Organisers of EuroPride in London this weekend are hailing the festival as a historic success. Despite temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, the streets of London were the scene of the largest Pride Parade the city has ever seen.
A carnival atmosphere greeted the colorful procession of floats and performers, which for the first time in history also passed through Oxford Street and Regent Street. A crowd of 600,000 people attended the EuroPride celebrations, the rally in Trafalgar Square and the all-day party that animated the streets of Soho.
Hollywood actor Ian McKellen and politicians of all political persuasions joined London Mayor Ken Livingstone at the head of the parade, which also included, for the first time, representatives in uniform The Royal Navy, the Metropolitan Police, and the Royal Air Force. The festival finale took place last night with a stunning show at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Stephen Fry, which included performances by Sir Elton John, Boy George, Alan Carr, and Ian McKellen as Widow Twankey.
According to organizer Jason Pollock, “This was definitely the most spectacular Pride Festival London has ever seen. Saturday's incredible parade and Sunday's thrilling show at the Royal Albert Hall made it a perfect Pride, beyond all expectations.
London has once again proven to be the most tolerant city in the world, and that Pride weekend is a date in the city’s social calendar that is fun for everyone.”.
