Llandrindod Wells is set to host the first ever Powys Pride event this summer, bringing together members of the LGBT+ community. The day-long festival will include a parade, live music, local talent, arts, crafts, activities for children, and information from LGBT+ organisations.
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Powys Pride is more than just a single day in the calendar however, with the planning committee working hard on delivering a number of community and fundraising events such as regular coffee mornings at the Mid and North Powys Mind office. Nearly four years in the making, Powys Pride is a Mid and North Powys Mind project driven by a dedicated volunteer team with additional support from Llandrindod Wells Town Council, with funding secured through the PAVO Social Value Development Fund.
Community outreach has also been an important part of the programme, with pop-up stalls appearing across Powys in Welshpool, Newtown, Brecon, Builth Wells and many other towns. Two further events are currently planned in the run-up to the debut Pride event.
“In a place as rural as Powys it can be difficult to build a supportive community for LGBT+ people, which is why Pride is so important here,” said Shaun Griffiths, Mid and North Powys's Mind's LGBT+ support worker. It helps reach people who might otherwise live on the margins, or who feel like they are alone. Pride is about celebrating our differences, about coming together as a community in love and compassion for ourselves and each other. It’s also a great opportunity to get the wider Powys community involved, and we’ve already received lots of really positive support from people and organisations across the county.” You can read about what it's really like living in rural Wales as part of the LGBT+ community here.
Powys' first pride event is due to take place this summer. With a date in the diary for July 16, the debut event is hoped to continue year after year. To keep up to date with Powys Pride, visit their website here.
