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The Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The best Pride celebrations in Europe, from DJs and drag queens in Lisbon to street parties in Stockholm
With Pride season fast approaching, you might be wondering where to head to for sequins, sunshine and serious fun this summer. Expedia's Summer Travel Outlook survey recently revealed that 54 per cent of LGBT+ Brits plan to attend a Pride event this year. For city breaks, the travel booking site found that Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona were the most sought-after destinations, while London, Brighton and Manchester were considered the most LGBT+ welcoming in the UK by those surveyed. So, where are the best parties, celebrations and events taking place in Europe? From Berlin to Brighton, these cities are proudly wearing the rainbow flag this summer. So if you plan to party hard this Pride season, choose one (or more) of these headline events. Lisbon When: 21 June 2025 Unlike Madrid, Berlin and other Prides with huge international followings, the Portuguese capital's Arraial Lisboa Pride flies under the queer radar; but that's set to change with it being upgraded to this year's EuroPride (the continent's highest-profile Pride event). Even with this boost in its fortunes, Lisbon Pride remains on the smaller side. The advantage is that, unlike better-known Prides that sprawl across their host cities, Lisbon keeps things convenient and compact. The focus falls squarely on waterfront Praça do Comércio, which stages an open-air party that's plenty of fun without being chaotic: all the DJs and drag queens you might expect, but balanced with laid-back Lisbon flair. Later, head up to the Bairro Alto neighbourhood for the afterparty; then retreat to the adjoining Principle Real to bed down at The Vintage: a boutique hotel whose rooftop bar is a great place to unwind with post-party cocktails. Madrid When: 6 July 2025 If you subscribe to the mantra 'go big or go home', Madrid Pride (Orgullo Madrid) is for you. Held each year in early July, this is Europe's largest Pride event, drawing upwards of two million revellers to the Spanish capital. Perhaps that's no surprise – after all, Spain is one of the continent's most LGBT+-friendly travel destinations – but there's a sizzling sense of energy that makes Madrid Pride unique. The week-long event takes over the city centre with concerts, cultural happenings and sideshows such as the High Heel Race, culminating with a massive parade (and an even larger afterparty). The Chueca gaybourhood is the celebration's beating heart, so do yourself a favour and stay as close to the action as possible. Choose Axel Hotel Madrid (the Axel chain was created specifically for the LGBTQ+ community) for its rooftop swimming pool and speakeasy-style basement bar. Berlin When: 26 July, 2025 Though smaller, Berlin's Pride (or CSD, which stands for Christopher Street Day) is in some ways even wilder, as you might expect from a city where all-night parties are a way of life. The event is a powerful mix of parade, demonstration and celebration, where the festive atmosphere is rooted in activism and calls for safety, acceptance and equal rights. Staged each July, CSD attracts hundreds of thousands of people from across the queer spectrum, making it one of the calendar's most diverse Pride events, and, given that this is a country where nudity is second nature, pretty much anything goes in terms of what to wear. As for where to stay, choose one of the 30-odd hotels that subscribe to Visit Berlin's Pink Pillows initiative and are particularly sensitive to LGBT+ guests' needs. Hotel Oderberger in the lively Prenzlauer Berg district is an excellent option. Brighton When: 2 August 2025 Beachy vibes meet big-name acts at Brighton Pride, which is Britain's biggest, best and brightest LGBT+ event. This year's headliner, Mariah Carey, follows international icons such as Christine Aguilera, Britney Spears and the queen of pop herself, Kylie, all of whom have previously graced the post-parade festival's main stage. Held in the city's Preston Park (where the Pride parade terminates), this year's iteration is a two-day event that promises cabaret and funfair rides as well as credible live music. Brighton Pride is something you need to plan ahead for, though; the Preston Park festival and the Pride Village street party that follows it in Kemptown (the LGBT+ neighbourhood) are ticketed events, and accommodation books up well in advance. Try The Willows Hotel, a cute and colourful, 14-room boutique option in Kemptown, within stumbling distance of both the party and Brighton's shingle beach. Amsterdam When: 2 August 2025 Rather than having its