A group of friends set off from Swansea around 9:30am, full of excitement for Cardiff Pride 2026. The train journey was relaxed and easy, and we arrived in Cardiff at around 10:15am. Straight away, the city felt alive. There were LGBTQ+ groups gathering everywhere, some preparing to join the parade and others searching for breakfast or a morning coffee.
A Morning Start in Cardiff
Most of the group made their usual stop at Mrs Potts Chocolate House, which was surprisingly quiet, for a caffeine and sugar fix. It was a calm start to the day and gave everyone a chance to ease into the Pride atmosphere.
However, myself and Clare wanted something a little more savoury. So, we wandered through the Morgan Arcade and found the perfect spot at Maple & Bean. The café had a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to start the day away from the crowds.
You can read more about our breakfast stop here:
https://satisfy-your-taste.co.uk/2026/06/13/maple-bean-cardiff-review/
After breakfast, we regrouped with everyone and prepared for the main event of the morning.
The Parade at Cardiff Castle
We made our way towards Cardiff Castle, where the Pride parade began. The weather was perfect. The sun was shining, and the city felt warm and welcoming.
As the parade moved closer, the streets filled with rainbow colours, music, and excitement. The atmosphere was electric. The parade itself was massive, stretching through the city with crowds lining every available space.
We were lucky to find a great viewing spot. Even better, we were showered with freebies throughout the parade. We collected badges, stickers, hand-held fans, sweets, vouchers, bags, and plenty of informative leaflets.
The parade went on for some time, but it never felt dull. There were incredible costumes, live music, choirs, and dancers bringing energy to every section. Above all, it was powerful to see so many people coming together to stand for equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
Lunch at O’Neill’s Cardiff
After the parade, we headed to O’Neill’s Cardiff on Trinity Street for a well-earned lunch. Sitting outside in the sunshine made it even better, as the city was still buzzing with Pride energy all around us.
It was a relaxed break after the excitement of the parade, with plenty of time to chat, laugh, and take in the atmosphere.
You can read more about our visit here:
https://satisfy-your-taste.co.uk/2026/06/13/oneills-cardiff-review/
After lunch, we made our way on to the next part of the day.
The Big Queer Picnic
We then headed to The Big Queer Picnic, a grassroots alternative Pride event offering a more relaxed and accessible experience compared to Pride Cymru’s main stage.
The lineup included well-known acts such as Kate Nash, Louise from Eternal, Ultrabeat, and more. While a standard ticket for Pride Cymru this year costs £25.37 (£22.00 + £3.37 booking fee), it still isn’t accessible for everyone. This is where the Big Queer Picnic becomes so important.
It provides a space that feels inclusive, affordable, and community-focused. Many people attend because mainstream Pride events can be difficult to access financially. The aim is simple: keep Pride open to everyone.
We settled on the grass with hundreds of others, enjoying the sunshine and listening to the live performances. It felt relaxed, friendly, and full of shared energy.
Ending the Day at The Golden Cross
By around 4pm, the group was completely shattered from a full day of walking, celebrating, and socialising. We decided to wind down and headed to The Golden Cross, a well-known LGBTQ+ friendly pub in Cardiff.
It was the perfect place to relax, have a drink, and reflect on the day. The atmosphere was welcoming, and it gave us a chance to recharge before travelling home.
Soon after, we made our way back to the station and caught the train.
A Memorable Cardiff Pride 2026
Cardiff Pride 2026 was a day filled with colour, community, and connection. From a quiet breakfast in the arcades to the energy of the parade, a sunny lunch at O’Neill’s, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Big Queer Picnic, every part of the day had something special to offer.
Most importantly, it was a reminder of what Pride is really about: visibility, unity, and celebrating who we are.