Local Member of the Senedd for Delyn, Hannah Blythyn, teamed up with Councillor Mel Buckley to host a local fundraiser for the first ever Flint Pride.
On Saturday 22nd June, Flint will host its first Pride which will be a showcase for the community at its best, bringing people together in a supportive show of unity.
Hannah Blythyn MS said,
“I’m really pleased and proud to be supporting Mel with the first ever Flint Pride – I’ve been to Prides all over the country, but it means so much to me to see a Pride event in Flint, the town where I went to school and one of the communities I now serve as Member of the Senedd for Delyn.
Our fundraiser was an opportunity to make sure we can put on our Pride event and to raise not just funds but support for the event. This will ensure that we are able to bring people from the community together in a safe and inclusive way that also showcases the best of our town.”
Organisations and business from across the country donated prizes for the raffle and auction, ranging from tickets at Theatre Clwyd to Fortnum & Mason hampers, as well as a signed Wales FC shirt. The fundraiser was a huge success and raised over £2000 for this year’s Pride.
Those who attended the event had the opportunity to listen and take part in a Q&A session with Lisa Power, the founder of Stonewall – who campaign for the rights and well-being of lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer (LGBTQ+) people.
Stonewall Founder and Guest Speaker, Lisa Power said,
“It’s wonderful to see such a diverse group come together to support LGBTQ+ Pride in Flint and ensure it’s part of the wider local community.”
In 2021 Cllr. Mel Buckley was appointed as the first openly LGBTQ+ Mayor of Flint and in 2024, Mel once again became Deputy Mayor and therefore Mayor Elect, and again the only LGBTQ Mayor of Flint. Mel has been working with Hannah Blythyn and organisations across Flintshire to make Pride in Flint a reality.
Councillor Mel Buckley said,
“I’m seriously blown away by the support we have received for the first ever Flint Pride, the introductions I have received to enable to better connect me with people in Pride Cymru. I am so grateful to Hannah for being such a fantastic cohost for our fundraising event, which was far more successful than I could imagine, thanks to all behind the scenes and thanks for those who made a contribution to the evening in every way imaginable.”