Newport Bus as the main bus operator for the City of Newport and a supporter of its entire community are pleased to announce its renewed support for Pride and this year in particular, with support for the long-awaited Pride in the Port event.

Newport Bus will offer free transport across its all network (excluding Traws Cymru T7 service) for the day on Saturday, September 3. With limited parking at Belle Vue Park and in the adjoining streets, people from across the city and the region will be able to travel to the celebrations without extra travelling costs.

Located on Cardiff Road next to the Royal Gwent Hospital Belle Vue Park is accessible by a variety of services, all with connections at the bus station in Friars Walk/Market Square – 2A/C Gaer, 37 Rhiwderiyn, 30 Cardiff, 40/41 Pillgwenlly, 35/36 Duffryn stop on Cardiff Road bus stop Waterloo Road / Belle Vue Park, and the 2A/C on Stow Hill, bus stop: Stow Park Crescent.

People can expect a day full of fun, laughter and smiles with plenty of rainbows. Hosted by Newport City Radio, there will be a wide range of free entertainment for everyone, including 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 much 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.

It will be a weekend of celebrations that is inclusive of everyone.

Andrew Mudd, Chair of Pride in the Port Chair 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.

“To #TravelwithPride, unhindered by discrimination and prejudice is an aspiration of every LGBTQIA+ person and 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"

Adam Smith, Vice Chair 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 #PrideinthePort and being able to celebrate together as One Community and being able to #TravelwithPride for free!"

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

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”.

Scott Pearson, Managing Director for Newport Transport comments:” 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.”