The Millennium Stadium has added another new event to its 2013 calendar, as organisers of the Cardiff-Wales LGBT Mardi Gras confirm they will bring their annual celebration of Equality and Diversity to the multi-event venue on Saturday 31 August.

Wales’ biggest celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities will be the final feature in the Millennium Stadium’s sizzling summer schedule of events, which includes British Speedway Grand Prix (1 June), Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour (10 June) and Bruce Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball World Tour (23 July).

The LGBT celebration comes to Wales’ iconic stadium thanks to the WRU’s community events initiative which offers the venue free of hire charge to up to 15 community and charity organisations in Wales each year.

Just two days before ‘Judgement Day’, the brand-new Welsh rugby double-header which sees Newport Gwent Dragons face the Scarlets (2.30pm) and Cardiff Blues play the Ospreys (5.15pm), Stadium Manager Gerry Toms is pleased to add another new event to the diary. 

“The 2013 Cardiff Mardi Gras joins an already sizzling summer of events at the Millennium Stadium and it is with pleasure that we offer the people of Wales yet another great excuse for a day out in the city-centre.

“Like the Millennium Stadium, the Cardiff Mardi Gras is also renowned for its fun and family-friendly carnival atmosphere and I’m sure the new collaboration will make for an exciting day for festival-goers on Saturday 31 August 2013.”    

According to Scott Davies, Cardiff-Wales LGBT Mardi Gras Volunteer Director, the switch to the national stadium will position the LGBT celebration as one of the biggest in the world and he believes that this new partnership can only help to continue promoting Equality and Diversity in Wales: 

“Cardiff Mardi Gras’ attendance over the last 13 years has grown to incredibly high numbers, proving that the Cardiff community, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, is more supportive of LGBT equality and diversity than ever before.  Taking our event to one of the greatest and most iconic venues in the world seemed a fitting way to celebrate that and grow on it!

“One of the other benefits of moving the event from Coopers Field to the Millennium Stadium is, to not only expand the event, but also to have the ability to close the roof off to adverse weather. A great party atmosphere for families will be guaranteed”.

The Millennium Stadium has hosted a range of music and entertainment events such as concerts from Madonna, Robbie Williams and the Rolling Stones. The venue is also renowned for multi-artist events including Tsunami Relief Cardiff 2005, the Ryder Cup ‘Welcome to Wales’ celebration concert and Michael Forever tribute concert which featured Ne-Yo, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera.

The Cardiff Mardi Gras 2013 promises ten hours of music and entertainment as well as advice and support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities. Highlights include:

•          Cabaret Garden with the very best in cabaret, drag and local acts;

•          Youth Zone specially for 11 – 25 year olds to discuss a range of issues with qualified youth workers;

•          Family Zone with entertainment for young children and their families;

•          Community and Market Zone giving visitors the opportunity to shop from local traders and obtain advice from organisations that support the LGBT community; 

•          A funfair, and range of bars and catering facilities.

The event will also see the return of the Mardi Gras Parade through the city centre when festival-goers fill the streets of Cardiff with colour, floats and carnival for the occasion.

Further information can be found by visiting the website at www.cardiffmardigras.co.uk or by clicking on the Twitter page at @CWMardiGras