for licensing or road closures must be considered independently and on their own merits. A number of road closures have been granted on the grounds of public safety. The street parties have not been organised by the council."

2006
2006 was marked by the anti-gay protests held outside Mardi Gras by Stephen Green. Green had been handing out leaflets and was told by the police to stop. When he continued he was arrested, held for four hours and after he refused to accept a caution he was charged. Green claimed his rights to free speech had been challenged and said LGBT people should give up their ‘choice’. Cardiff Mardi Gras organisers refused to comment. Matthew Batten, Policy and Public Affairs Officer for Stonewall Cymru said, “''Cardiff Mardi Gras is the one event in Wales where lesbian and gay people come together to celebrate gay life in a safe and friendly environment. Wales’ gay community have the right to be protected from this deeply offensive material, which equated being gay with incest.” Green was later charged with “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby, contrary to section 5 (1) and (6) of the Public Order Act 1986''”. Green was later cleared at Cardiff Magistrates Court but he then threatened legal action against the police.

Christian Voice meanwhile prayed for rain and that God would visit financial disaster on the event. It did indeed rain but many ignored it and arrived anyway.

An entrance fee was introduced for the first year and the event featured the likes of Doctor Who monsters, gay rugby tournament and the World’s First Gay Motor Show organised by TS Media and TopGayer. They had launched TopGayer at the 2005 Cardiff Mardi Gras and had sponsored the event. A rugby tournament was hosted by Cardiff Lions with teams from London, Edinburgh and Bristol. Due to changes in licencing laws it was the first year festival goers were not allowed to take their own alcohol onto the grounds.

2007
The theme of the 2007 event was the colours of the rainbow and the event was split into coloured zones. The red zone was the The Co-Operative Cymru/Wales main stage; orange was Admiral Insurance cabaret tent, yellow was an Inferno Dance tent supported by the Fire and Rescue Services of Wales; purple the market stalls, blue a Reflection area. An awards ceremony was introduced to celebrate people who have made the event a success or have fought homophobia. There were six awards for the six colours of the rainbow flag. The categories were for Most Positive Role Model, Best New Friend of Mardi Gras, Community Spirit, Scene Personality, The Safer Wales Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations included Russell T Davies and John Barrowman.

Stonewall launched their new survey Shout OUT and fringe events featured a quiz night hosted by CJ de Mooi from the BBC TV quiz show Eggheads.

2008
Mardi Gras was cancelled due to lack of community and financial support. Safer Wales, co- organisers of the festival said growing costs and increasing demands on the unpaid committee had led to the decision. Mark Williams of Safer Wales said: “''The Mardi Gras committee have given extensive personal time and effort without payment to ensure the event is considered to be one of the front runners in the UK gay pride event calendar. The high demands placed on committee members have made it difficult to retain volunteers and attract new ones. The committee have worked hard in recent years to raise funds and with growing costs for the event and infrastructure this has become increasingly difficult''.”

A Pride replacement was planned organised by the Mardi Gras committee and Safer Wales. It took place at Cooper’s Field the traditional site of Mardi Gras and cost in excess of £120,000.

Despite the success of past years “high demands places on committee members have made it difficult to retain volunteers and attract new ones” the committee said in a statement. Local bars, clubs, organisations and businesses were invited to a meeting to discuss the situation.

However Pride was washed out due to torrential rain. Thousands of tickets had been sold but a street party was planned instead.

2009
Mardi Gras was back. Supported by Rhodi Morgan the first Minister of Wales who said, “''I would like to send my best wishes to everyone involved at this year’s Mardi Gras in Cardiff and congratulate you in ensuring that after a year’s absence, you put it back on the map bigger and better than in previous years. The Welsh Assembly Government fully supports the aims of Cardiff Mardi Gras – changing attitudes and preventing homophobia – that is why we are proud to be providing financial support for staging the event.” Describing the changes achieved for gays and lesbians, he also gave a special mention to trans people, saying: “It is also important we recognise this must be extended to transgender and therefore we have signalled this within our flagship Single Equality Scheme, which is the key driver for our equality and human rights agenda''.”

Richard Newton, a member of the organising committee said he expected 60,000 “the event is well attended every year but this time it’s going to be bigger with 72 live acts on stage.”

