A Hot Day for Pride in Swansea
On a warm and sunny Saturday, 17th May 2025, I gathered with friends and supporters of Sadie’s Butterflies at the bottom end of Wind Street for another colourful and emotional Swansea Pride celebration. The city centre was already alive with rainbow flags, music, laughter and excitement as people from across Swansea and beyond came together in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
While Swansea Pride is always a joyful occasion filled with celebration, it also carries a much deeper meaning. Pride is about visibility, acceptance and equality. It is about remembering the long struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and recognising the inequalities, prejudice and discrimination that sadly still continue today. It was impossible not to reflect on the challenges many LGBTQ+ people have faced under successive Westminster governments, alongside the ongoing hate and intolerance still experienced by many within the community.
The Swansea Pride Parade Through the City Centre
At 11am, the Swansea Pride parade began its colourful journey through the city centre. Crowds proudly marched through Wind Street, Caer Street, St Mary’s Square, Whitewalls, Oxford Street, Dillwyn Street, St Helen’s Road and St Helen’s Crescent before finally arriving at the magnificent Swansea Guildhall where the main celebrations continued.
The atmosphere throughout the route was incredible. Supporters lined the streets waving rainbow flags, cheering and applauding as the parade passed through the heart of Swansea. The sense of community, love and solidarity was impossible to miss.
For many people, events like Swansea Pride are far more than simply a day out. They provide a safe and welcoming space where people can freely express who they are while feeling accepted and supported.
Taking a Break at The Bay View Swansea
After the Swansea Pride parade had finished, my friends and I decided to take a well-earned break from the crowds and celebrations. Following the colourful march through Swansea city centre, we headed towards Swansea Bay where we found a peaceful escape at The Bay View Swansea Thai Restaurant.
The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful sea views and delicious food provided the perfect opportunity to unwind after the excitement of the parade. By around 1pm, the warm weather and busy celebrations made the break even more appreciated. It was a lovely chance to sit together, reflect on the day so far and continue enjoying the fantastic Pride atmosphere around the city.
You can read my full review of our visit here:
The Bay View Swansea Thai Restaurant Review
Victoria Scone Headlines Swansea Pride 2025
One of the biggest highlights of Swansea Pride 2025 was the fantastic entertainment lineup. Headlining the event was RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Victoria Scone, who brought energy, humour and glamour to the celebrations.
The packed lineup also featured an impressive range of LGBTQ+ performers and entertainers including Will Whitehead, Rikki Withers, Justin Drag, Khloe Buttlift, Brooke Darci, Jessica Rarebit, Jordropper, LYWIS and Wayne King.
Hosting duties were handled brilliantly by drag icons Ruby Slippers and Gypsy Divine, alongside Tallulah Bandersnatch, Clem Dandy, Jamie J Rampage, Zoe and Benjamin, helping to keep the atmosphere lively throughout the day.
The celebrations continued across Swansea Guildhall and the Brangwyn Hall with performances, community stalls, entertainment and plenty of opportunities for people to come together in support of equality and inclusion.
Inside the Swansea Pride Community Zone
As temperatures remained high throughout the afternoon, many visitors made their way inside the nearby Brangwyn Hall where the Swansea Pride Community Zone offered a cooler and more relaxed part of the event.
The indoor space brought together a wide variety of charities, LGBTQ+ support groups, local organisations and community services, all sharing information, advice and support with visitors throughout the day. Alongside them were independent traders and craft stalls selling handmade items, artwork and Pride-themed gifts, adding even more colour and creativity to the celebrations.
What stood out most was the strong sense of unity inside the hall. People from many different backgrounds, identities and age groups were able to connect, chat and learn more about the support available within the local LGBTQ+ community.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people still face uncertainty, discrimination and political tensions, spaces like the Community Zone remain incredibly valuable. The visibility, support and inclusivity on display throughout the day showed exactly why Pride continues to matter far beyond the celebrations themselves.
Ending the Night at Three Monkeys Swansea
As the evening atmosphere began to build across Swansea city centre, our group made our way to Three Monkeys Swansea to round off the Swansea Pride 2025 celebrations.
After a long day filled with marching, entertainment, sunshine and community spirit, it felt like the ideal place to relax and continue the celebrations into the night. The venue was buzzing with energy as people gathered together to socialise, dance and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere Pride always brings to the city.
One of the nicest parts of the evening was having time to properly reflect on the day while catching up with familiar faces and meeting new people from across the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. There was a genuine sense of togetherness throughout the venue, showing how events like Swansea Pride help strengthen friendships, connections and community support long after the parade itself has ended.
It was the perfect ending to another memorable and uplifting Swansea Pride celebration.
Why Swansea Pride Still Matters
Events like Swansea Pride remain incredibly important. While significant progress has been made for LGBTQ+ rights over the years, discrimination and hate sadly still exist. Pride is both a celebration of how far society has come and a reminder that there is still more work to do.
Seeing thousands of people filling Swansea’s streets with positivity, love and acceptance was genuinely uplifting. Swansea Pride 2025 once again showed the strength, diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
It was a memorable day filled with friendship, celebration, reflection and community spirit — all under glorious sunshine in the heart of Swansea.
You can revisit the official event details and photos via Swansea Pride.