Brussels Pride set to draw crowd of 200,000
Organisers expect around 200,000 people to attend Saturday's Brussels Pride event, similar to last year's attendance figures. Under the banner "Unite, time to protect our rights", they are calling for renewed vigilance as LGBTQIA+ rights face mounting political pressure.
The event, organised by Visit.brussels and RainbowHouse Brussels, will mark the end of Pride Week in the capital. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies are expected to take to the streets to celebrate the community and raise awareness.
Pride Week kicked off on 7 May, celebrating the resilience and culture of LGBTQIA+ communities with more than 60 events. The parade itself will start at 14.30 on 17 May at Mont des Arts and wind its way through the centre of Brussels.
EU Love Tunnel
Various European institutions, including the Commission and the Parliament, have announced their attendance at the event, to demonstrate their commitment to diversity, inclusion and LGBTQIA+ rights.
European commissioners for Equality and Enlargement, Hadja Lahbib and Marta Kos, will visit the Rainbow Village and the European Commission's "Love Tunnel", where they will launch an interactive digital game on LGBTQI+ rights.
The EU will also have its own float in the parade, from which vice-president of the European Parliament Sophie Wilmès, Kos and Lahbib will address the crowd.
Ensuring safety
Police expect large crowds. "The city centre in particular will experience traffic disruption. We therefore advise people to use car parks and public transport or bicycles to get around," they said.
Additional police officers, as well as plain-clothes officers, will be deployed to ensure the safety of those taking part in the celebrations. “Our police stations will also be staffed to welcome everyone in the best possible conditions. Of course, the advice remains to call the emergency number 112 in case of urgent matters.”
Brussels Pride, May 2024 © BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ
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