colourful Pride parade take to the city streets, Amsterdam makes use of its greatest asset: its central ring of canals. Lined by elegant Golden Age townhouses that date from the 1700s, these scenic waterways stage a colourful, floating carnival every August. Huge crowds gather along its route; get there early to stake out a decent spot on a bridge or along the water's edge, or go one better and rent a boat from which to watch the parade pass by. Although Pride itself stretches over a week of street parties, movie screenings and other LGBT+ events, the Canal Parade is its absolute highlight (well, that and the various afterparties, such as the legendary Rapido). For a real treat, book a canal-facing room at luxurious Pulitzer Amsterdam and watch the parade as it passes down Prinsengracht from your elevated viewpoint, well above the crowds. Manchester When: 23 August 2025 In Manchester, the August Bank Holiday weekend wears a rainbow flag. Britain's northern powerhouse doesn't do things by half at the best of times, and its Pride festivities are no exception. Expanding way beyond the city's Gay Village for the whole weekend, it's loud, proud and friendly in that chipper northern way, but there's a serious side too, as attested by the candlelit vigil in Sackville Gardens to commemorate those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Much more lighthearted is the revelry on Canal Street, at the heart of the Gay Village, where bars spill outside onto the street and there are live acts, cabaret and even a silent disco. Head beyond here to the edgier Northern Quarter for its alternative, pop-up events, after which you can crash at Native Manchester, whose Ducie Street Warehouse location serves excellent coffee and brunch on the ground floor: the perfect hangover remedy. Stockholm When: 2 August 2025 With upwards of 30 Pride parades taking place across the calendar (including iterations in Gothenburg, Malmö and even up in Lapland for the Sami community), super-liberal Sweden tips the scales when it comes to LGBT+ celebrations. Stockholm's is the biggest of them all (indeed, it's the largest in Scandinavia) and draws some 50,000 supporters to its parade and colourful Pride Park festival, all packed with creativity, community spirit and an ABBA-heavy soundtrack. For a deeper experience, Pride House offers a chance to exchange experiences and talk about issues and challenges for the LGBT+ community via workshops, debates and discussions with notable authors. Beyond it all is the sheer magic of enjoying Stockholm during its long summer days, when the waterfront and architecture of Gamla Stan (the historic district) are at their best. Add extra 'hello, sailor' vibes to your visit by staying at Victory Hotel, a nautical-themed boutique property in Gamla Stan. Prague When: 2 August 2025 With Russia's well-known anti-LGBTQ+ approach mirrored by Hungary (which recently enacted a law that has effectively banned Pride gatherings), the situation for Eastern Europe's LGBT+ communities is far less secure than in the West, all of which makes Prague Pride so vital. Since its inception in 2011, the region's leading Pride event has grown to become an essential voice for tolerance, change, acceptance and inclusion. As well as being a Pride with a purpose, the event appeals because of the scenery: the parade takes in cobbled streets amongst baroque facades, in the shadow of Prague Castle. Sure, the event may not have the stature of western Europe's big-hitters, but its appeal lies in its defiance: this is a union of partying and progress in a region where LGBT+ rights are evolving, which is very much in the spirit of how the Pride movement began. Stay centrally (close to Wenceslas Square) at Falkensteiner Hotel Prague.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
AP PHOTOS: In cricket-crazy India, the Indian Premier League is a reason to celebrate
NEW DELHI (AP) — The world's richest franchise cricket league is ongoing in India, a cricket- crazy country of 1.4 billion. The Indian Premier League features top players from around the world and attracts hundreds of millions of TV viewers. While the format leads to high-tempo action on the field, Twenty20 cricket has also sparked an evolution in off-field entertainment in cricket. Cheerleaders dancing on podiums, DJs sitting behind decks spinning tunes, and fancy dress themes are all part of the T20 game for crowds, bringing a colorful new twist for those at the stadium and broadcast viewers. This year, 65 international cricketers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, England and Afghanistan have joined India's high-profile players in the tournament. The tournament started March 23 and the final is set for June 3 at Ahmedabad. The championship decider will be played at Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's largest cricket venue with a seating capacity of 132,000. _______ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Re-writing the Rules How Bop Has Become a Mainstay of the Nightlife Scene in Portals Mallorca
