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The Millennium Stadium will host Cardiff’s Mardi Gras this year, organisers have announced.

The festival – dubbed Wales’ biggest celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities – has been based in Coopers Field, in Bute Park, for the last 13 years, but will move to the Millennium Stadium when it takes place this year on August 31.

Organisers believe moving the event to the stadium will give it a chance of becoming one of the biggest events of its type in the world.

Sydney’s Mardi Gras, which takes place between February and March every year, attracts around 70,000 people from across the world to the city.

“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,” said Scott Davies, the director of Cardiff’s Mardi Gras.

“Taking over 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.”

This year’s Mardi Gras at Millennium Stadium will feature 10 hours of music and entertainment, while the parade through the city will return.

Other attractions include a cabaret garden with cabaret and drag acts, a youth zone for 11-25-year-olds staffed by qualified youth workers, a family zone with entertainment for young children and their families, and a community market zone giving visitors the opportunity to shop from local traders.

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