FAQs
Take a look through our FAQs to see if your questions have already been answered before reaching out to us to ask. If your question still isn’t answered, drop us a message via our contact form or on our socials!
General
What time does Pride Cymru 2023 start and end?
The gates open at 12pm with entertainment from the start. We recommend that you get here early, so you don’t miss any of the action! The event finishes at 10.30pm with last entry by 9.30pm.
Where is Pride Cymru taking place?
Pride Cymru 2023 will be taking place in and around Cardiff Castle, with a number of amazing attractions suitable for all ages.
What is there at Pride Cymru?
We have the Principality Building Society Main Stage, S4C Community Stage, EE Family Area, Admiral Youth Area plus the Faith Tent. There will also be a market stall area and lots more to see and do!
Is there a site map for the new venue?
There sure is! Click here to download the map and familiarise yourself with the layout for this year's event.
TICKETS
Help! I haven’t received my ticket. Where is it?
Tickets will be emailed to you during the week commencing 29th May 2023. Any purchases made from Monday the 5th June 2023 will be emailed to you at the end of each day.
Still no ticket? Don’t worry! Just contact ticketsellers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.theticketsellers.co.uk/contact/
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, just make sure you have the ticket ready and downloaded on your phone and you’ll be good to go. Feel free to print your tickets if you prefer to have something physical, we’re happy either way!
However, printed tickets can be easier for our teams to scan. So, if you have access to a printer, we recommend printing yours so you can get into the event as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Can I buy tickets on the door?
Yes! However the cost of the ticket on the day will be more and subject to availability depending on capacity so we can’t guarantee entry. To save time, money and to make sure you get in on the day, we recommend buying your tickets in advance. Click here to buy now.
Can I re-enter with my tickets?
No, we operate a no re-entry policy. Once you leave the site you will need to buy another ticket to come back in although we hope you won’t want to leave! This is so we can maintain a safe number of people on site at all times and comply with the terms of our licence set by the local authority.
If you do have any access needs then please contact our access manager Helen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) who will discuss your requirements with you to ensure everyone attending can enjoy Pride.
Can children attend?
All ages are welcome! Under 5’s go free - they don’t need a ticket.
Children’s tickets are needed for 5 to 14 years old. These can only be purchased alongside a full price adult ticket. Up to two children can enter with each adult.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Buy your tickets here.
Can I buy a family ticket?
We don’t offer any family tickets but adults can buy up to 2 children’s tickets (5-14 years old) each when purchasing a full price ticket for themselves. Children under 5 can enter without a ticket.
Buy your tickets here.
Weekend tickets
We don’t offer weekend tickets, so if you want to come along to the event on both days please buy yourself a Saturday ticket and a Sunday ticket.
Buy your tickets here.
ACCESSIBILITY
We want to make the event as accessible as possible to everybody and we offer all reasonable measures to assist with your attendance and enjoyment.
At the same time, the event takes place on a large site made up of uneven surfaces and grass areas, so navigating around the site may prove challenging. Volunteers are available to assist anyone having difficulties on the day.
Access tickets are available for those in need of a carer or personal assistant/companion. There is a viewing platform reserved for those with specific needs and there are accessible toilets including one RevoLOOtion vehicle which has a changing bed and hoist (please bring your own sling).
If you purchase an access ticket. Helen, our lovely Access Manager, will then be in touch to confirm your eligibility and to talk about your specific needs. If you’d like to book disabled parking, Helen can also sort that out for you.
If you have any questions or concerns relating to accessibility, please contact Helen by email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
How do I get a Carers/PA ticket?
Buy your own ticket for your chosen days using the accessible ticket link. You will you then receive an email asking you for further information. You are welcome to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. directly with information on your need to speed up the process.
What evidence do you need for a Carer/PA ticket?
We understand that everyone's needs are different and treat each person as an individual. Commonly people email the first page of their current PIP/DLA award notice, or a copy of their blue badge (both sides), or Hynt card/Access card. If you do not have any of the above, please email with any information you feel appropriate to express your need for accessible amenities.
Will I need an access wristband to access facilities?
Yes, you'll need an access wristband if you require use of the raised accessible viewing platform, accessible toilet facilities or quiet space (which is located within the access hub).
The access hub is located in the Castle information centre, immediately to the right of the main entrance. We recommend visiting the access hub as soon as you get into the Castle to say hello and collect your wristband.
Is there disabled parking?
