Colwyn Bay Pride praised by Government as funding opens

Pride organisers across Wales will soon be able to apply for a share of more than £69,000 in Welsh Government funding to help deliver local events celebrating LGBTQ+ communities.

Applications to the Grassroots Pride Fund open on June 15, with organisers able to bid for support to help cover the costs of Pride events taking place during 2026 and 2027.

The fund, delivered by the Welsh Government in partnership with Pride Cymru, has grown significantly in recent years. Support has increased from £17,700 in 2022-23 to £69,250 this year, while the number of events backed by the scheme has risen from six to 21.

Among the success stories highlighted by the Welsh Government is Colwyn Bay Pride, which has become one of North Wales’ largest community celebrations.

Organised by Together for Colwyn Bay, last year’s event attracted more than 8,000 people to the town for a free weekend of live music, entertainment, family activities, community stalls and food vendors.

The event has been widely praised for bringing people together from across North Wales and creating an inclusive celebration that benefits both the LGBTQ+ community and the wider local economy.

Kai Davies, Event Manager and Director at Together for Colwyn Bay, said funding from the Grassroots Pride Fund had played a significant role in the event’s success.

He said: “The Grassroots Pride Fund had a significant impact on delivering Colwyn Bay Pride 2025. It helped us deliver a safe, inclusive and welcoming event that brought over 8,000 people together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Colwyn Bay and North Wales.

“For many attendees, especially young people, seeing LGBTQ+ celebration and support within their own town can have a lasting positive impact.”

The event has become an important fixture in Colwyn Bay’s calendar, drawing visitors into the town centre and showcasing the area’s strong sense of community while providing a platform for local organisations, businesses and support groups.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for Social Justice and Equalities, Sioned Williams, said the Welsh Government remained committed to supporting Pride events across Wales.

She said: “Pride Month is a chance to celebrate the strength and inclusivity of our communities, and to recognise the volunteers whose commitment makes that possible.

“Volunteers bring people together, create spaces of welcome and belonging, and make sure LGBTQ+ people can celebrate safely and openly in their own communities.”

She added that respect, solidarity and fairness were values that had long been important in Wales and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusion and ongoing support for Pride organisations.

Dan Walsh, Chair of Pride Cymru, said local Pride events play a crucial role in communities across Wales.

He said: “Local Prides play a vital role in creating safe, visible and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people across Wales.

“This fund represents an important investment in grassroots Pride movements, helping community-led organisations develop, grow and deliver meaningful events and activities that reflect the needs of their local LGBTQ+ communities.”

Applications for the Grassroots Pride Fund close on August 17.

More information about eligibility and how to apply is available through Pride Cymru and the Welsh Government.