THE world-famous book town of Hay-on-Wye is to host its first-ever LGBTQ+ Pride event in 2022. Two friends, Graham Nolan and Helen Jane Campbell, who work and live in the town, have founded and will be organising the event as a registered charity and are currently seeking volunteer trustees and also sponsorship from businesses.

Local businesses Addyman Books, Bartrums stationers and Charlotte of Hay have all pledged to support the event and the organisers hope to add other independent businesses to the list of supporters. Hay Castle Trust have agreed in principle to host the event in 2022. The restoration of Hay Castle will be complete towards the end of 2021 and the beautiful historic town centre venue will be an ideal, accessible space for a family-friendly Pride event in its rooms and gardens.

As with all Pride events, Hay Pride will be run on a not-for-profit basis and all donations will be used to put on a celebratory and diverse event, signalling that everyone is welcome to the south Powys town.

“We'd love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering as a trustee or in any other capacity,” said Helen.

“Priority will be given to LGBTQ+ applications for the trustee roles. We're keen to also prioritise all forms of diversity, creating a charity which stands with and for our rural community's LGBTQ+ residents, promoting allyship and establishing an event which welcomes everyone.”

Graham added: “Since moving to Hay in 2016 I have found the community here to be so welcoming of myself and my partner.

“Thing is, I don’t think it’s just us, I think Hay has a long history of being a welcoming and special place. It’s not like this everywhere and in my mind that needs celebrating.

“At the same time, I do see that the picture is not all sunshine and roses. I know there is still a huge amount of shame associated with sexuality and there are people rurally afraid to be themselves for many reasons.

“Pride events are not a quick fix, but what Hay Pride will do is create conversation, show off our town as being something special, invite debate and make sure locals who don’t themselves identify as LGBTQ+ know their power and value as allies in an inclusive community – it’s a love letter to this town from its LGBTQ+ residents, workers and visitors.”

To register your interest in becoming a trustee or for sponsorship information, email Helen on helen@coachingbyhelen.com or Graham on graham@riverflowyoga.co.uk.

To find out more about Pride, visit https://www.stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/pride-free-be-us.