Cardiff Castle does not offer any onsite parking, but we have some limited disabled car parking spaces nearby. This is available to book in advance by sending a copy of your blue badge (both sides), your vehicle registration, and the days you will be attending to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can pre-book until 15 June 2023.
Free parking is available to blue badge holders by National Museum Cardiff and City Hall.
Where can I find assistance during the event?
Our access team will be wearing black t-shirts with a Pride Cymru logo on the front with ‘Access’ written on the back, and will be available throughout the site all weekend. Don’t worry if you can’t spot an access t-shirt though; just look for anyone with a black, blue or orange t-shirt with the Pride Cymru logo - these are our amazing volunteers and they’ll be happy to help!
We will also have a dedicated access area based out of the castle gift shop/information centre which will be open throughout the duration of the festival. Come and let our accessibility team know about anything you need, or just escape the hubbub and chat with the friendly volunteers!
Where is the Access entrance to the event?
Accessibility ticket holders will have access to two points of entry:
- The Castle St entrance to Cardiff Castle will be the main point of entry for all attendees. There will be dedicated lanes for access customers, so waiting time will be kept to a minimum.
- The Castle Mews entrance to Bute Par, next to the National Tennis Centre will be reserved exclusively for access customers and is best suited to those who have booked disabled parking. We also recommend using this entrance if you are parking at the museum/City Hall and have bought accessibility tickets.
What's the terrain like on site?
Whilst we have inherited some wonderful architecture within Cardiff Castle, this does also bring some challenges. There is a path running through the site that is largely cobbles. We have put provision in place to support those with reduced mobility. We have a selection of off-road style manual & power assisted wheelchairs as well as mobility scooters and the option of our onsite buggy.
We have employed a team of people who will be able to help those who need it, to navigate from one end of the site to the other. We will also make sure there are sufficient privacy screens in place should you wish to transfer at either end of the site.
Can I bring food and drink with me due to allergies or conditions?
Yes, please let the security know you are an access customer. Please only bring a small amount. Drink must be no more than 500ml and must be in a sealed bottle. No cans, alcohol or glass is allowed.
Can I bring medication with me?
If you can avoid bringing any medication with you we do suggest that as we would not want you to lose it. If, however, you will need medication whilst at the event, please bring the smallest amount possible and a copy of your repeat prescription.
I can't stand for long. Will the queue be long?
As an access customer, you will have use of a separate queue lane which will involve minimal waiting.
Can I bring a chair with me?
As an access customer, you can bring a foldable stool/chair into the event. If asked, please advise security that you are an access customer.
Can I leave to take medication and come back?
Yes, as an access customer, you will be allowed to leave site and re-enter.
How will they know I'm an access customer?
Once onsite, please make your way to the access area, located within the cafe area of the castle. There you will be given an access wristband to let volunteers and security know you have an access need.
Will there be accessible toilets or changing places?
Yes there will be accessible portaloos around the site, as well as the RevoLOOtion vehicle (previously Mobiloo).
Is there parking available?
There is very limited parking available for Blue badge holders. This is available to book in advance by sending a copy of your blue badge (both sides), your vehicle registration, and the days you will be attending to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can pre-book until 15 June 2023. There is further parking nearby on Museum Avenue.
Can I get a Carer/PA ticket on the day?
Yes, please bring your evidence of need with you such as your PIP award notice, then come to the access area to get your wristband. We encourage pre-booking your ticket so that we can answer any questions, and so that you do not have to carry important information with you.
Will there be BSL available?
Yes, both stages will once again be covered by our BSL team. There will also be an interpreter available at the gates, on the parade, and in the family area. If you require a BSL interpreter, please approach a volunteer who will arrange one for you.
Is there a quiet area onsite?
Yes, this year the quiet area is inside the cafe building within the castle grounds. This is also the access area where you can get your access wristbands.
Is there a quiet hour?
Yes, on Sunday between 12pm - 1pm there will be no acts on or lights to allow a quiet browse of the event site.
ON THE DAY
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are permitted at Pride Cymru 2023. However, we strongly recommend that you leave your four-legged friends at home as there will be loud noises and large crowds which may scare animals.
Dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times and you must clean up immediately if your dog fouls. Bins are located around the site. If your dog is causing a nuisance or is a threat to other visitors, you will be asked to leave.
Dogs will not be permitted into the EE Family Area within the Castle Mews, and only one dog is permitted per person.
Can I bring my own food and drink with me?
You can bring non-alcoholic drinks in, but only in sealed, plastic containers of 500ml or less. No hot food or large picnic hampers.
