Pride Cymru has revealed the first set of performers for its annual Big Weekend, celebrating diversity and unity.
Over a set of three days in August, more than 75 acts will come to Cardiff, providing a variety of entertainment that ranges from music acts to drag performers to comedians.
Among the performers is one of Britain’s favourites, Gok Wan, award-winning presenter, style icon and fashionista. The out and proud gay man will turn up the music with his uplifting DJ set that has seen him perform at several Pride events over the years.
Gok Wan said: “As a proud gay man myself, it’s encouraging to see so many people come together in one place and celebrate love and diversity. I’m thrilled to head to Wales this August for the 20th year of Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend. It’s become one of the biggest Pride events in the UK and it’s a great honour to get to represent the LGBT+ community on this platform.”
Joining the festivities on the Admiral main stage is Welsh singer songwriter Shellyann Evans. The Welsh singer from Rhondda impressed audiences throughout the UK with her powerful voice, when she won the BBC All Together Now competition.
Shellyann Evans said: “I’m very excited to come to Cardiff and perform in front of such a large crowd, especially so close to home. Music is there to unite people, so I cannot wait to give it my all on the Pride Cymru stage.”
Other performers include The Valli Boys, a local tribute act from South Wales celebrating the music of Frankie Valli, and The Jersey Boys. Serenading songs like ‘Sherry’, ‘Bye Bye Baby’, ‘Stay’ and ‘Oh What a Night’, spectators will embark on a musical journey.
They said: “We’re delighted to be part of this year’s Pride Cymru celebrations. As we originate from South Wales, performing in our capital city will be very special and memorable. We love performing in Cardiff and can’t wait to hit the stage.”
The charity’s Big Weekend has quickly become one of the most popular summer events in Cardiff, attracting over 50,000 people from across Wales to the capital over the weekend.
Gian Molinu, Chair of Pride Cymru said: “Our team of volunteers have been dedicated to finding great performers who represent the diversity that we celebrate at Pride Cymru. This year we have an incredible line up that is bound to entertain. As we welcome back some of the performers from previous years and introduce new acts to our Admiral main stage, there’s something for everyone. Much like the rest of Britain, we were blown away by Shellyann’s voice and are very excited to welcome local talent like her and The Valli Boys to the stage.”
Also joining the stage are, tribute artist Donna Marie, who is widely known for her multi-award-winning Lady Gaga tribute and Lola Lasagne from Brighton, who’s celebrating her 30th year in the drag industry as well as a host of other local and national drag queens and kings.
Along with three stages and the Glee comedy tent, Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend has become a celebration of inclusivity and diversity for all communities.
The full list of acts, including this year’s headline, will be announced in the summer. Tickets for Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend (23,24 and 25 August) outside Cardiff City Hall can be purchased online on Pride Cymru’s website at www.pridecymru.com.
