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PRIDE FILM SCREENING TO KICK OFF BIG BRECON WEEKEND
The big Brecon Pride weekend kicks off at 7.30pm this Thursday 25th July with a special screening of Pride the movie at Theatr Brycheiniog – followed by the chance to meet two of the real-life Welsh characters who helped inspire the smash hit film.
Pride tells the true story of how a group of gay and lesbian activists raised money to support striking miners and their families in the Neath, Dulais and Swansea valleys. A key location in the film is the Onllwyn Miners Welfare Hall on the southern border of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
The film, celebrating its tenth anniversary, documents how initial tensions between the two groups grew into mutual support and solidarity. Over the decades since, that has led to some life-long friendships.
One of the local characters portrayed in the film – and taking part in the question-and-answer session at Theatr Brycheiniog - is Siân James. She was part of a group helping to feed over a thousand families a week during the strike.
Sian was played in the film by Jessica Gunning who went on to star in the recent blockbuster Netflix miniseries Baby Reindeer.
Following the strike and after raising her children, Siân went to university and eventually became MP for Swansea East.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast last month, she said: ”We were challenging people. In our little corner of South Wales, we played a big role in changing public perception and public opinion.”
Also taking part in the Theatr Brycheiniog event is Dai Donovan, a miner at the time of the strike and for many years after, a trade union official. He was played in the film by Paddy Considine.
Dai said: “The film Pride is still relevant forty years since the events portrayed and ten years since the release of the film because it offers a message of hope through friendship and solidarity.
“Despite the fact that there are still challenges for the LGBTQ+ community, the events portrayed in Pride offer encouragement over loneliness “
Theatr Brycheiniog Director Eleri B Jones added: “We are proud to be a venue that is open to all and that celebrates the best Welsh stories.
“Pride is an iconic film and this important part of our diverse heritage would be a lot less well known if it was not for this movie.
“It is showing events that happened only a few miles away. Whether you have seen it before or not, it is well worth a viewing.
“Hearing from Siân and Dai will bring that story to life. It will make for a great evening.”
Tickets for the screening are available from the Theatr Brycheiniog website for just £6 each with £1 from each ticket going to support Brecon Pride. The film is rated 15. The screening starts at 7.30 followed by the question-and-answer event. Food is on sale before the show and the theatre bar is open before and afterwards.
Brecon Pride itself starts with the Parade through town this Saturday, 27th July. It will leave from Dinas Road at 11.45am and head up Market Street, High Street, The Bulwark, Watton, Rich Way and past the Theatr, arriving at the King George V playing fields around midday.
A packed afternoon of entertainment is planned with stalls from local businesses, LGBTQIA+ organisations and food and drink sellers. The celebration continues with a Brecon Pride After Party including burlesque, drag and music at the Wellington Hotel in the evening.
Brecon Pride was launched last year by Brecon Town Council to celebrate the inclusivity and diversity of the local community with an event that would bring people together and be open to all.
This year, the council is working with the Brecon Pride community organisation which is due to take over the running of the event in 2025.
Michael Price, Chair of Brecon Pride said: “The level of support we have seen this year has been outstanding and it has gone to show that love truly wins.
“There is such a buzz around the event. It’s going to be an amazing day.”
Brecon Pride was launched last year by Brecon Town Council to celebrate the inclusivity and diversity of the local community with an event that would bring people together and be open to all.
Cllr John Powell, Mayor of Brecon said: “Brecon Pride promotes the equal treatment of everybody - no matter their gender, identity or sexuality.”
This year, the council is working with the Brecon Pride community organisation which is due to take over the running of the event in 2025.