PUERTO PORTALS, MALLORCA / ACCESS Newswire / May 24, 2025 / Situated in the centre of Puerto Portals, and overlooking the flashy Port with its super yachts and matching cars, you'd be forgiven for dismissing Bop as being just another cocktail bar on the scene in this upmarket part of the Balearic Islands. However, Bop has established itself as one of the most unpretentious, relaxed and fun nightspots around, largely due to its dedication to keeping prices affordable, offering visitors the experience of stunning sunsets combined with refreshing cocktails, dancing under the stars to carefully selected Balearic Beats and innovative ways to experience the soul of Mallorca. This includes the unique silent discos held on the large rooftop terrace, all just a moment's walk from the town beach with its Gin-clear waters; perfect for those who are looking to completely unwind and let go on their holiday. Throughout the season, the attentive staff serve drinks to your table, be it one of the comfy sofas, high tables overlooking the promenade below (ideal for people watching), or the VIP sections - all of which are bookable through the Bop website " ". If you're planning a large celebration, corporate event or private party, Bop has all the necessary experience and charm to make your night a memorable one. With music selected by resident DJs, an extensive and imaginative cocktail list and unparalleled views of the ocean, you can catch the perfect sunset and then dance into the early hours, either at one of the fantastic silent discos or any number of special parties thrown throughout the year where guest DJs, decoration and costume are the order of the night. The ubiquitous white party kicks off festivities early in the season. In fact, Bop has become known for their themed parties thrown throughout the summer bringing visitors together with the local community to capture that unique Balearic party essence. With Puerto Portals being located just a short drive from the island's main city of Palma, with its charming old-town streets of shuttered town houses, high end boutiques and gothic and Moorish churches, Bop is guaranteed to be a memorable part of any person's holiday to this fantasy island. Media Contact Organization: Bop Bars Contact Person Name: Fred Musik Website: Email: [email protected] Contact Number: +34680245670 Address: Local 29, Puerto Portals Address 2: 07181 Portals Nous City: Mallorca Country: Spain SOURCE: Bop Bars press release
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Re-writing the Rules How Bop Has Become a Mainstay of the Nightlife Scene in Portals Mallorca
PUERTO PORTALS, MALLORCA / / May 24, 2025 / Situated in the centre of Puerto Portals, and overlooking the flashy Port with its super yachts and matching cars, you'd be forgiven for dismissing Bop as being just another cocktail bar on the scene in this upmarket part of the Balearic Islands. However, Bop has established itself as one of the most unpretentious, relaxed and fun nightspots around, largely due to its dedication to keeping prices affordable, offering visitors the experience of stunning sunsets combined with refreshing cocktails, dancing under the stars to carefully selected Balearic Beats and innovative ways to experience the soul of Mallorca. This includes the unique silent discos held on the large rooftop terrace, all just a moment's walk from the town beach with its Gin-clear waters; perfect for those who are looking to completely unwind and let go on their holiday. Throughout the season, the attentive staff serve drinks to your table, be it one of the comfy sofas, high tables overlooking the promenade below (ideal for people watching), or the VIP sections - all of which are bookable through the Bop website " If you're planning a large celebration, corporate event or private party, Bop has all the necessary experience and charm to make your night a memorable one. With music selected by resident DJs, an extensive and imaginative cocktail list and unparalleled views of the ocean, you can catch the perfect sunset and then dance into the early hours, either at one of the fantastic silent discos or any number of special parties thrown throughout the year where guest DJs, decoration and costume are the order of the night. The ubiquitous white party kicks off festivities early in the season. In fact, Bop has become known for their themed parties thrown throughout the summer bringing visitors together with the local community to capture that unique Balearic party essence. With Puerto Portals being located just a short drive from the island's main city of Palma, with its charming old-town streets of shuttered town houses, high end boutiques and gothic and Moorish churches, Bop is guaranteed to be a memorable part of any person's holiday to this fantasy island. Media Contact Organization: Bop BarsContact Person Name: Fred MusikWebsite: hello@ Number: +34680245670Address: Local 29, Puerto PortalsAddress 2: 07181 Portals NousCity: MallorcaCountry: Spain SOURCE: Bop Bars View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
