On Saturday 16th May 2026, the streets of Swansea once again came alive with colour, music, laughter and celebration as thousands gathered for another unforgettable Swansea Pride 2026.
Every year I attend Swansea Pride to support the LGBTQ+ community. Each year the event feels bigger, louder and even more meaningful. This year felt especially important because, for the first time, I booked a hotel so I could enjoy the full day and evening celebrations without rushing home early.
Normally, I would have marched with Sadie Butterflies and friends. This year, however, I wanted to make new connections within the wider LGBTQ+ community. Instead, I joined Jamie and company with Swansea Scene for the day’s celebrations.
Gathering at Three Monkeys
The morning began at the lively Three Monkeys where we met at 10am for drinks, hugs and conversation before the parade started. The venue was already buzzing with excitement. People arrived wearing rainbow colours, glitter, Pride flags and fabulous outfits that perfectly matched the joyful atmosphere of the day.
There was a genuine sense of warmth and friendship in the air. Swansea Pride always creates that feeling of belonging where people from all backgrounds can come together and simply be themselves.
The Pride Parade Through Swansea
Before the parade began, Jamie J Rampage delivered a passionate and uplifting speech at the top end of Wind Street. The speech reminded everyone that Pride is not only about celebration. It is also about visibility, acceptance and remembering the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community under successive Westminster governments. Sadly, hate and discrimination still continue today.
Soon afterwards, the colourful parade moved through the city centre. Marchers proudly made their way through Wind Street, Caer Street, St Mary’s Square, Whitewalls, Oxford Street, Dillwyn Street, St Helen’s Road and St Helen’s Crescent before arriving at the stunning Swansea Guildhall where the main celebrations continued.
Crowds lined the streets throughout the city centre. Families cheered from the pavements while shoppers stopped to wave and clap. Rainbow flags filled the streets and created a brilliant atmosphere despite the occasional rain showers.
In fact, the attendance felt even bigger than the previous year when the weather had been sunny all day.
Entertainment, Music and Celebration
Once the parade arrived at the Guildhall, the outdoor main stage hosted live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Jamie J Rampage kept the crowds entertained with humour, warmth and endless charisma.
The line-up featured a fantastic range of performers. Acts included Donna Marie as Lady Gaga alongside the True Colours Choir, Lywis, Jessica Rarebit, Jordropper, Wayne King, Brooke Darci, Khloe Buttlift, Rikki Withers, Justin Drag, Will Whitehead, Taylor Marc’s, Gypsy Divine, Kara Von Site, Ben Bateman and Emi.
Music, dancing and laughter filled the Guildhall grounds all afternoon. The atmosphere felt welcoming, energetic and full of Pride spirit.
Inside the Community Zone
Visitors wanting a break from the weather could head into the neighbouring Brangwyn Hall where the Swansea Pride Community Zone was running throughout the day.
Inside were stalls from charities, support organisations, local groups and community services. Independent craft traders were also present. It was wonderful seeing so many organisations represented together in one space.
The Community Zone highlighted how important support networks and visibility remain for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during difficult political and social times.
Our Traditional Pride Thai Curry Break
During the afternoon, my group of friends and I took a break from the celebrations and headed to the Bay View Hotel for our now traditional Pride Thai curry and drinks.
Over the years, this has quietly become one of our favourite Pride traditions. We spent time chatting about the parade, laughing together and watching the rain outside before heading back to continue the celebrations.
Ending the Night at Three Monkeys
As evening arrived, the celebrations continued back at the Three Monkeys where our group traditionally finishes the Swansea Pride celebrations each year.
After a full day of marching, music and community spirit, it felt like the perfect ending to another memorable Pride. The venue remained packed with people celebrating, socialising and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere late into the evening.
It was also a lovely opportunity to reflect on the day, catch up with old friends and meet new people within the community.
A Growing Event for Swansea
Swansea Pride continues to grow every year and has become one of the city’s most important annual events. Organised independently and supported by Swansea Council, the event also received support and funding from Tesco.
The celebrations continue to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone attending. Visitors now travel from across Swansea Bay and beyond to experience the event.
What makes Swansea Pride truly special is the overwhelming sense of togetherness throughout the day. Whether marching in the parade, dancing in front of the stage, visiting community stalls or cheering from the sidelines, everyone becomes part of something bigger.
Despite the rain showers, Swansea Pride 2026 once again proved that Pride is about far more than sunshine and colourful flags. Pride is about visibility, friendship, resilience, inclusion and the freedom for people to live openly and proudly as themselves.
Once again, Swansea showed exactly why Pride still matters.