Latest news with #PrestatynTownCouncil
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
PCC tells MS: ‘Pride isn't a threat to Prestatyn's identity'
Organised by Prestatyn Town Council, the event took place throughout Saturday afternoon (June 7), and featured a parade up High Street, LGBTQIA+ organisations, speciality acts, and performers. The event was well-attended despite poor weather, and was held during Pride Month, which is celebrated annually in June - the month when the 1969 Stonewall riots took place. Mr Davies, who himself is a resident of Prestatyn, questioned who 'wanted' and 'funded' Saturday's event – to which Mr Dunbobbin, who was in attendance, replied: 'Pride is not a threat to Prestatyn's identity.' Highlights from Prestatyn Pride 2025 (Image: Newsquest) Mr Davies said on Sunday (June 8): 'Never in my five years on the (town) council did the notion of Prestatyn Pride ever come up, and I was only on there between 2017-22, so hardly back in the stone ages. 'This is not an anti-gay post; far from it. I fully support the progress that has been made over the years and decades in terms of the laws and rights that gay people have in comparison to yesteryear. And I have many gay friends and have employed gay people. 'But I have to draw the line somewhere, and speak up for the many constituents who have contacted me on this matter, in asking: who wanted this event and called for it? 'Who funded it? Is it in the best interests of the residents of Prestatyn and surrounding areas? Who does it benefit? Opal Rose at Prestatyn Pride 2025 (Image: Newsquest) 'There are many more questions, but that's the bones of it.' Mr Davies said the town council 'not once' extended an invitation to him to Saturday's event, despite it having 'promoted the event endlessly through their own channels'. Similar annual events along the North Wales coast take place in Rhyl (at The Bodfor pub) and in Colwyn Bay (at the town's promenade). He added: 'We've got to remember that Prestatyn, in comparison, is a very higher age demographic in comparison to the rest of the Vale of Clwyd, and pretty socially Conservative. 'And where those residents won't make much noise publicly, they'll do it through me and other people to voice their concerns. 'So, the general plea would be: We're not Liverpool, Manchester or a major city. We're very small coastal communities where such things matter much more than if it were in bigger areas. 'It's the town council to make those decisions and I won't do anything to get in the way of that. But they're my own remarks and analysis as your local MS, which I have every right to do.' When given the opportunity by the Journal to respond to Mr Davies' comments, Mr Dunbobbin said Pride events are about 'visibility, belonging, and inclusion for people in every community'. The High Street parade at Prestatyn Pride 2025 (Image: Newsquest) They are not about 'cities or scale,' he added. Mr Dunbobbin said: 'The idea that Prestatyn is somehow 'too small' or 'too conservative' for a Pride event isn't only out of step with the values of equality, but it's deeply dismissive of the LGBTQ+ residents who live there - people who contribute to our community - just like you and me. 'I've seen arguments framed as 'not anti-gay... but' followed by loaded questions about who asked for this event, who funded it, and what benefit it brings. 'These are not neutral inquiries - they are rhetorical devices designed to cast suspicion and suggest that LGBTQ+ visibility is somehow controversial or unnecessary in our communities. 'That's wrong. Social progress doesn't require permission from tradition. The fact that a Pride event wasn't proposed during someone's time in office doesn't mean it shouldn't happen now. 'Towns change, people grow, and representation becomes more vital - not less - in areas that have historically lacked it. 'Pride is not a threat to Prestatyn's identity; it's a reflection of the diversity already here. 'You don't need to live in Liverpool or Manchester to have the right to be seen, celebrated, and safe. That's not politics - that's basic human dignity. 'We should be asking how we can better support all members of our community, not questioning the legitimacy of events that aim to do exactly that. 'Silence may be comfortable for some, but visibility can save lives for others. And in 2025, we should all be brave enough to stand on the right side of that truth." Heather Boa at Prestatyn Pride 2025 (Image: Newsquest) In a further post this morning (June 10), Mr Davies thanked those who had shown him support in the wake of his initial comments on Prestatyn Pride. He added: 'It seems a shame that free speech only seems to flow in one way in this regard sometimes. 'But that's not my problem, it's more societal and out of my control which is not to worry about.'