The Guardian
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Sónar festival hit with artist boycott over alleged links to Israel
Sónar, one of Europe's leading electronic music festivals, is under threat after dozens of musicians and DJs announced a boycott over the event's parent company KKR's alleged links to Israel. More than 70 artists signed an open letter to the festival, which is due to take place in Barcelona from 12-14 June, stating that 'we oppose any affiliation between the cultural sector and entities complicit in war crimes'. The boycott from artists such as Kode9, Lolo & Sosaku, Juliana Huxtable and Sunny Graves comes amid claims that KKR is linked to housing developments in the illegally occupied West Bank, in addition to other business interests in Israel. This claim is based on the fact that KKR is a major investor in the German media company Axel Springer, which runs ads for developments in the occupied territories on Israel's Yad2 classified ad site, owned by Springer. In June 2024, KKR, a US investment company with an estimated $710bn (£526bn) in assets, paid €1.3bn (£1.09bn) to acquire the entertainment company Superstruct and with it a controlling interest in 80 music festivals across 10 European countries and Australia. KKR's portfolio includes energy companies, the US publisher Simon & Schuster and Thames Water. Spain's culture minister Ernest Urtasun said that KKR is 'not welcome in Spain', adding that 'for many years it's been policy that companies with economic interests in illegal settlements in Palestine cannot operate normally in the European Union'. Sónar issued a statement in which it dissociated itself from KKR's financial activities, over which it has no control, and reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and human rights. KKR declined to comment on the allegations of its links to Israel and referred the Guardian to Superstruct's statement in which the latter company says it is 'horrified by the scale of suffering' in Gaza, adding that, despite KKR's acquisition, Superstruct remains 'independently run, making its own decisions based on what is in the best interests of our fans, artists and colleagues'. Asked what more Sónar could do, given that it didn't choose its owner, Lolo of Lolo & Sosaku, said: 'What I don't get is people who defend Sónar saying it isn't KKR when in some sense it is, because Sónar was a family and now it isn't. When you sell yourself to something like Superstruct you know what's going to happen and you've lost touch with the essence of what you were about to begin with.' The Netherlands-based Animistic Beliefs cancelled their Sónar show because they claim KKR profits from 'war, climate destruction and systems of oppression', adding that 'we know no space is free from contradiction but somewhere the line has to be drawn'. The band La Élite say they are boycotting the FIB festival in July which is held in Benicassìm, near Valencia, because of its association with KKR. 'People are frustrated and feel a need to dissociate themselves from these festivals and obviously no one wants their money to go directly to these bastards,' the band told the Guardian. 'The ways things stand, the mere fact of calling things by their name, that is, genocide, amounts to making a stand,' they said. 'Beyond that, it's up to everyone and their conscience to do what they can.' At least 15 artists have also pulled out of this weekend's Field Day festival in London, also owned by Superstruct. In a statement, Field Day, which says it had no say in the KKR takeover, said: 'We would like to say, clearly and directly, that we stand with the people of Gaza and support the peaceful aims of the Palestinian civil organisations and everyone working tirelessly to give them a voice.' Last year Sónar+D, a programme that runs alongside the festival dedicated to innovation and technology, received around €880,000 (£740,000) in subsidies from the Catalan government, Barcelona city council and the EU. Neither the regional government nor the city council subsidises the music festival.
