Smashed it
More than 70 colleagues from across the country joined forces with our charity partner, Action for Children and more than 50,000 others to celebrate Pride Cymru's 20th anniversary in Cardiff over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Organisers say Saturday’s parade through the Welsh capital was the biggest in Pride Cymru's history, attracting more than 15,000 marchers and an estimated 2,000 spectators.
Led by the First Minister Mark Drakeford, the march started at 11.00 and made its way through the centre of Cardiff.
Headliners at the festival site in the civic centre included Gok Wan, Atomic Kitten, Liberty X, Samantha Mumba and Texas.
Since 1999 the event, which was formerly known as Cardiff Mardi Gras, has grown significantly. Gian Molinu, Chair of Pride Cymru said: ‘Twenty years ago the first Cardiff Mardi Gras took place, so to have Atomic Kitten, Honeyz and Samantha Mumba with us on Sunday and Texas and Tina Cousins on Saturday, means a lot.
‘The support we have received this year from local politicians, businesses, fellow charities and of course the general public, has been overwhelming and I hope that together, we are taking further strides towards an inclusive society where diversity is celebrated and not just tolerated.’
Cardiff production control manager Andrew Colclough, said: ‘What a fantastic day at Cardiff Pride. I met some wonderful people. Many thanks to everyone who made the day so amazing! Until next year!’
Attendance review operations lead, Caroline Rich, said: ‘What a brilliant day. So proud to be part of this team.’
Executive assistant, Leon Evans, said: ‘Pride Cymru is one of our biggest Pride entries outside of London and Manchester. It really was a fabulous day of representing our Welsh LGBT+ colleagues with everyone wearing our Delivering with Pride t-shirts and dancing in the glorious sunshine to the tunes pumping out of our Royal Mail float.
‘It felt like the whole city was on the streets supporting the event and it was great to see the historic castle flying the LGBT, Bi and Trans* flags! We were joined by Cardiff plant manager, John Press, along with some of his senior team who all looked marvellous in their rainbow face paints!
‘A huge shout must go to apprentice Ben Green in the Central Programmes team who coordinated our entry and worked incredibly hard to deliver such a fabulous day!’
As one of the UK’s largest employers, we are committed to putting equality and diversity at the heart of our business. Supporting Pride is another way we can celebrate our differences, reflect the communities we serve and promote Royal Mail as an equal opportunities employer and a true champion of LGBT+ colleagues and the wider LGBT+ community.
Remember, all Royal Mail colleagues and their friends and family are invited to celebrate the below Pride events:
- Dover Pride – 31 August
- Newry Pride – 31 August
- Bi-Pride – 7 September
- Dundee Pride – 21 September
- Chester – 22 September
We want people to sign up to attend the Pride of your choice as early as possible as places are capped. To secure your places, please email pride@royalmail.com with your name, the number of people attending with you, which Pride you would like to attend and whether you would like to be on our much-loved Royal Mail rainbow float.
