Gay Pride Reykjavik 2006

Iceland is lauded for its egalitarian approach to social and employment rights for gay men and women, and the annual Gay Pride celebrations held in the second week of August highlight how far the cause of gay rights has come in one generation. The celebrations do not conflict with any other gay pride events in Europe.

The outdoor events draw crowds of over forty thousand – equal to more than 13% percent of the total Icelandic population, and the city – the self-proclaimed ‘capital of cool’ – dances to a gay beat for the long weekend.

With 24-hour daylight this really is a long weekend of partying, and there are numerous naturally heated thermal pools around the city, ideal for a rejuvenating soak (hence the need for sunglasses and swimwear).

The 2006 Programme of Events includes:
• Thursday 10th August – Diva’s Night: ‘preview’ parties at venues across downtown Reykjavik to get revellers in the mood
• Friday 11th August – Official Opening Ceremony at Loftkastalinn Theatre with performers from Europe and USA, leading on to Gay Pride Party at the theatre and followed by dance parties for Boys and Girls in downtown Reykjavik
• Saturday 12th August daytime – Pride Parade through Reykjavik culminating in public outdoor concert with local and surprise international performers, leading into the Official Gay Pride Party
• Saturday 12th August - midnight – Gay Pride Party at NASA nightclub and other parties at downtown venues
• Sunday 13th August – Blue Lagoon geothermal spa recovery session, then on to airport for Icelandair flight home

Icelandair offers a unique online deal including return flights from Heathrow or Glasgow, three nights accommodation, return airport transfers, tax and a Gay Pride Pack – including entry to Official events and Blue Lagoon – from £669 per person based on three sharing a room.

Visit www.icelandair.co.uk for more deal details or www.reykjavikgaypride.is for festival information (available in English).

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