Any exception to this needed for dietary requirements can be discussed in advance with our access manager Helen - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
None of the following items are allowed to be brought into the event:
- Alcohol
- Sharp objects (including knives, cutlery etc)
- Glass bottles (including perfume)
- Cans
- Barbecues
Your bags will be checked as you enter and prohibited items will be confiscated.
Is there a limit to bag size when I go in?
We strongly recommend you pack as light as you can. Your bag will be searched before you come in so the smaller the bag, the quicker you’ll get into the event. All bags will be tagged by security once searched. No suitcases or large holdalls please.
What cannot be brought into the event?
The following items are prohibited and CANNOT be brought into the event:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Medicines without a prescription or justification
- Soft drinks in containers over 500ml or unsealed
- Cans or Metal Bottles
- Glass bottles (including perfume bottles)
- Camping/folding chairs or stools (unless you have purchased an accessibility ticket)
- Knives, syringes & scalpels
- Barbecues
- Large Bags
- Luggage
- Spray cans (including sun cream aerosol sprays)
- Lasers
- Selfie sticks
- Flares & Pyrotechnics
- Explosives, Signalling Devices, Smoking Devices
What happens if I bring alcohol/drugs in?
Alcohol and illegal drugs are 100% prohibited. Your bags will be searched on entry and any alcohol found will be confiscated. There will be bars on site where you can purchase drinks, but please drink responsibly. Anyone found with illegal substances will be refused entry with no refund.
Pride Cymru is a safe space and we ask everyone to be considerate of all attendees.
We operate a Challenge 25 policy and any under 18s found to be consuming alcohol may be removed from site.
Where can I park?
We recommend getting to Cardiff by public transport wherever possible. If you need to come by car, make sure you are aware of the road closures in place over the weekend.
It is recommended that you park in and around the law courts and the National Museum of Wales. Please note that this is pay and display parking, not operated by Pride Cymru. Pride Cymru will not be held responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles parked at this location.
You can find a list of car parks in the city centre here.
PARADE
What time does the parade start?
The parade will start at 11am from Castle Street, but please arrive early to allow our team plenty of time to get everyone ready. Any groups that have pre registered will be contacted in advance of the event with information about arrival.
How long is the route and how long will it take?
This year’s route is approx 1.4 miles long and we anticipate it will take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
Can I take part with accessibility needs?
Absolutely! We want the parade to be an inclusive event. The parade route is wheelchair friendly and a full map of the route will be available ahead of the event.
If you have any additional needs and would like to take part, please get in touch with Helen, our Access Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Can children join in the parade? Do I need to register them?
Yes, of course - the more the merrier! To ensure the health and safety of you and your little ones, please make sure you register your children when you register yourself, regardless of age.
Do I need to pay to enter the parade?
Nope! The parade is totally free for individuals to walk in. If you can, we suggest making a £2 per person donation here, but this is voluntary. Donations raised will go towards supporting future parades and other Pride Cymru projects.
If you want to walk as an group (including as an organisation or business), you can find out information and costs here.
ACTS/ENTERTAINMENT
I’d like to perform / I know someone who would be great!
We are fully booked for 2023 and no longer are looking for acts and performers.
What time do performances start?
As soon as the event site is open there will be entertainment, but different areas may have slightly different opening and closing times.
Who is performing on Saturday/Sunday?
Our Full line up can be found here, with acts being added all the way up to the event. Rest assured we have a fantastic line up of artists on both Saturday and Sunday, suitable for all the family!
SAFETY
Will I feel safe?
Pride Cymru is a safe space for our community to celebrate diversity and equality, and we expect attendees of all of our events to embrace and respect this. Pride work with our event delivery partners from Cardiff Council, South Wales Police and other emergency services during all stages of our planning, ensuring that the event is a safe experience for all.
Violent, threatening, or offensive behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated whether it’s against staff, volunteers, parade participants, market stall holders, security personnel or members of the public.
We will not tolerate any individual or group engaged in offensive behaviour or using any signage targeting an individual on grounds of their sexuality, gender, gender identity, race, age, nationality, disability, appearance, religion or any other protected characteristic.
If you witness or are made aware of any incident or behaviour that goes against the expected behaviour set out above, please inform a member of security staff or one of our volunteers.
For your safety we have event CCTV which is monitored and recorded. Anyone found to be harassing, being abusive or infringing on the bodily integrity of other participants or acting in a manner which goes against any of the above things that Pride Cymru stands for will be asked to leave and, depending on the behaviour, may be referred to the Police.