Celebrating Community: A Vibrant Pride Party in Wrexham

Grassroots musicians, poets, DJs, and artists gathered at The Lab in Wrexham last month to celebrate Pride in a collaborative event that highlighted the city’s rich independent creative scene. The June 13 celebration showcased a vibrant mix of local talent, with an eclectic lineup featuring artists like Eliots Graveyard, Terrapastel, Paidamentro, Dub Bunny, Mowbird, and LLDJ. Flossie Creations facilitated an Independent Arts Market, enhancing the event’s community feel.

A Heartfelt Collaboration

We caught up with Queen Chubby, the founder of the proudly trans-founded bass rave and record label WOB40. She shared her journey and the significance of the Pride event. The collaboration between PINCO, WOB40, and VOICEBOX was a testament to the community spirit that drives WOB40.

Queen Chubby expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the Young Promoter’s Network and Beacons Cymru when launching WOB40, stating, “They provided me with guidance and funding to do our first event and set me up with a couple of talks with C-Bo of Deep Tempo for guidance on running events with the dubstep community in mind.” The excitement of connecting with seasoned professionals in the scene fueled her passion and ambition.

The Mission Behind WOB40

WOB40 was born from a love for bass music and a desire to celebrate the cultural roots of dubstep in reggae while honoring the LGBTQ+ influences on rave culture. “We are the main base for heavyweight bass raving in North Wales,” said Queen Chubby. The organization is dedicated to providing a space for fans of electronic dance music to discover new tunes and to appreciate soundsystem culture—an integral aspect of community gatherings.

“We host regular events showcasing original electronic artists and DJs at The Lab in Wrexham and have recently found a home away from home at The Bag Factory in Manchester,” she explained. “This is more than local DJs providing a sonic background to a night of drinking; it’s about creating an environment where people can connect and revel in the music together.”

The Heart of Grassroots Culture

The Pride Party illuminated the essence of grassroots collaboration, a sentiment echoed by Queen Chubby. “What we do is the very definition of grassroots. Everyone involved is chasing a vocation at the expense of financial stability in a time when the events industry is in deficit due to on-demand services like Spotify devaluing the arts,” she said.

The event was a joyful reminder of the power of grassroots movements. By highlighting local talents and creating an inclusive environment, WOB40 has established a scene where art is celebrated, and artists can find their footing. “If you want a space for your art to be celebrated, The Lab is the place!” she encouraged.

Spotlight on Collaboration

Flossie Creations also shared her reflections on being part of such an uplifting event. “The event was a blast! I was happy to see a lot of people of all ages enjoying the music, poetry, and market,” she said. Flossie emphasizes the importance of combining community arts with Pride celebrations, believing that these events foster connections among diverse backgrounds and create positive spaces for individual expression.

“Arts and culture provide powerful ways for individuals to express their identities, tell their stories, and build understanding across communities,” she noted. It’s a vital mission that resonates with both Flossie and Queen Chubby, as they work together to promote visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Pride Party Experience

Queen Chubby spoke about the value of the Pride Party itself, stating that the event diversified the sounds being showcased. The collaboration brought together spoken word artists, bands, DJs, and producers, resulting in the largest turnout in Wrexham to date. It was a clear demonstration of the power of placing collaboration over competition.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as attendees lost themselves in the rhythmic sounds, further amplifying the collective spirit of belonging and celebration that Pride embodies. Queen Chubby expressed gratitude for previous collaborations, especially with local supportive venues that have nurtured the underground rave scene.

Looking Forward to Future Events

Beyond the vibrant festivities of the Pride Party, WOB40 has an exciting summer lined up. They’re set to host several events, including a collaboration with Flossie Creations at Vinted Market and a massive lineup in Manchester alongside Dubquest and The Druids of Dub. Queen Chubby encourages attendees to join, reminding everyone how integral it is to support the local community.

Moreover, Queen Chubby shared her upcoming performance at Zandari Festa in Seoul, Korea. The opportunity to represent Wrexham at one of Asia’s biggest showcase festivals is an exciting milestone, and she is actively fundraising to make the trip a reality.

Pride and Its Significance

When asked about what Pride means to her, Queen Chubby reflected on her identity and the broader meaning of the movement. “I am a proud woman who was assigned male at birth, so a lot of people look at what I do as a statement of ‘LGBTQ+ Pride’ and to be honest, I love that,” she shared.

Pride, for her, is more than just a celebration; it serves as a crucial protest for equal rights and respect for all individuals. She emphasized that diversity within the LGBTQ+ community should never be overlooked, and events need to depict this multifaceted identity. “Just because we are gay, trans, lesbian, bisexual, or non-binary doesn’t mean we all share the same interests,” she remarked.

Upcoming Events in the WOB40 Calendar

WOB40 has an exciting range of events lined up to keep the energy flowing through the summer months. Here are a few highlights to mark on your calendars:

• 18.07: Vinted Market at The Lab with Flossie Creations and WOB40
• 25.07: Pride Wrecsam
• 14-15.08: Wrexfest @ The Lab
• 4-6 September: Queen Chubby Live @ Zandari Festa, Seoul

As WOB40 and its collaborators continue to pave the way for inclusivity in the arts scene, the future looks bright for grassroots culture in Wrexham. The connections, creativity, and community spirit showcased during the Pride Party serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty of collaboration in the arts.