At a recent conference in Oslo of members of the European Prides
Organisers Association, owners of the EuroPride licence, it was unanimously
agreed that London would be the recipient of the title in 2006. The
dates have been fixed for EuroPride Festival Fortnight from 17 June 2006
with the EuroPride Day- comprising the Pride Parade and Pride Rally -
on Saturday 1 July 2006.

Rudolf Hampel, EPOA President commented, “We are delighted that
EuroPride is making its way back to London where it all started in 1992. It
will be a great opportunity for the city to showcase a fortnight of
international events to visitors from all over Europe - and to locals, of
course. We are all looking forward to working with Pride London on
producing a successful EuroPride 2006″.

Organisers of Pride London, a registered charity, are planning a
festival with a strong European flavour. It is also hoped that members of
London’s diverse community will use this opportunity to make the Pride
Parade and the Pride Rally even more international.

EuroPride is also supported by Visit London who will be promoting the
programmed events to lesbian and gay travellers throughout the world and
will specifically target the European community to encourage gay
tourism during the EuroPride Festival Fortnight.

The mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, is also supporting EuroPride
London. “‘It is great news that London is to host Europride in 2006,” he
said. “The annual Pride parade and rally are already a key part of
London’s cultural calendar, as well as being a visible celebration of
London’s lesbian and gay community. EuroPride 2006 will help promote the
capital as a gay friendly destination for people from all over the world”.