25/04/2024
On April 2nd, Pride in Gloucestershire issued some exciting news to the local LGBTQIA+ community. They say "the European Pride Organisers Association have announced the list of cities bidding to host EuroPride 2027. Joining Pride in Gloucestershire are Turin, Italy; Torremolinos, Spain; and Vilnius, Lithuania. EuroPride is licensed to a different Pride/Host city each year, this year it takes place in June in Thessaloniki, Greece, and next year in Lisbon; but in recent years, it has been held in Copenhagen, Malta, Vienna and Belgrade, with the last one held in the UK being London in 2012. The event can last up to 2 weeks and involve a festival, march, Human Rights Conference and an array of LGBTQ+ arts and culture activities and can attract around 100,000 people from across the globe. Whilst each organisation has five months to complete their bids and be ready for publication on 8th September, Pride in Gloucestershire is confident in presenting a competitive and meaningful case to bring this prestigious global event to Gloucestershire and to the UK. Pride in Gloucestershire spokesperson Richard Stevens (he/him) commented, “2027 will mark 15 years since EuroPride was last held in the UK. The UK, once known for its strong LGBTI+ credentials, has seen a continuous decline in not only its international standing but also community confidence and fear from a rise in hate crime and the creeping influence of extremists. With Gloucestershire’s reputation for hosting world-class events coupled with our reputation for being inclusive and community-focussed across a whole region, we feel that we will be able to deliver a EuroPride with the impact that empowers the LGBTI+ community not just in the UK but across the whole of Europe.” Lenny Emson (he/him), President of the European Pride Organisers Association which licenses EuroPride, said: “With the increase in right-wing and far-right governments and politicians across Europe, Pride events are becoming ever more important as an opportunity for the LGBTI+ community to come together and show their strength in numbers and togetherness. EuroPride continues to grow in importance and as a stand against the weaponisation of LGBTI+ rights in politics wherever it takes place.” EuroPride has the ability to enact change and directly improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people. The Gloucestershire team says that even though they expect this to generate at least £30m directly for the local economy, using this opportunity to create a true legacy for LGBTQ+ people is their primary focus. https://www.prideinglos.org.uk/ Whilst their plans must be kept under wraps until September, the Pride in Gloucestershire team welcomes any interest from people, organisations or businesses interested in getting involved in either supporting their bid or playing their part should their bid be successful.
