Newport Bus offers free travel for Pride in the Port festival

Pride in the Port was officially launched in Newport Market in June, and is made up of members who are part of, or support, the LGBTQ+ community.

The event will be held at Belle Vue Park in the city, and people can expect a day full of fun, laughter and smiles.

• READ MORE: 'Future generations know they're included' - Newport Pride organiser on event 15 years in the making.

Hosted by Newport City Radio, there will be a wide range of free entertainment for everyone, including appearances from FiFi Fierce and Minus De Kock, street performers, sporting activities led by a team from Newport Live and a range of wellbeing information and support from local LGBTQIA+ groups – including Rainbow Newport, Trans Aid Cymru, Umbrella Cymru and more.

The night-time events include a street celebration in the city centre at various venues, including Atlantica, Le Pub and McCanns, with more to be announced.

And with limited parking in the area, Newport Bus has announced it will offer free transport across its network – except the Traws Cymru T7 service – on Saturday, September 3.

Adam Smith has been among those organising Newport's first ever Pride event.

Adam Smith, vice-chairman for Pride in the Port, said: “We are proud that this has truly turned into a real community pride, which was our dream and our vision when we came together many months ago to start planning this.

“We cannot wait to see everyone joining us at Pride in the Port and being able to celebrate together as one community and being able to travel with pride for free.

“Pride in the Port is a dream that people have wished and wanted for over 10 years. On September 3, this will become a reality and something we can all be proud of and happy about.”

Andrew Mudd, chairperson of Pride in the Port, said “One of the founding principles of Pride in the Port is that nobody should be forced to leave their homes or their community to celebrate who they are.

“We are so pleased that Newport Bus is joining us on this journey, helping ensure no matter who we are that we can travel safely throughout Newport and beyond.

“We cannot thank Newport Bus enough for this support, and not just for the LGBTQIA+ community, but for everyone living in Newport and across the Newport Bus network.”

Pride in the Port is organising organising Newport's first ever community-led Pride event.

Cllr Laura Lacey, LGBT+ champion and cabinet member for infrastructure and assets, said: “It's been a pleasure working with the Pride in the Port team. Their enthusiasm and commitment to this event are amazing.

“To have the support from Newport bus providing free travel across the network in celebration of Newport's first pride is the icing on the cake.

“It is not only helping the community come together but also promoting active travel across the city. It's a win-win”.

And Scott Pearson, managing director for Newport Transport said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Pride in this way.

“At Newport Bus we are committed to promoting and celebrating diversity and inclusion across the city as much as we are to delivering a sustainable travel network for all, encouraging everyone to plan their journey through a cleaner city.”