MEET the three famous Welsh faces supporting Pride Cymru 2014 – Wales’ largest celebration of equality and diversity. 

Welsh actress, Lu Corfield best known for playing Freya Wilson in BBC One’s soap opera ‘Doctors’, is the latest addition to those backing Pride Cymru. Lu Corfield said she was honoured when asked to become a Patron. “Having grown up in Wales and as a keen advocate for LGBT rights, this is an event that literally hits close to home. I am incredibly proud to support an organisation that strives tirelessly to secure a future where there is genuine equality for all.” In an interview with Digital Spy, in March 2012, Lu announced that she was bisexual and proud of her sexuality. She works regularly with young adults and teenagers in workshops designed to stamp out abuse and encourage acceptance. She also recently appeared in the Diversity Role Models Calendar to show her support for the prevention of homophobic bullying in UK schools. Ian ‘H’ Watkins, the former star of million-record selling pop sensation Steps has also become a Patron for the charity organisation Welsh singer and actor, Ian ‘H’ Watkins commented: “This event is very close to heart and I am thrilled to be asked to be a patron. Pride Cymru does amazing work tackling homophobia and hate crime.” In a personal account filmed for BBC Wales’ Week In – Week Out, Ian described growing up gay in the Rhondda ‘a nightmare’, and came out while entering Celebrity Big Brother in 2007, with stars such as Jade Goody and Shilpa Shetty. Pride Cymru Trustee member, Lisa Power said: “Ian understands what it’s like to be a young LGBT person growing up in Wales. His successful entertainment career shows that you can realise your dreams, whoever you are and wherever you start from. He and Steps have done a lot to support LGBT causes over the years and he’s a great role model. We hope to welcome him to the Parade and Event this year.” International rugby referee, Nigel Owens who has been a Patron for the organisation in recent years is also proud to show his continuing support. Nigel has campaigned to stamp out sexual discrimination in sport since coming out as gay in 2007. Nigel Owens, said: “The new name of the LGBT Mardi Gras event shows that we’ve achieved so much in Wales in terms of equality. We’ve still got a way to go, but we’re getting there. The event is like a rugby match, when I got up on that stage last year you could see and hear the crowds roar. That’s Welsh pride right there. Pride Cymru really unites all types of communities together. No matter who you are. It’s a brilliant day out for all and I’m extremely proud to be part of it by showing my continuing support.” Previous Patrons include television producer Russell T. Davies, singer Charlotte Church and rugby player Gareth Thomas. Pride Cymru (previously known as Cardiff Mardi Gras) returns to the grounds of Coopers Field, Cardiff on Saturday 16th August 2014, kicking off midday with an impressive line-up of live main stage acts, including British boy band Union J, Big Reunion’s 90s girl group, Eternal, Misha B, Nicki French and local indie artists and cabaret performances that represent the last four decades of smash hits. The inaugural parade will also return for its third year running, themed as ‘Welsh Pride is…’ to embrace the festival’s new name. Advanced tickets for Pride Cymru are on sale at: http:// seetickets.com/go/PrideCymru14 Pride Cymru (Cardiff-Wales LGBT Mardi Gras) is in its fourteenth year running. It costs over £250,000 to stage the event, part funded by sponsors, managed by a group of volunteers. As a registered charity, the core aim of the celebration is to combat homophobic and transphobic hate crime to make Wales a safe place for all.