THE organisers of Hay Pride say the event will not be going ahead this year – but they insist this is not the end of the festival.
“This is not goodbye,” organisers said in a post on the Hay Pride CIC Facebook page at the end of April.
They said the decision had been taken to postpone the event, first held in 2022, due to “personal commitments” and “limited capacity”.
“We wanted to share that unfortunately Hay Pride will not be taking place again this year,” organisers said.
“This has not been an easy decision, and we’re genuinely sad to be sharing it.
“Due to personal commitments and limited capacity this year, we’re simply not able to give the event the time, care and energy it deserves.
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“Rather than deliver something rushed or below the standard our community deserves, we felt it was better to be honest and pause for now.
“We know Pride means a lot to many people in Hay and the surrounding area – as a celebration, a statement of visibility and a chance to come together.
“We’re really sorry to disappoint those who were hoping for it this year.”
Organisers added: “This is not goodbye. We very much hope this is a pause rather than an ending, and we’ll be exploring ways that Hay Pride can return in the future in a sustainable and positive way.
“What we need most of all is volunteers who can help us on a regular basis. Please get in touch if this is you.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us, attended, volunteered, performed, donated, cheered us on, or simply showed kindness and solidarity.
“It has meant more than you know and we hope we will be in touch again soon with some better news.
“Please go and support the fabulous Brecon Pride which is happening on 25th July this year or any of the other local pride events.”
The very first Hay Pride event was celebrated in 2022, created by local residents Helen Jane Campbell and Graham Nolan, who first started discussions about a Pride festival during lockdown.
The inaugural festival was hailed as a massive success, drawing thousands of attendees. It featured live bands, a popular ‘best in show’ dog show, panel discussions and drag performances.
“I had previously said it’s (the event) a love letter to our town and that theme has stuck,” said festival co-founder Graham, in a statement on the Hay Pride website.
“We want to recognise and celebrate that Hay is a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ residents, workers and visitors and at the same time promote how conversations and attitudes still need challenging in some specific areas.”
Keep up to date with the latest on the return of the festival at the Hay Pride CIC Facebook page.
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