Shoppers and partygoers are gearing up for a colourful weekend in Pontypridd as Ynysangharad War Memorial Park hosts the inaugural RCT Pride on July 25; the free festival promises live drag, chart-friendly acts, food stalls, a parade and family-friendly vibes, making it a can’t-miss addition to RCT’s summer calendar.

Essential takeaways

  • Date and place: RCT Pride takes place on Saturday 25 July at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd.
  • Free entry: The event is free to attend, with a mix of headline sets, market stalls and food traders.
  • Headliners: Expect a headline performance from Courtney Act and an appearance by Lady Leshurr, among others.
  • Family-friendly: The festival sits alongside other summer events in the park, with activities suitable for families and a Pride parade.
  • Local feel, big names: The line-up blends local talent with national and international performers, creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere.

Why Pontypridd? A park that’s built for summer events

Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is one of those green spaces that snaps instantly into festival mode , think open lawns, the lido nearby and a village-fair hum. RCT organisers clearly picked a spot that feels both central and welcoming, which helps explain why a new Pride can arrive with such a friendly, picnic-ready vibe. For locals, it’s an easy trip; for visitors, it’s a scenic backdrop to a day of music and stalls.

Organisers are leaning into the park’s summer schedule, stacking RCT Pride alongside food festivals and family days so the town becomes a magnet for weekend visitors. If you’re planning to go, arrive early to grab a shady patch and scope out the food traders , the smell of street food tends to set the mood long before the headline acts.

Who’s on stage , and why it matters

Courtney Act carries Drag Race credibility and crossover TV recognition, which brings an element of glamour and sharp performance to Pontypridd’s programme. Lady Leshurr’s mix of rap and mainstream appeal adds diversity to the bill, signalling the organisers want both party anthems and boundary-pushing performance.

This kind of line-up is clever: it draws a party crowd while signalling inclusivity, so RCT Pride doesn’t feel niche. Expect energetic sets, polished production for the headliners and local acts filling the in-between spaces. If you’re there for the drag, come early , the parade and market atmosphere often feed into the main stage energy.

What to do , parade, market, food and the lido

RCT Pride is more than a concert. There’s a Pride parade, an on-site market selling crafts and queer-led stalls, and plenty of food options to keep you going. Families will find things to do too, and the nearby National Lido of Wales adds a proper summer swim option if you want to extend the day.

Practical tip: bring a picnic blanket, a small fold-up chair and cash for smaller stalls that might not take cards. Wear comfy shoes; grass festivals can get muddy after rain, and shade is limited. If you’re planning a swim at the lido either before or after, pre-book sessions where possible.

How this fits into RCT’s summer season

Pontypridd’s summer calendar is getting busier, with the RCT Summer Party, ‘90s-themed pop festivals and classic car shows already lined up. RCT Pride slots into that programme as the first dedicated LGBTQ+ celebration in the park, broadening the council’s event offering and helping position Pontypridd as a summer hub.

There’s also a practical ripple effect: local cafes and hotels can expect a bump in bookings, and community groups get a visible platform. It’s the sort of event that can grow quickly if organisers keep the mix of headline names and grassroots talent right.

Getting there and staying safe

Pontypridd is well connected by rail and road; if you’re coming by train, the short walk from the station to the park is pleasant on a sunny day. For drivers, allow extra time for parking and plan a pick-up spot , busy events mean traffic and temporary road changes.

Safety-wise, Pride events focus on accessibility and inclusivity, so look out for wellbeing spaces and stewarding teams. Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle to refill, and a portable phone charger. If you’re attending with children, agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.

It's a small change that can make every Pride visit more enjoyable, pick your spot early, support the stalls, and soak up the music.

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