As Caerphilly Pride prepares to return this summer, one of the event’s most familiar faces is getting ready to take to the stage once again.
Entertainer Tina Sparkle, who will host the event for the fourth consecutive year, has spent more than 25 years performing across Wales and beyond.
What began as a last-minute opportunity at a holiday camp has grown into a career that has made him one of the most recognisable drag performers in south Wales.
Born and raised in Abertridwr, Tina Sparkle – whose real name is Mark – grew up at a time when being different was far less accepted than it is today.
“Growing up in the 1980s was far from easy,” he said. “People knew I was different before I even understood what that meant myself.
“I was the flamboyant child, and there was bullying and name-calling. At the time it hurt, but looking back it helped give me the confidence I have today.”
A fluent Welsh speaker, the former Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni pupil became one of Wales’ first Welsh-speaking drag performers.
“I remember my drama teacher watching me at school and saying I was born for the stage. I was thinking, ‘me?’ I didn’t really understand it at the time, but I always knew I was going to be a performer. Growing up was very difficult though, and society wasn’t as accepting as it is today.”
‘I’ll give it a go’
As Caerphilly Pride prepares to return this summer, one of the event's most familiar faces is getting ready to take to the stage once again.
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