A marcher at Gothenburg Pride. They wear a ‘hen’ t-shirt, the gender-neutral pronoun officially recognized by the Swedish Academy in 2014. | Photo: Daniel Castro
After 2017 Madrid Pride, this year it’s the beautiful, leafy Sweden’s turn to host EuroPride 2018. And to celebrate the LGBTI community at best, Swedes have gone double.
Both Stockholm and Gothenburg, in fact, will be home to EuroPride, so get ready for a double appointment of rainbow flags, family-friendly, fun parades, and fika – the Scandi coffee break – to get you fueled through the festivals.
The Swedish capital will host the Pride from 27 July to 5 August; Gothenburg, one of the major cities in the south, from 14 to 19 August. Expect 15 full days to enjoy everything from well-known artists to important seminars and workshops.
The cheekiest, coolest t-shirt ever worn by a marcher at Gothenburg Pride. | Photo: Daniel Castro via Gothenburg Pride
Stockholm Pride Opening Gala
Former footballer and coach Pia Sunndhage and alpine skier Anja Pärson will be the protagonists of Stockholm Pride Opening Gala on 1 August. The two openly lesbian athletes will give speeches during the inauguration at EuroPride Park, hosted by trans actress Saga Becker.
Moreover, Stockholm Gay Choir and The Choir by ABBA The Museum will perform.
A large crowd at Stockholm Pride. | Photo: Nils Carmel via Stockholm Pride
Schlager Evening with Conchita
Conchita will take the stage during Schlager Evening on 4 August. 2014 Eurovision Song Contest winner is the ambassador for Vienna EuroPride 2019.
‘I am looking forward to coming back to Stockholm to perform before the EuroPride audience. I remember the love, joy, and energy I received last time, and hope for another fantastic evening again,’ she said.
Conchita will be the ambassador at next year’s Vienna Pride. | Photo: Twitter/@ConchitaWurst
Schlager Evening at EuroPride park will see Eleni Foureira, Kati Wolf, and Lindsay Dracass perform. There will also be a P2’s Opera Sing-a-long with Rickard Söderberg, Lovers of Valdaro, Medborgarbandet, Arrhult, ionnalee, Among Dragons and Drag queens.
Furthermore, entertainment will include stand-up comedy with Pernilla Hammargren, Hannes Pettersson, James Lorien MacDonald, and Moa Svan.
On a more serious note, law firm Folkets Juristbyrå will offer free legal advice.
Read more about Stockholm Pride here.
Stockholm and Gothenburg Pride Parade
The annual march will see the LGBTI community and allies take to the streets of the capital on 5 August. Kicking off at 1pm, this will be the first part of a double parade, set to continue in Gothenburg on 18 August at 3:30pm. The march will end with a spectacular show and international stars at Götaplatsen, the biggest square in Gothenburg with a capacity of 80 000 spectators.
Bananarama will perform at Gothenburg
Left to right, Bananarama’s current members: Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, and Sara Dallin. | Photo: Wendy Carrig via Gothenburg Pride
Gothenburg will host several artists throughout the festival. The legendary 1980s all-female band Bananarama will play a special concert at amusement park Liseberg, performing their ever-popular hits, such as Venus and Walking On Sunshine.
Lesbian rapper Silvana Imam will perform at Götaplatsen on 16 August.
Read the full Gothenburg Pride programme here.
Get married at EuroPride
Get married at Gothenburg Pride. | Photo: Pixabay
Is there anything more romantic than holding hands with your partner while marching proudly? Yes: getting married during Pride.
Those who wish to tie the knot in Gothenburg can do so from 14 to 19 August. Drop-in weddings are offered throughout the entire festival from 2 to 7pm in the tent Kyrkan på Europride at Pride Park in Kungstorget, and in the city’s cathedral, Domkyrkan.
Not quite ready to commit or already married? Renewal of vows, engagements, and friendship ceremonies are also welcome.
Read more about Prides:
Cornwall hosted the first Pride tour in the world and the pictures are dreamy