2010
For the first time Cardiff Mardi Gras was organised solely by a dedicated committee of volunteers.

Around 30,000 people attended. A Health & Wellbeing zone was sponsored by the Big Lottery Fund. The event took place in a fenced-off area for the first time and no alcohol was allowed onto the site. This was a measure taken to ensure the security and safety of everyone and was intended to bring Mardi Gras in line with other large-scale events. Some commentators did not like the fence Wales4eva commented: “''Inside the 'pen' it was horrendous. It was like being stuck at a football ground as everyone is trying to leave. There were too many people for the size of the fenced area, safety wise it was awful and ill conceived''.”

However Richard Newton, chairman of the Cardiff Mardi Gras committee, said the feedback the festival team had received was that the 2010 Mardi Gras was the best event yet. He said: “''There wasn't a pen as such which was enclosed. Lots of people have been telling us it was the best ever Mardi Gras and that the organisation this year was very slick''.”

The main stage featured acts from former Coronation Street actor Adam Rickett, and X Factor stars Same Difference, the South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus, Chamelonz, the Good Things and Lloyd Daniels. The Pineapple Dance Studios’ Starman also appeared as well as progressive metal band Blue Gillespie, featuring frontman Gareth David-Lloyd who played Ianto in Torchwood. Gareth David-Lloyd said, “Mardi Gras is not just about declaring to the world that the LGBT community exists it’s about promoting and celebrating the diversity and richness of this community.”

The Admiral Insurance Cabaret Garden featured Miss Penny, Tina Sparkle and Miss Kitty among others. Liberal Youth Wales said they had collected 400 signatures for their campaign at the event. Their anti-homophobia campaign Homophobia is still gay is part of the youth and student wing of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and was originally launched last year. The campaign was backed by Assembly member for Cardiff Central Jenny Randerson.

Nigel Owens and Gareth Thomas supported Mardi Gras. Owens, who had just been announced as patron of the festival, said: “''We have all come a long way in recent years but there is still much to be achieved. Cardiff Mardi Gras is both a great celebration but also a beacon of the fair, diverse and equal society we all long and strive for''.”

2011
The usual format of local acts in the Admiral Cabaret Garden and mainstream acts on the main stage was followed. Jen Thornton, spokeswomen for Mardi Gras said the event had attracted over 20,000 people. “It has been really good,” she said, “''We’ve had some brilliant dance acts and cabaret and the atmosphere has been fantastic. I’ve not heard of any problems apart from a short spell of rain but that cleared up after about half an hour.” She went on to say, “Mardi Gras is really important, we heard from a few politicians and they said it’s great that we can celebrate diversity in this way but that we have to remember that it hasn’t always been this way. But thanks to those who’ve fought hard we can now embrace our differences and people can feel comfortable the way they are''.”

The first Cardiff Mardi Gras Arts Festival took place across the city. Events included NoFit State Circus, Stevenage at Chapter Arts Centre, a cabaret night at St David’s Hall, Jazz and Cocktails at Cardiff Central Library and a Welsh language gig featuring Clinigol and Nia Medi at Clwb Ifor Bach.

The main stage featured acts such as Amanda Protheroe Thomas; Miss Kitty and Marcia; Fanny Dazzle and Jolene Dover; South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus; Cwtch; Eurovision veterans Scooch performing a Glee-inspired set; ‘80s pop icon Hazell Dean; Kenelis; X Factor finalist Sean Rumsey and Welsh language band Clinigol.

The Urban Freestyle Display Team performed. This included BMXing and World Record holding football freestyler Ash Randall who had appeared in ads for Disney and Blackberry.

In the evening there was a cabaret at St David’s Hall hosted by drag queen Tina Sparkle.

2012
The feature of 2012 was the introduction of the first Pride parade. A rainbow coloured float led the parade from Dumballs Road at 11.30am went via St Mary’s Street to the sounds of Heather Small’s iconic hit Proud and cheered on by hundreds. Around 600 people took part in the parade and organisations included Cardiff University LGBT Society, Stonewall Cymru, TUC Cymru, Terrence Higgins Trust, Plaid Pride, The Spout, Unite the Union among many others. Described as “exhilarating lively and most definitely both proud and defiant; it was a pleasure to see us so welcomed by passer-bys, particularly younger people - a number of whom joined in once they’d seen us!” Richard Newton explained the thinking behind introducing a parade, “''Statistics show us that trans and homophobic hate crime is on the increase in south Wales; and that many have suffered bullying and discrimination at school and work. 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. The Mardi Gras committee are challenging as many businesses, employers and organisations to get involved in the parade as possible to highlight the importance of tackling hate crime in the workplace''.”

