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Gay pride: 40,000 expected to attend 11th festival at Coopers Field in September
By: John Howard
Cardiff Mardi Gras is on 4 September
Sport will feature prominently in this year's Cardiff Mardi Gras, and it will be supported by gay rugby star Gareth Thomas and international rugby union referee Nigel Owens, who has become its new patron.
More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the 11th festival at Coopers Field on Saturday, September 4, and it will be preceded by a week of sporting and theatrical events, concerts, dance performances and photographic and art exhibitions across the city and beyond.
Owens, who was professional rugby's first openly gay personality, said: "It is truly a privilege and honour to be asked to be a patron.
"We have all come along way in recent years but there is still much to be achieved.
Cardiff Mardi Gras is on 4 September
Gay rugby star Gareth Thomas supports Cardiff Mardi Gras
Sport will feature prominently in this year's Cardiff Mardi Gras, and it will be supported by gay rugby star Gareth Thomas and international rugby union referee Nigel Owens, who has become its new patron.
More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the 11th festival at Coopers Field on Saturday, September 4, and it will be preceded by a week of sporting and theatrical events, concerts, dance performances and photographic and art exhibitions across the city and beyond.
Owens, who was professional rugby's first openly gay personality, said: "It is truly a privilege and honour to be asked to be a patron.
"We have all come along way in recent years but there is still much to be achieved.
"Cardiff Mardi Gras is both a great celebration but also a beacon of the fair, diverse and equal society we all long and strive for."
He added: "The world of sport can be a difficult place for people to feel confident and comfortable about their sexuality, especially young people.
"I am particularly pleased that this year Cardiff-Wales Mardi Gras puts inclusivity in sport at the heart of the celebrations."
Richard Newton, chair of the volunteer organising committee, said: "This is now a highlight of the summer in Wales and we are keen to see as many people from across our diverse communities come along and have a great day.
He added: "The world of sport can be a difficult place for people to feel confident and comfortable about their sexuality, especially young people.
"I am particularly pleased that this year Cardiff-Wales Mardi Gras puts inclusivity in sport at the heart of the celebrations."
Richard Newton, chair of the volunteer organising committee, said: "This is now a highlight of the summer in Wales and we are keen to see as many people from across our diverse communities come along and have a great day.
"I am really excited by the events we are also planning during the festival week."
For information of all of the UK’s gay Pride Events visit Pride Life’s Pride Guide