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
PICTURES: Prestatyn hosts its first Pride event
Organised by Prestatyn Town Council, Saturday's (June 7) event began with a parade up the town's High Street towards the Cross Foxes pub. The main event was based in the pub's car park, and included performances from The Royal Serenity, Opal Rose, Heather Boa, Hannah Popey and more. Meanwhile, at the Boujee Barn, there were stalls set up by the North Wales Trans, Intersex and Nonbinary Network, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Viva LGBT, Fire Pride Network, Foster Wales Denbighshire, Unique, and Fast Track Cymru. Also in attendance at Saturday's event were Bearjamin the Fundraising Bear (Richard Kendrick) and North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin. Above, you can enjoy a selection of photos from the event. The Cross Foxes said: "A massive thank you to our team here at the Foxes, Prestatyn Town Council and Morgan and all the volunteers, the acts and singers, stall holders and charities. "But most of all, everyone including our lovely customers who came out to party and were allies for Prestatyn's first Pride parade and event. "We could not be more pleased at the day how it went, and the fun, laughter and smiles the whole day long, and the partying on into the night. "It was a fabulous day of fun, and it was lovely to see everyone so happy, even in the rain at the beginning of the day, until the sun appeared and shined down on the day. Thank you!" Drag artist The Royal Serenity, who was among the performers at the event, said: "Bringing Pride to small towns like Prestatyn is crucial for LGBT+ visibility, community building, and challenging ignorance. "Not only do they create safe spaces for individuals to be themselves and connect but it also helps those who may have felt isolated or those who didn't know how to get the resources or the support they need.
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Prestatyn Pride: Celabatory and colourful...and necessary?
On Saturday, the Prestatyn Pride parade through the town included many members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. They included drag performers The Royal Serenity, Opal Rose, and Heather Boa, business owners, charity fundraiser Richard Kendrick, and Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin. Prestatyn Pride. (Image: Newsquest) Also in the parade was the mother of The Vivienne, known out of drag as James Lee Williams, who grew up in North Wales. James, who passed away earlier this, was an outspoken advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and safe spaces, and this week featured on a list 'celebrating the most influential LGBT+ changemakers of the past year.' Prestatyn Pride parade. (Image: Newsquest)Many of the businesses in the town centre were decorated in support of Pride, and people of all ages attended the parade through the town and the Pride event at the Cross Foxes pub. Promoting the event, Prestatyn Town Council said: "Celebrate love, inclusivity and diversity. Everyone is welcome!" A post shared by Rhyl Journal (@rhyljournal) But not everyone was happy. After the event, Conservative MS Gareth Davies questioned the need for a Pride event in a small coastal town like Prestatyn. He posed several questions on behalf of "many constituents" on social media. The questions have been responded to by Prestatyn drag performer The Royal Serenity, who has been nominated as a Positive Role Model Award for the LGBTQ+ community in the National Diversity Awards 2025. "I'm a resident of Prestatyn, and a former member of Prestatyn Town Council. "Never in my five years on the Council did the notion of Prestatyn Pride ever come up, and I was only on there between 2017-22, so hardly back in the stone ages! "And before you start, this is not an anti-gay post, far from it. "I fully support the progress that has been made over the years and decades in terms of the laws and rights that gay people have in comparison to yester year. "And I have many gay friends and have employed gay people. "But I have to draw the line somewhere, and speak up for the many constituents who have contacted me on this matter, in asking: "Who wanted this event and called for it? "Who funded it? "Is it in the best interests of the residents of Prestatyn and surrounding areas? "Who does it benefit? "There are many more questions, but that's the bones of it. "We've got to remember that Prestatyn, in comparison, is a very higher age demographic in comparison to the rest of the Vale of Clwyd, and pretty socially Conservative. "And where those residents won't make much noise publicly, they'll do it through me and other people to voice their concerns. "So the general plea would be. "We're not Liverpool, Manchester or a major city. "We're very small coastal communities where such things matter much more than if it were in bigger areas. "It's the Town Council to make those decisions and I won't do anything to get in the way of that. "But they're my own remarks and analysis as your local MS which I have every right