Jane Hutt AM, the Welsh minister for Equality said, “''I am delighted to see the Mardi Gras returning to Cardiff again this year. Cardiff Mardi Gras is a great example of how we can bring people together to eliminate discrimination, something the Welsh government is always keen to support''.”

The parade led into the traditional venue of Cooper’s Field.

Main stage featured former M People’s Heather Small and X Factor finalists Marcus Collins and 2 Shoes. Lady Ga Ga Experience. Top DJs the Freemasons. Marcus Collins later tweeted “Wow, what a night.” Marcus Collins said, “''I love performing at Mardi Gras and Cardiff is a lovely, lovely city. I’ve had some great nights out there when I toured with the X Factor show''.” The after show party featured superclub producers SuperMartXé and the iconic Freemasons.

The Youth and Family zone included face painting, a mobile superhero competition and football skills session as well as organisations offering health and advice.

The Socialist Party protested against the commercialisation of Mardi Gras and Pride and mounted an anti-commercial campaign “Pride: protest not profit”. The entry fee was £6. ”Overall, the real mood of solidarity and strength permeated the march, despite the somewhat alien element of business promotion and advertisement also present on the day.” Lisa Buckley, one of Cardiff Mardi Gras’ volunteer committee members, explained, “''We would love to keep Mardi Gras free but we have to be realistic, and despite the generous support of our supporters and funders this isn’t possible. It’s sad to see that like many other charities it is stuck on hard times due to economics and government policy forced to take such measures. But the decision to charge is pragmatic rather than defeatist. As a charity it is our legal responsibility to ensure the organisation is sustainable and that the event is safe and appropriate in order for us to achieve our charitable aims. No doubt entry fees will be a sticking point for more than a few community members. After all, it’s not just charities that are finding cash hard to come by these days, and with many other pride events still not charging some may think it disingenuous to ask people to cough up in order to indulge and express their identity and/or support for the LGBT community. However, it is well worth bearing in mind that no-one involved in its organisation and execution is paid any fee, and all money raised goes back into the charity''.”

2013
In February it was announced that Cardiff-Wales LGBT Mardi Gras was to receive a three year £189,895 lottery grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Director of Cardiff Mardi Gras, Scott Davies, said: “''As funding for charities grow tighter it is becoming harder for people who suffer from discrimination and exclusion to find support and advice. This People and Places grant from the Big Lottery will ensure those support services can continue and provide a much needed lifeline for vulnerable people''.”

Of the work being undertaken with the grant money Norena Shopland, appointed Project Manager, said on the Big Lottery Blog web site, “''Certain groups within BME categories can be very difficult to reach due to cultural phobias about gay, bisexual and transgender people. The same is true for those from religious backgrounds. For people who come from backgrounds where being LGBT is taboo, and often carries great penalties such as being ejected from the family home and sometimes the whole community, or physical violence, it is important they know about organisations to whom they can turn, and who understands their particular problems. We too can learn from them and look at ways to tackle cultural phobias. Homophobic/bi and transphobic bullying in schools is very high and most children have either been involved in or witnessed homophobic based bullying. More work needs to be done to prevent bullying in schools and to provide support for those with particular needs and educate those doing the bullying. LGBT people in Wales are often isolated in rural communities and receive little or no support, many will often move to larger towns and cities. Once in a new place they will want to make friends, socialise and network and often this involves meeting in pubs and clubs. In certain areas this can lead to a higher than average dependency on alcohol and sexual exploitation. Cardiff-Wales LGBT Mardi Gras is about raising awareness and fighting discrimination. We provide support for LGBT people, for those around them, and for organisations which provide front line services (such as hospitals, local authorities, etc.) who interact with LGBT but who may not understand the particular problems LGBT people face.''”

In March the committee announced that the venue would be the Cardiff Millennium Stadium. Scott Davies, Director of Mardi Gras said, “''Mardi Gras’ attendance over the last 13 years has grown to incredibly high numbers, proving that the Cardiff community, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, is more supportive of LGBT equality and diversity than ever before. Taking over one of the greatest and most iconic venues in the world seemed a fitting way to celebrate that and grow on it. One of the other benefits of moving the event from Coopers Field to the Millennium Stadium is, to not only expand the event, but also to have the ability to close the roof off to adverse weather''.”

Reaction to the news was mixed with some people not supporting the move. Cardiffismyhome commented on Wales Online, “Totally ridiculous idea which seems to be attracting near universal disapproval from the Cardiff gay community.”

