While East London is gearing up for the Olympics and Buckingham Palace prepares for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Soho is preparing for its own moment in the global event spotlight – WorldPride 2012.
As registration for walking groups and floats to take part in the Parade opened this week, Smirnoff was one of the first corporates to enter a float in this year’s line-up.
The largest un-ticketed event in Europe, Pride London brings WorldPride in the capital 23 June – 8 July, with the event culminating in the Parade through central London on 7 July.
The programme of events this year includes a conference at Senate House to discuss the issues facing the global LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community, in particular the global decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Chair of organiser Pride London, Patrick Williams said: “Pride London is honoured to have been chosen to host WorldPride this year and we can’t wait to show the world everything the city has to offer.
“WorldPride is much more than just a party. There are 41 countries in the Commonwealth where homosexuality is illegal and in some cases punishable by death. This summer we want to give the global LGBT a safe place to celebrate and will also be using our time in the spotlight to campaign for a safer environment for them to return to.”
Commenting at the time Pride London was named the successful bidder for WorldPride 2012, Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that London has won the right to host WorldPride in 2012. London has one of the largest and most diverse LGBT communities on the planet and it is a fantastic opportunity to inspire cities across the globe. In an Olympic year, the eyes of the world will already be on London and the city will give an enormous welcome to LGBT people, their friends and families, for what we want to be the most colourful and exciting WorldPride festival yet.”
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