Hay Pride is thrilled to announce this year’s celebration in the vibrant town of Hay-on-Wye.

The theme for this year’s event is “Solidarity” - reflecting the importance of unity and mutual support within the LGBTQ+ community and allies. 

Hay Pride, which is now in its fourth year, will take place on Saturday, July 6.

The festivities will kick off with a parade led by the vibrant Hay Pride samba band, starting at The Globe at 11:30am and arriving at Hay Castle at midday.

The opening show and ceremony at the castle will feature fan favourites Taiko for Pride and the hypnotically stunning Qwerin. 

Hay Castle will host family-friendly fun from 12pm to 6pm. Expect a day filled with joy, laughter, and entertainment for all ages. As the evening approaches, the celebrations continue with an adult-only queer cabaret and party night at The Globe in Hay, running from 6pm until 1am. 

Showcasing an exciting line-up of performances, headlined by the sensational Kate Butch from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Hay Pride is delighted to welcome back queer community stalwarts, including the fabulous Dairy King, the ever-entertaining Truly Kaput, the energetic Drag Dive Keep Fit, the mesmerising Symoné, and the incomparable Boo La Croux. 

Hay Pride 2023
The theme for this year’s Hay Pride is “Solidarity" (Copyright: Benjamin Reeves) (.)

Graham Nolan, Hay Pride Director, said: “Solidarity is the foundation of the LGBTQ+ movement. It reminds us that we are stronger together, supporting one another as a diverse and dynamic queer family. In these challenging political times, where our rights and identities are often under scrutiny, standing in solidarity is more crucial than ever. 

“We call upon every member of the LGBTQ+ community to come together, celebrate our identities, and support each other with pride and resilience. 

“Our allies also play a pivotal role in this journey. Their support amplifies our voices and helps foster a society where everyone can live authentically and without fear.  

“Hay Pride is a unique celebration, rooted in our small, rural community. With accessibility and the promotion of rural queer voices at its heart, Hay Pride strives to show how thriving rural queer communities can be. “