History
2022
The inaugural Pride in the Port festival took place on Saturday, 3 September 2022, marking a landmark moment as Newport’s first-ever dedicated Pride celebration.
Founded earlier that year, in January 2022, the organisation set out with a clear purpose: to ensure that no LGBTQIA+ person in Newport ever felt they had to leave their own city to be fully themselves. The festival embodied this mission through a vibrant focus on community, inclusivity, and celebration. Belle Vue Park became the heart of the event, with the main stage hosted at the historic bandstand and stalls spread across every level of the park - including a bustling Queer Emporium.
The day began with a quiet hour before opening into a full programme of live music, drag queens, drag kings, and performances from artists such as the Metal Maidens. Hosting duties were led by Minus De Kock, Fifi Fierce, and Newport City Radio, who brought energy and connection to the crowds. Festivities continued into the evening, supported by venues including Atlantica Bar & Club, Tiny Rebel, Le Pub, and the Pen and Wig. The event was strengthened by generous backing from local organisations- Newport City Homes as the main sponsor, Newport Bus offering free travel, all contributing to the welcoming, citywide atmosphere.
As the very first Pride in the Port, the 2022 festival not only made history but laid the foundation for a growing tradition of pride, visibility, and unity in Newport.
2023
Pride in the Port 2023, held on Saturday 2 September 2023, marked the festival’s second year and expanded significantly following the success of its 2022 debut, introducing Newport’s first-ever Pride Parade which began at 11am from John Frost Square and marched through the city centre before finishing by the Wave on the riverfront. The main celebrations ran from 12pm to 8pm at The Riverfront Theatre and surrounding areas, featuring eight hours of live entertainment, food vendors, community and market stalls (all located inside The Riverfront), and, for the first time, two stages - a main stage beside the Wave and a community stage outside the theatre. The event was officially opened at 1pm by Deputy Minister Hannah Blythyn and continued into the evening with a large after‑party hosted by Le Pub from 4pm to 10pm.
Organised entirely by volunteers and supported by partners such as Newport Bus and Harding Evans Solicitors, the festival aimed to be bigger and more inclusive than the previous year, attracting even more participants and strengthening Pride in the Port’s presence in the heart of the city.
2024
On Saturday 7 September 2024, Pride in the Port brought its celebrations to Newport’s high street just outside the Corn Exchange, marking a standout year that featured the festival’s first-ever headliner from RuPaul’s Drag Race - the iconic Tayce. This was the event’s most diverse line-up to date, showcasing talent from across the LGBTQIA+ community, including Fenix (often known as Fenix Rock Band), a five‑piece, trans‑fronted anthemic rock and metal band from Cardiff, who later returned to headline again in 2025. Stalls were located inside the Corn Exchange, with an additional community stall outside The Place, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that highlighted local voices, celebrated queer artistry, and continued to grow Pride in the Port’s presence in the heart of the city.
2025
On Saturday 6 September 2025, Pride in the Port took over Newport for a full day of vibrant celebration, featuring the largest Queer Market the festival had ever delivered, with more than 30 stalls filling the Kingsway Centre. Entertainment spread across the city, including a Chappell Roan tribute artist performing at Fire & Ice, while the main stage took centre‑stage inside the Corn Exchange and a second main stage energized crowds at Le Pub. The festivities continued into the night with after‑parties at McCann’s, creating a citywide celebration that showcased the growing scale, creativity, and community spirit of Pride in the Port.