to." (Image: Newsquest) "In the past five years hate crimes against the LGBT+ community has tripled to an 112% increase with 22,839 homophobic hate crimes being reported in England & Wales just last year. "Pride may not have been something you would discuss five years ago, but it's something we need to be discussing now. "To answer some of the questions: "'Who wanted this event?' Everybody who was there. The people who lined the streets with rainbows. The hundreds of people who filled the grounds to celebrate together watching a fantastic day of entertainment. "'Who funded it?' Mainly sponsors such as The National Lottery Community Fund "'Is it in the best interest of the residents of Prestatyn and surrounding areas?' Clearly the answer is Yes. It brought a lot of people from outside towns to Prestatyn for the day/weekend. Some of whom may have been their first time getting to see the beauty of Prestatyn. They would have spent their money, taken photos, and even planned on returning. An increase to Prestatyn's economy and popularity is an excellent thing. "'Who does it benefit?' Not only does it benefit Prestatyn's economy from Bars, to eatery's, to hotels, and shops; but it also benefits both the LGBT+ community and those who do not identify as LGBT+ alike. It benefits us because in the hugely scary world filled with so much threat and hatred toward us for simply existing; we get to come together to show that we are not going anywhere, we have always been here and we always will, we will not hide to make you feel more comfortable about yourself because we have a right to exist, a right to live, a right to love, and a right to be proud. "A 2021 study shows that the risk of suicide attempts is almost 3x higher for people in the LGBT+ community, someone who is struggling with their own personal identity experience can see the Pride events and know that they're not alone, they're not 'broken', what they feel is normal and we will protect you as a community. "And it benefits everybody else because it's a brilliant day out! Yes, there are huge popular pride events in the cities across the UK. "I have been lucky enough to perform at and host some which have had thousands of people in the crowd but it's the smaller pride events like these that are also so so important. "Firstly, not everyone can travel to the further away cities, and not everyone feels comfortable being in those huge crowds. This brings to event to them. Bringing Pride to small towns like Prestatyn is crucial for LGBT+ visibility, community building, and challenging ignorance. Not only do they create safe spaces for individuals to be themselves and connect but it also helps those who may have felt isolated or those who didn't know how to get the resources or the support they need. "Everybody has the right of free speech. But that does not include abusive, hateful, disgusting comments about another human being just celebrating life. Your ignorance is astounding. If you are one of those people who genuinely are intrigued as to why we have pride events, parades, and protests and why they're so important then please respectfully ask the questions and we will respectfully respond. "We're all in the planet together, we're all humans, don't waste your life hating a community that is never going away."
Rhyl Journal
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Prestatyn Pride is taking place this weekend: what to expect
Organised by Prestatyn Town Council, all are welcome at the event, which is taking place from 12-8pm on Saturday (June 7). A parade will start at the bottom of High Street at 12pm, travelling upwards, and leading up to the car park of the Cross Foxes pub, where the main event is. This event will involve vendors, charitable stalls, volunteers, LGBTQIA+ organisations, speciality acts and performers, while admission is free. People can expect reptiles, balloon modelling, face painting, giant bubbles, stalls, waffles, sweets, pizzas and burgers. Performances on the main stage will be as follows: Meanwhile, at the Boujee Barn, there will be stalls set up by the North Wales Trans, Intersex and Nonbinary Network, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Viva LGBT, Fire Pride Network, Foster Wales Denbighshire, Unique, and Fast Track Cymru. The event is being held during Pride Month, which is celebrated annually in June - the month when the 1969 Stonewall riots took place. Similar annual events along the North Wales coast take place in Rhyl (at The Bodfor pub) and in Colwyn Bay (at the town's promenade).
Rhyl Journal
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Prestatyn set to host a VE Day 80th anniversary celebration
Arranged by Prestatyn Town Council, the celebration will take place on Saturday, May 10 from 12-8pm, and will be held at the CookHouse Pub and Carvery's car park on High Street. VE Day marked the end of the Second World War, on May 8, 1945. Admission to the family-friendly Prestatyn event is free, and all are welcome. There will be entertainment, food trucks, live music, a funfair, stalls and a bar for people to enjoy.
