Steps' Ian 'H' Watkins: New Patron Of Pride Cymru
Welsh singer and actor, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, former star of multi-million record-selling pop sensation, Steps, has agreed to become one of the new patrons of Pride Cymru!
Pride Cymru is the new name for Cardiff Mardi Gras and returns to the grounds of Coopers Field, Cardiff on Saturday 16th August 2014. It describes itself quite simply as Wales’ largest celebration of equality and diversity.
Watkins came out during Celebrity Big Brother in 2007, amongst stars, such as Jade Goody and Shilpa Shetty. He recently described, on BBC Wales' Week In Week Out, that growing up gay in the Rhondda was ‘a nightmare’.
On his recent appointment, Watkins commented, 'This event is very close to heart and I am thrilled to be asked to be a patron.' He added, ‘Pride Cymru does amazing work tackling homophobia and hate crime.’
Watkins’ big break came when he answered a simple ad for a pop band. Little did he know then that Steps would go on to sell 20 million records, embark on the largest arena tour in British history and have more top ten hits than any other British band in history, except The Beatles!
Pride Cymru Trustee member, Lisa Power said, ‘He and Steps have done a lot to support LGBT causes over the years and he's a great role model.’ She added, ‘Ian understands what it's like to be a young LGBT person growing up in Wales. His successful entertainment career shows that you can realise your dreams, whoever you are and wherever you start from.’
He has been busy recently, too. Last year, Ian returned to the role of Joseph in the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and most recently, he starred in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lyceum, Sheffield. He was also the subject of ITV Cymru Wales' Time of Your Life last month.
Pride Cymru is hoping to welcome him to the Parade and Event this year, which kicks off midday with an impressive line-up of live main stage acts and cabaret performances.
The theme of this year’s Parade is ‘Welsh Pride is…’ to embrace the new name change.
Advanced tickets for Pride Cymru 2014 are now on sale here or by calling: 0871 220 0260 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) available 24 hours a day. Volunteering opportunities, as advertised on theSprout this week, can be found here.
Related:
News » Filter Articles » LGBT
News » Categories » Festivals
Info » Family & Relationships » Being in a Relationship » Same Sex Relationships
Info » Law & Rights » Discrimination
Organisations » Stonewall Cymru
TheSprout's Mardi Gras 2012 Flickr Album
TheSprout's Cardiff Mardi Gras Youth Zone 2010 Flickr Album
Events » April 2014: Sprout Editorial Group Meeting
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