Torfaen Pride returns to Pontypool Park on 7 June 2025, promising a diverse programme of entertainment and activities alongside strong local council backing to promote inclusivity and combat isolation within the LGBTQ+ community.
Gwent is preparing to celebrate the second iteration of Torfaen Pride, scheduled for 7th June 2025 at Pontypool Park. Organised by Club F.O.D Cymru, the free festival is expected to draw a crowd similar to last year’s successful debut, which attracted around 5,000 attendees. This event has garnered a reputation for being one of the most accessible Pride gatherings in Wales, focusing not only on LGBTQ+ rights but also on fostering community engagement and connection.
According to the official event details, a range of activities and entertainment options will be available, including live performances, craft stalls, food vendors, and fairground rides. The event will feature two stages: a main stage for diverse entertainers and a smaller community stage that highlights local groups and initiatives. This emphasis on community is further enshrined in the role of volunteers who will actively engage attendees, tackling isolation and ensuring inclusivity.
Event organiser Jamie Wake articulated the fundamental importance of Pride events, specifically addressing criticisms often aimed at such gatherings. “Pride is not about division or superiority — it’s about visibility, safety, and equality for a community that has had to fight to be recognised and respected,” he stated. He emphasised that Pride serves as both a celebration of progress within the LGBTQ+ community and a reminder of ongoing struggles against discrimination and inequality. Wake’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among activists that the need for Pride celebrations remains urgent and relevant in today’s society.
The commitment from local authorities also reflects a broader dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the region. For instance, the Torfaen County Borough Council has been proactive in supporting Pride events, with council members voting to endorse initiatives aimed at promoting acceptance and equality. This backing from the council is critical in paving the way for an even larger celebration next year.
The rich history and community significance of Pontypool Park, the chosen venue for Torfaen Pride, further enhance the event’s appeal. This 150-acre park is not only a scenic backdrop but also a vibrant hub for community activities, making it ideal for the festivities planned for 2025, especially given its past role in hosting similar gatherings.
In terms of entertainment, last year’s event was marked by a diverse array of performances, including appearances from notable personalities like RuPaul’s Drag Race star Ginny Lemon. Such high-profile acts serve to amplify the message of acceptance and representation within the LGBTQ+ community. As preparations continue for the upcoming celebration, Torfaen Pride stands as a testament to the resilience and unity of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating both achievements and the ongoing journey toward equality.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/25207918.gwent-set-celebrate-torfaen-pride-2025-pontypool-park/?ref=rss – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.torfaenpride.co.uk/torfaen_pride_2025/ – The official website for Torfaen Pride 2025 provides comprehensive details about the event, including its date, location, and the range of activities planned. The event is scheduled for 7th June 2025 at Pontypool Park, featuring entertainment, fairground rides, stalls, and food and drink options. The website also highlights the event’s commitment to being a free-to-enter festival that relies on sponsorship and goodwill, encouraging donations to help keep Torfaen Pride accessible to all.
- https://clubfod.org.uk/2024/06/01/club-f-o-d-cymru-announces-date-for-torfaen-pride-in-2025/ – Club F.O.D Cymru announced the date for Torfaen Pride 2025 on 1st June 2024. The announcement emphasizes the organization’s dedication to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Torfaen and the surrounding areas. The event is set to take place on 7th June 2025, building upon the success of the inaugural Torfaen Pride held in 2024. The announcement reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity within the community.
- https://www.herald.wales/south-wales/torfaen/Community/torfaen-pride-mainstage-lineup-released/ – The Herald.Wales article details the mainstage lineup for Torfaen Pride 2024, highlighting the diverse range of performers scheduled to appear. The event, held on 1st June 2024 at Pontypool Park, featured local and national acts, including drag performers, vocalists, and tribute acts. The article underscores the event’s commitment to providing a platform for both emerging and established artists within the LGBTQ+ community, contributing to the celebration of diversity and inclusion.
- https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/24335415.torfaen-pride-2024-rupauls-drag-race-star-ginny-lemon/ – This South Wales Argus article highlights the participation of Ginny Lemon, a star from RuPaul’s Drag Race, in Torfaen Pride 2024. The event, which took place on 1st June 2024 at Pontypool Park, featured a variety of performances, including those by Ginny Lemon. The article emphasizes the significance of such events in promoting acceptance and celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ individuals, reflecting the community’s commitment to inclusivity and visibility.
- https://swoop.torfaen.gov.uk/en/News/2023/July/19-Council-commits-to-supporting-LGBTQ-Pride-event.aspx – Torfaen County Borough Council’s official website reports on the council’s commitment to supporting local LGBTQ+ Pride events. In July 2023, council members voted in favour of a motion to support initiatives that promote acceptance and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. The article highlights the council’s proactive approach in fostering inclusivity and supporting the work of LGBTQ+ individuals within the borough.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontypool_Park – The Wikipedia page for Pontypool Park provides detailed information about the park’s history, features, and significance. Located in Pontypool, Torfaen, Wales, the park is a 150-acre area that has hosted various community events, including Pride celebrations. The article describes the park’s landscape, notable structures like the Folly Tower and Shell Grotto, and its role as a central hub for community activities in the region.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, announcing the second iteration of Torfaen Pride scheduled for 7th June 2025 at Pontypool Park. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 1st June 2024, when Club F.O.D Cymru announced the date for Torfaen Pride in 2025. ([clubfod.org.uk](https://clubfod.org.uk/2024/06/01/club-f-o-d-cymru-announces-date-for-torfaen-pride-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) The event is also listed on the official Torfaen Pride website. ([torfaenpride.co.uk](https://www.torfaenpride.co.uk/torfaen_pride_2025/?utm_source=openai)) The report does not appear to be recycled or republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The narrative is based on a press release from Club F.O.D Cymru, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content is original and timely.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quote from Jamie Wake, CEO of Club F.O.D, is original and not found in earlier material. No identical quotes appear in earlier sources, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. The wording matches the original source.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the South Wales Argus, a reputable local news outlet. The event is organised by Club F.O.D Cymru, a known LGBT+ charity in South Wales. The Torfaen County Borough Council has also been proactive in supporting Pride events, with council members voting to endorse initiatives aimed at promoting acceptance and equality. ([pride2025.co.uk](https://pride2025.co.uk/event/torfaen-pride-2025?utm_source=openai)) The sources are reliable and well-established.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative’s claims are plausible and supported by multiple reputable sources. The event is scheduled for 7th June 2025 at Pontypool Park, as confirmed by the official Torfaen Pride website. ([torfaenpride.co.uk](https://www.torfaenpride.co.uk/torfaen_pride_2025/?utm_source=openai)) The venue, Pontypool Park, is a 150-acre park in Pontypool, Torfaen, Wales, known for hosting community events. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontypool_Park?utm_source=openai)) The involvement of Club F.O.D Cymru and the support from local authorities add credibility to the event’s organisation. The language and tone are consistent with regional reporting and official communications. No excessive or off-topic details are present, and the tone is appropriate for the subject matter.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, original, and supported by reliable sources. The event details are plausible and consistent with known information. No significant credibility risks were identified.
