ORGANISERS of the inaugural Powys Pride event are planning to host a “secret” event in Llandrindod Wells next month – although they have revealed that there will be no festival this year.

Around 400 people turned out to celebrate Powys’ first ever Pride parade in Llandrindod last July, a significant event for the county’s LGBTQ+ community, as members and allies marched in celebration.

A march around Llandrindod lake arrived at Temple Gardens before a day-long festival that ran until 6pm, then moving on to the Pavilion to carry on the festivities in the evening.

The festival featured an array of performances, speeches, stalls, dance workshops, drag acts, comedy and live music, an exhibition space, book readings and history talks.

There was support from all corners of the LGBTQ+ community in Powys, while the evening saw performances from a host of acts, featuring up and coming drag performer Polly Amorous, Britney Spears tribute act Absolute Britney and music from DJ Madame Twisted.

Powys Pride revealed this week that it will be hosting its Big Gay Picnic event in the spa town on Saturday, August 12, with the “secret” location set to be revealed soon.

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“Pride Month may be over, but why put away your flag when you could bring it to our fabulous community picnic?

“We missed you, so let's all say a big ‘Siwmae’ on the 12th August, Llandrindod Wells, secret location to be announced soon.

“Share away, and let's recapture that Powys Pride spirit, for another unforgettable day of celebration, togetherness and your most glorious outfits.”

However, despite the success of last year’s inaugural Pride event in the county, organisers have confirmed they are unable to put on a 2023 festival.

“We are currently going through the process of registering as a charity, and as such we will be unable to do Powys Pride 2023 any justice,” they said in a statement on their website.

“However, rest assured we will be back bigger, better and prouder than ever in 2024.”

The success of the Llandrindod event had been expected to be mirrored later this month further north in the county, with Welshpool Pride set to take place on July 15, but the plug was pulled on that event two weeks before it was due to be held.

County Times: Christopher and Clive Margate-Townsend, the first couple in Powys to obtain a civil partnership Christopher and Clive Margate-Townsend, the first couple in Powys to obtain a civil partnership (Image: None)

A volunteer-led effort, Powys Pride is a service of Mid and North Powys Mind, with additional support from Llandrindod Wells Town Council and countless members of the wider Powys community.

“The Powys Pride planning committee has worked extremely hard to bring this festival together,” said Shaun Griffiths, LGBTQIA+ support worker for Mid and North Powys Mind, ahead of last year’s groundbreaking event.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a reality. We have an amazing team of volunteers and we have received so much support from individuals and organisations across Powys.

“LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination and harassment on a daily basis, simply for choosing to live authentically. Powys Pride is a celebration by and for our community in Powys, though we invite anyone to come and join us in a celebration of love and solidarity.”

Christopher and Clive Margrave-Townsend, the first couple in Powys to register a civil partnership, attended the festival last year.

Christopher and Clive registered their civil partnership on December 21, 2005, the first day it became legal, which was the same day Elton John and his partner David Furnish also entered a civil partnership.

To keep an eye on the secret Llandrindod location for next month’s picnic, or to follow all the Powys Pride news, visit their Facebook page, or the powyspride.org website.