The countdown to Pride Cymru 2025 is officially on, and the excitement is building!
Every year, this vibrant Cardiff celebration fills our hearts with joy, and we are thrilled to be a part of it once again.
As we put the finishing touches on our Pride Cymru 2025 plans, we had the pleasure to chat to Kayleigh Harley about Pride preparations!
Kayleigh, alongside Mikey Still and Kieran Vass, lead the preparations and celebrations each year.
We managed to pull Kayleigh away from her busy planning to chat about her favourite parts of Pride Cymru and what the event means to her.
How many years have you been attending Pride with Innovate Trust?
We started attending Pride celebrations in 2019 by having a stall at the event, which was a great way to connect with the community and show our support.
Then in 2022, we joined the parade for the first time. It was such an amazing experience and felt like a real milestone for us.
What is your first memory of Pride?
My first memory is just how busy it was! The atmosphere was buzzing, full of energy and colour.
There were so many people coming together to celebrate and support one another.
It felt really special to be part of it, especially knowing we were there representing the people we support and standing up for inclusion and equality.
How do you prepare for Pride?
There is a small core team of us who take the lead in planning and making sure the day runs safely, and is as inclusive as possible.
The team includes Mikey Still, Kieran Vass, Lisa French, Karen Baker, and Nick French. But there have been many people along the way that have helped us with all sorts of things!
We work closely together to make sure everything is well organised and that everyone, especially the people we support, feel welcome, included, and able to fully enjoy the day.
On the day itself, I have even roped in my husbands and kids to lend a hand, they love it!
It is very much a team effort, and it is great to see everyone come together, whether they’re part of the planning or just there to support and enjoy the day.
What is our involvement with Pride?
Initially it was linked to recruitment. We wanted to reach out to a wider audience and encourage more people to consider becoming Support Workers.
During my time working in recruitment, I have always believed in building a diverse workforce, because everyone brings unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that come from all walks of life.
Over time, our participation in Pride has grown into something much more meaningful. While recruitment is still a part of it, we also take part because we love it. The parade is always a highlight!
Why is our involvement important?
It gives the people we support a chance to express their beliefs, show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and most importantly, have fun and feel included in something bigger.
It has become a celebration of who we are as an organisation and what we stand for.
Why do you organise Pride every year?
Honestly, it is one of the best days out in Cardiff! The atmosphere is always amazing, full of so much positivity. Everyone who stops by our stall just seems genuinely happy to be there, and that really sticks with you.
It is more than just a fun day, though. It is a chance for us to connect with the community, show our support for the LGBTQIA+ people we work with and support, and just be part of something that celebrates inclusion and acceptance.
It is a day we all really look forward to, and it means a lot to everyone involved.
What is your favourite thing about Pride?
Honestly, I do not have just one favourite thing. There is so much I enjoy!
I love the build up to Pride, like packing thousands of merch bags and getting everything ready with the team.
Last year I started doing glitter make up at the stall. It was fab, and it is a great way to get people involved and excited!
Really, the whole vibe from start to finish is just brilliant.
How do employees, volunteers, and people we support get involved in Pride?
In all sorts of ways!
From helping with the planning and organising well ahead of time, to setting up the stall, handing out merch, and joining the parade. Everyone plays a part.
Honestly, we would not have nearly as much success or as many good times without all of them.
Their energy, support, and enthusiasm really makes the day special for everyone involved.
What changes to Pride have you seen over the years?
One of the biggest changes I have noticed over the years is the venues.
When we first got involved, Pride was held near Amgueddfa Cymru, and we were there for a couple of years. Then, for the last 2 years, it has been held at Cardiff Castle Mews.
This year it is moving again, to Coopers Field.
Each location brings its own vibe and challenges. It has been interesting to see how the event has evolved and grown as it moves around the city.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is about promoting inclusion, acceptance, and equality for everyone – regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or background.
It serves not only as a celebration, but also as a powerful reminder of the continued journey towards a more inclusive society, where everyone is seen, valued, and respected.
These values lie at the heart of Innovate Trust’s mission and reflect our ongoing commitment to the people we support.
Do you have plans for future Pride events?
Our plan is pretty simple – keep doing what we are doing.
We want to continue supporting the cause, celebrating diversity, and making sure everyone has a great time.
It is important to us to stay true to the spirit of Pride while keeping things fun, inclusive, and mean.
