Hundreds gather in celebration at first Wrexham Pride

The skies may have been a little grey, but it didn’t dampen the spirits with people turning out in droves at Llwyn Isaf and Queen’s Square for the inaugural parade.

Stall holders displayed pride flags and there were a host of colourful outfits as the march made its way from outside the Guildhall and into the city centre.

A community space was set up at Llwyn Isaf with local organisations and information stalls including the likes of Pride Cymru, together with crafts, and activities for children and young people.

Queen’s Square also featured a host of stalls, including the likes of Mecca Bingo Wrexham, Lowri’s Cake Box, The Art Bunny, Rebel Dragon Designs, The Nag’s Head and more.

Rachel Allen, part of the event’s organising committee, said: “I know that there’s been folks who’ve been working for a number of years to try and get this off the ground.

“To actually do it and see it and show people how inclusive, diverse and welcoming Wrexham is has been absolutely phenomenal.

“It’s beyond our wildest dreams on the committee. We’ve done the first and now we’ll move on and see if next time things can be even bigger and better.”

Wrexham Pride: Parade through the city centre (Image: UGC)

On the importance of Pride events, Rachel added: “The LGBTQ+ community has overcome so much over the last 40 to 50 years but we’re still meeting challenges now, particularly the trans community which seems to be permanently in the news, and under attack on social media.

“There’s still a long way to go but this is why we need Pride to say 'no', we stand with the community, we stand with each other.

“We want to be visible so people who maybe haven’t come out yet feel confident to come out, if they don’t want to that’s fine, but they know that they are supported.”

Rachel added: “Today is the start, it is our first Pride, but we have been running monthly socials and we hope that now those will go from strength to strength.”

Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Beryl Blackmore said: “I think it’s an amazing day, I can’t believe how many people are here.

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“It’s something that’s needed and I’m really proud that Wrexham has embraced it today and everyone seems to be having a wonderful time.

“It’s the first one and I’m sure that it will be the first of many, so congratulations to the organisers.”

Patsy Hudson of Pride Cymru said: “I think it’s wonderful that this event is happening because it gives everyone in Wrexham an opportunity to support people who are different from themselves.

“It gives the LGBTQ+ community a chance to come out and be visible and meet other people who they maybe didn’t realise were in their community too and it’s helps to challenge prejudice and stigma and make us a more cohesive community as a whole.”