The Realities of Pride Planning
Pride events may burst with colour and celebration, but behind the glitter lies months of determination, negotiation, and resourcefulness — especially when planning a grassroots Pride like Torfaen Pride. If you've ever wondered how to organise Pride, it's a story of community commitment, overcoming barriers, and staying true to the ethos of inclusion.
This blog takes you behind the scenes of Torfaen Pride to show what it really takes to bring an event like this to life, and why every sticker handed out or song played on stage represents countless hours of unseen work.
Who Plans Torfaen Pride?
At the core of planning Torfaen Pride is a small but passionate team. In many ways, the lead-up to the event relies almost entirely on one person — Jamie — who often juggles logistics, communications, and bookings solo. For 2025, support came from Kat at Torfaen and Gwent Small Business Markets, who played a crucial role in liaising with local community councils, running our social media and planning and managing the community village and market area.
Every major decision and final approval, however, rests with the trustees of Club F.O.D Cymru, the charity responsible for organising Torfaen Pride. Their oversight ensures that the event aligns with the charity’s mission of providing safe, inclusive spaces for the LGBT+ community.
When Does Planning Begin?
Ideally, planning for Torfaen Pride starts right after the previous event ends. But the reality is more complicated. In 2025, delays due to a lack of funding and volunteers meant preparations got off to a late start. At one point, the event was at risk of being cancelled and almost had to be funded personally by Jamie’s redundancy pay — a testament to the passion and resilience behind this community-led event.
The Challenges of Grassroots Pride
The biggest hurdle by far is fundraising. Potential sponsors back out at the last minute, and national-level sponsorship remains a challenge in an area without large corporations. Even official grants, such as the Welsh governments grassroots pride funding, takes a full year to be processed and received.
On top of this, volunteer recruitment for planning is consistently difficult. While many are happy to support on the day, very few step forward for the months of planning needed behind the scenes.
Working with Local Authorities
Torfaen Pride collaborates with local authorities and statutory bodies through Safety Advisory Group meetings to ensure the event meets safety standards. However, the relationship hasn’t always been smooth.
In 2025, a late-stage decision by Torfaen Council to charge for the use of the park just two weeks before the event put additional strain on already tight finances. The team remains hopeful for a more supportive relationship in the future that better reflects the council’s duty to support its LGBT+ residents.
The Role of Volunteers
On the day, volunteers play a crucial role — not just in logistics, but in creating a sense of welcome. They meet and greet guests, hand out stickers, offer face paints, and collect donations. But more importantly, they offer a human connection - and we have to give a huge shout out and special mention to Katie who has been a star at every Torfaen Pride!
True to Club F.O.D Cymru’s ethos, engagement is everything. A simple “hello” from a volunteer can genuinely save a life. For many, it’s the first time they’ve felt seen or safe in a public LGBT+ space.
Accessibility and Safety
The event layout includes natural quiet zones for those needing a break from the crowds. Safety is a top priority: Comet Security provides on-site security, while St John Ambulance offers first aid support. Fire extinguishers are stationed throughout, and an Event Safety Management Plan governs all risk management.
How Club F.O.D Cymru Shapes Pride
As the organising charity, Club F.O.D Cymru influences every part of the event’s structure. Their commitment to safe, and inclusive spaces sets the tone. Performers, volunteers, and stallholders are chosen not just for popularity, but for alignment with these values.
This means drag artists on stage are as likely to engage in community work as they are to lip-sync or sing; volunteers are there to support wellbeing; and stalls include charities and support groups alongside local businesses.
Highlights from 2025
Despite the weather reducing attendance to around 3,500 (down from 5,000 the year before), the 2025 event had the best atmosphere yet. The addition of a second stage, run in partnership with Vitalize Radio, brought a new layer of community engagement and gave visibility to smaller acts and local voices.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, affirming that even through financial stress and last-minute hurdles, Torfaen Pride continues to grow as a beacon for grassroots LGBT+ pride. We're told that we are one of the largest free to enter prides in Wales so the challenges seem worth it!
Jamie Says:
"Planning Pride is exhausting, emotional, and unpredictable — but every person who smiles when they walk through those gates makes it worth it. Torfaen Pride is built from love, resilience, and the belief that community can change lives."
Final Thoughts
If you're wondering how to organise Pride, the answer is: with passion, grit, and community. While big-city Prides may have funding and teams of event planners, local Prides like Torfaen Pride rely on individuals, grassroots charity support, and the generosity of volunteers.
And yet, they often deliver something more meaningful: a celebration rooted in the real lives of LGBT+ people, in the places where visibility matters most.
So next time you attend a Pride, spare a thought for those behind the scenes. Especially in places like Torfaen, where every rainbow flag is a symbol of unseen labour and unwavering commitment to equality.
Torfaen Pride is organised by Club F.O.D Cymru. To learn more about our work, volunteer opportunities, or how to get involved in next year’s event, visit our website or contact us directly.