The parade became a pedestrian only event starting at Churchill Way, down Queen Street into the Hayes and onto St Mary’s Street. Tracey Bancroft, Parade Manager, said, “It is wonderful to see large organisations such as Tesco, Asda, Coleg Gwent, Play On The Move, South Wales Police, Action for Children and Sport Wales all pledging support this year…we invite everyone to take part and show that they believe in LGBT equality and diversity in Wales.”

Nigel Owens, an international rugby referee who has refereed more internationals than any other Welsh ref, appeared as patron of Cardiff Mardi Gras. He used the event to drawn attention to his own difficulties in coming out and how the world of rugby had come a long way in tackling homophobia. He said that a number of rugby players, including Gareth Thomas, had come out in “the last five to eight years” something unheard of before. “''We’ve certainly taken steps forward more than other sports especially football. There is still a lot to do but rugby is leading the way''.” He also drew attention to the rise of abuse on social media which generated an editorial comment in the South Wales Echo who reminded readers that Cardiff Mardi Gras was a great way to celebrate diversity and of how vital to the community the event is.

Host of Big Brother, Rylan Clark hosted the main stage and said, “''I’m really excited to be hosting and performing at Cardiff Mardi Gras. It’s a great cause that’s really close to my heart''.”

British soul star Beverley Knight, a well-known supporter of LGBT human rights headlined.

Prime Minister David Cameron sent a letter of support. In his letter he praised the event as a “great celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Wales and said the Milennium Stadium move would make it the “biggest and best to date...The LGBT Pride events that take place across the UK each year show why the UK continues to be recognised as No 1 in Europe on LGBT equality and rights”.

Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, also sent a supporting letter. In it he admitted that the Anglican Church had not always treated LGBT people “with the respect they deserve.” He added, “Any attempt, such as Cardiff-Wales LGBT Mardi Gras, that breaks down barriers of prejudice and treats people as the individuals they are, with respect and dignity, has my full support.”

Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn, who shot to fame for his work with unusual materials such as Marmite and toast, produced a picture of Beverley Knight in paints on a rainbow flag.

The move to the stadium was not popular and many took to the event’s Facebook page to criticise the change of venue, the lack of atmosphere and the high price of food and drink. Cardiff Mardi Gras responded quickly to the criticism and vowed they would not return to the stadium. In a statement Trustees of the organisation said, “''The Trustees and the committee of Cardiff-Wales LGBT Mardi Gras are grateful are grateful for all the feedback and comments, both the good and the not so good received following Saturday’s event. It is only with this important feedback that we can further improve the event. One thing we can all be certain about is that Mardi Gras will not be at the Millennium Stadium in 2014. We will be working with Cardiff council, South Wales Police and our other partners over the next few weeks to look at the options for staging a safe, enjoyable, inclusive and affordable event next year. As we have more information we’ll be sure to share it and seek your feedback''.”

2014
In 2013 Mardi Gras re-organised their committee into a new management team, changed their name and appointed new trustees. Lu Thomas became Chair and in January she published a three year vision. She reminded the public that Pride Cymru is run entirely by volunteers who have each year to raise the £280,000 to ensure the event takes place. Referring to the decision to host the 2013 event at the Millennium Stadium she explained the reasons, “our intention to hold the event in the Millennium Stadium was to try something new, reduce costs and make the event weather proof.”

Thomas spoke of returning Pride Cymru to a two or three day event explaining, “This will mean holding satellite events in and around the city, incorporating the unique arts and culture scenes, history, music, film, theatre, poetry and literature events, etc. We are also looking at the possibility of providing a camping site close to Cooper’s Field to create a festival atmosphere in the centre of the capital city of Wales” She concluded by saying, “With your support and the commitment of our excellent volunteers I will endeavour to ensure that the event is more 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.”

2015
In 2015, Pride Cymru celebrated 30 years of Welsh Activism with members of LGSM and those who took part in the first march in 1985. The Parade continued to grow.

The event at Coopers Field saw some changes with The Colourfest taking over the Dance Arena, The Street Food Warehouse providing the Food at the Event and a Vintage Tea Room.

The Headline acts on the Main Stage were Britain's Got Talent Judge, Alesha Dixon, SNAP, Lorraine Bowen, Lucy Spraggan, Katrina and the Waves, with the event hosted by Andrew Hayden-Smith.