Caerphilly bustling with visitors and bursting with Pride

The rain held off long enough to not stop the party at Caerphilly’s second Pride event, held on Saturday June 15.

The inaugural Pride Caerffili was held last year and the celebration of diversity was welcomed once again by the town and the wider borough 

The parade started at around 12pm and went through the town – past St Martin’s Church, down Cardiff Road, and past Caerphilly Castle before finishing in the Twyn car park.

There was a slight hiccup though as the parade split as it neared the Twyn, with the front row samba band breaking off and winding its way around the Cenotaph and back up Market Street.

The remainder of the parade was funneled directly into the car park from Cardiff Road.

The minor mix-up and the threatening drizzle did little to dampen spirits and by the time compete Tina Sparkle was on stage the sun was out and proud.

The legendary Valleys drag artist kicked off proceedings declaring: “Are you ready to paint the town rainbow?” before launching into a rendition of SClub7 hit Reach for the Stars.

Councillor Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council confirmed the event would be returning in 2025.

He said: “After the first year, we knew we had to continue with the event.

“What’s obvious is that everybody is welcome, people are enjoying themselves, and it means the world to us as a council to run a Pride event.”

He added: “Businesses have been showing their support, like last year, being out in the streets supporting people as they went past.”