About us

During lockdown, I met with my friend Helen Jane Campbell and held one of our long discussions about how wonderful it was to live and work in the town of Hay-on-Wye. Part of this conversation reflected on how inclusive the town felt and how people from the LGBTQ+ community appeared as part of the cast of wonderful characters which makes up Hay’s rich tapestry.

The idea of setting up a Pride came about for two main reasons, one to celebrate what we have in this special town, and secondly to highlight how this is not necessarily the norm; especially in rural communities. It’s also really important to note that although Helen and myself feel really comfortable being ourselves in Hay - it’s not everyone’s experience - in fact some of our friends have been discriminated against in the town and homophobic bullying is a common issue that younger members of our community regularly have to endure.

With all of this in mind we have formed a Community Interest Company to create Hay’s first Pride event. Working with a team of brilliant volunteers, we’ll be delivering a series of events and fundraisers leading up to the day itself, Sunday 12th June, at Hay Castle and afterwards at The Globe at Hay.

The aim of Hay Pride on 12th June, and of the events leading up to the day are to celebrate the diversity of Hay and also to bring together our LGBTQ+ community and allies, whether that’s through music, art, literature or other forms of expression.

I had previously said - “It’s a love letter to our town” and that theme has stuck. We want to recognise and celebrate that Hay is a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ residents, workers and visitors and at the same time promote how conversations and attitudes still need challenging in some specific areas.

We have had huge support and donations to date from a huge range of wonderful people and businesses in the town, including: Hay Castle Trust, PCI Pharma Services; Westbrook Court Country House; Goosey Ganders; Addyman Books; Hay Distillery; The Globe at Hay and many more. We’re excited about what’s possible.

Graham Nolan, Co-Founder of Hay Pride CIC

Everyone is welcome to be part of Hay Pride and if you'd like to get involved in any way, or donate to Hay Pride, please don't hesitate to contact us.