Pride Returns to the Swansea Valley
Pride events come in many different forms. Some are huge city-centre celebrations with colourful parades filling the streets, while others are smaller community gatherings that feel personal, welcoming, and close to home. This year’s event in Pontardawe proved that even without a march, a local LGBTQ+ celebration can still create a meaningful and inclusive atmosphere for everyone attending.
Held across the weekend of Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June at the Pontardawe Inn, the second annual celebration welcomed local people, families, friends, and supporters from across the Swansea Valley.
Light Showers Could Not Stop the Celebrations
Although there were a few light showers throughout the day, the weather behaved itself for the most part. Visitors made good use of the market marquees, umbrellas, and outdoor table carousels whenever the rain briefly appeared.
Thankfully, the occasional drizzle never spoiled the atmosphere. Instead, the weather almost added to the cosy community feeling that ran throughout the entire event.
Community Spirit Shines Throughout the Weekend
One of the nicest things about the local Pride gathering was its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Rather than rushing between crowded spaces, people spent time chatting, browsing the stalls, supporting local traders, and enjoying the entertainment together.
Earlier in the day, visitors could attend the coffee morning at Pontardawe Library before exploring the market stalls and raffles taking place at the Pontardawe Inn.
The venue itself carries a lot of local history and personal meaning. The Pontardawe Inn has always held a special place in my memories, and I still find myself thinking back to times spent there as a young person with old school friends. It adds a real sense of nostalgia returning during the Pride weekend.
Locally, the pub is also known as “The Gwachel”, meaning “hidden”. This name comes from an old roadside warning sign alerting drivers to a hidden dip caused by the nearby ford across the River Tawe. It’s a small but fascinating piece of local history that makes the venue feel even more connected to the area and its past.
The organisers also supported important causes during the weekend, including a Father’s Day raffle raising money for Prostate Cancer UK.
Live Music Brings Energy to the Event
Entertainment played a major role throughout the celebrations. Cwmtawe Brass brought live brass music to the stage during the afternoon, while performers including LYWIS, Kirsten Orsborn performing as Taylor Swift, Miss Lola Lemont, and Electric Company with John Paul Vaughan kept the evening crowd entertained.
My personal highlight from the weekend was undoubtedly Rock Choir Wales led by Dan Rogers. Their performance created a brilliant atmosphere and perfectly captured the uplifting spirit of Pride.
The combination of music, audience participation, and positive energy made it one of the standout moments of the day for me personally.
The Dog Show Adds Fun for Families
Another crowd favourite during the celebrations was the dog show hosted by Sion and Miss Lola, with judging support from Jill Lordy, Lord Mayor of Pontardawe.
The event added humour and a wonderfully local touch to the afternoon while helping create an inclusive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Sunday Continues the Weekend Celebrations
Sunday’s activities continued with an interfaith church service at Gellionnen Chapel before more entertainment later in the day.
Visitors were treated to performances from Jemma Krysa, Drag Bingo, and DJ Pride to round off the weekend festivities.
Volunteers and Sponsors Help Make the Event Possible
A huge amount of credit must go to the organisers, volunteers, performers, stallholders, and sponsors who helped make the weekend such a success.
Support from organisations including Tesco, Pontardawe Town Council, ADC Creative Balloons, and Vale in Canada and the UK clearly helped everything run smoothly.
Why Smaller Pride Events Still Matter
Although there was no large parade marching through the streets, the celebration still felt important. In many ways, the smaller scale made the event feel even more genuine and community-driven.
Events like this remind us that Pride is not only about giant festivals and headline acts. Smaller grassroots gatherings also play a valuable role by creating safe and welcoming spaces where people can celebrate identity, support one another, and feel connected to their local community.
Even with a few passing showers, the weekend delivered music, inclusivity, laughter, and a strong sense of togetherness. It once again proved how valuable local LGBTQ+ events can be within communities across South Wales.