by Carrie Baker

LONDON, June 11, 1006 – As many of you know June and July are the months when gay pride hits the papers, television news, and the streets.  This summer EuroPride is taking over London’s Oxford and Regent Streets for a two week gay and lesbian culture festival and celebration.

EuroPride is Europe’s largest gay and lesbian festival that showcases London’s gay and lesbian culture.  Euro Pride features more than 70 exhibitions, a film festival, sporting events, comedy shows, theatre productions, and concerts.

The festival will culminate on July 1st with a huge, colorful Pride parade down London’s central streets.  Up to 500,000 people are expected to attend the July 1st parade and events.

Oxford and Regent Streets will be closed down to vehicles and allow will allow only pedestrian traffic to accommodate festival goers.  There will also be a pride rally within Trafalgar Square and events in Soho and Leicester Square. 
The mayor of London, Ken Livingstone was quoted as saying, “It is great news that London has gained EuroPride status for 2006.  Pride is one of the key cultural events in London’s calendar, celebrating the contribution of London’s lesbian and gay community to our city.  I am delighted that EuroPride 06 is making its way back to London and I look forward to welcoming visitors from all over Europe and the world.  It will be a great opportunity for people to enjoy London’s rich and varied lesbian and gay culture.”

Chief Executive of EuroPride London 06, Jason Pollock said, “EuroPride London 06 will be an inclusive event in Britain’s cultural calendar in 2006 for people from all walks of life and visitors from around the world to come together to enjoy a carnival atmosphere.  We have brought together an unprecedented range of support for EuroPride London 06 and it promises to be the biggest gay and lesbian festival London has ever seen.”

London’s EuroPride has garnered many sponsors including, the Mayor of London, the TUC, the Metropolitan Police, and VisitLondon.  Corporate sponsors for the event include, British Airways, Ford, and Virgin Mobile.  The media partners for the event include DIVA and GayTimes.

Chief Executive of VisitLondon, James Bidwell said: “Visit London is delighted to be supporting EuroPride London 06.  This year’s events are going to be bigger and better than ever before and we are looking forward to welcoming all those that are coming to experience our diverse and dynamic city during the Pride Festival.  Gay and lesbian visitors are very important to London’s visitor economy and this summer’s EuroPride events will showcase London as a top gay-friendly destination.”