Last but not least of the major Pride festivals happened last weekend at Wales Pride or Cardiff Mardi Gras to give it its proper name, had a hugely successful weekend, with 42,000 people attending the days events following the pride march thought he center of Cardiff. With the sun beaming down on this City of Song the festival, held right in the center of Cardiff at the Historic Coopers Field was a well-run success.

This is the 11th Cardiff Mardi Gras and the event drew support from the city council, local MP's, the Welsh Assembly and even Dame Shirley Bassey (a Cardiff girl herself) who sent her rhinestone studded wellingtons to say hello and they were displayed at the National Museum of Wales stall.

Supported by the Co-op and Unison, along with funding from the gay businesses and bars this is a sustainable event with a keen eye on offering folk a quality and safe day out.

With a decent main stage line up featuring a host of welsh performers including Ianto Jones (Torchwood) and his rock band, x-factor finalist Lloyd Daniels and other TV stars the event stayed busy until it closed at 10pm

The main pubs were thronged all evening, the atmosphere warm, welcoming and very Welsh with the stars mingling with the punters all night long. 

There was a street party in the main gay area and some wonderfully camp fundraising entertainment in the other gay bars. Gareth Thomas - the gay Welsh rugby star was spotted more than once enjoying the party atmosphere.

All in all a great event, run well, with great support from the City residents, the gay communities and politicians from across the board. 

Police reported no trouble from the day’s event other than two arrests for drug offences. Well-done Cardiff.