COUNTDOWN TO JOBURG PRIDE 2007

With just over three months before the big day, organisers are well into their preparations for the 2007 annual Joburg Pride Festival Week and Parade, now in its eighteenth year. The ‘Coming of Age’ street parade will be held on Saturday 6 October 2007, followed by a festive ‘mardi gras’ at Zoo Lake Sports Club.

The Joburg Pride organisers have called on community organisations and gay and gay-friendly businesses to submit their applications for floats or vehicles that will be included in the Parade, which will wind its way through the streets of Rosebank.

“Floats are a great marketing exercise and directly contribute to the fun, vibe and festivities on the day. We’re hoping that the gay community’s reputation for creativity will come to the fore. The more colourful, the more outrageous and the more ambitious the float the better!” says Joburg Gay Pride Festival Chair Tracey Sandilands.

Float entry fees are reasonable, starting at R10 for a motorbike entered by an NGO to R500 for a large corporate float accommodating 25 people. Of course, individuals on foot do not pay to participate in the parade.

The float / vehicle application form is now available for download on www.joburgpride.org. An award will be given to the best float, judged on the criteria of appearance, creativity (crowd appeal, originality of idea) and understanding of the theme of Joburg Pride 2007.

CALL FOR ‘FRINGE’ EVENTS

The week preceding the parade will also see a seven-day-long “Pride Festival Week” taking place. While Joburg Pride will organise a selection of events during the period, the organisers are also calling on organisations, clubs, restaurants and others to put on Pride-themed ‘Fringe’ events during that week. From parties to exhibitions, from theatre shows to seminars, any gay or lesbian interest event taking place from 30 September to 6 October 2007 qualifies.

For a fee of R300, Pride related events can be listed on the Joburg Pride website event schedule (including a web link and thumbnail image), as well as in the 10 000 printed copies of the Joburg Pride Festival Guide.

To apply to have an event listed, visit www.joburgpride.org or e-mail Jenni at jenni@joburgpride.org.

THE PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL

An exciting addition to the line-up of events taking placing during the Joburg Pride Week is the first ever Pride Film Festival. Presented by Cinema Nouveau this new festival will bring the hottest, freshest gay and lesbian movie hits to cinemas nationwide – including recent international scoops such as Another Gay Movie.

The Pride Film Festival hits Cinema Nouveau in Rosebank (Jhb) and Brooklyn (Pta) on 28 September, then travels to V&A Waterfront (CT) and Gateway (Dbn) from 5 October. Expect lots of “pink” glamour, style and discerning quality as only Cinema Nouveau can offer! More details and movie titles for the first ever Pride Film Festival will be announced shortly.

“We’re excited that Cinema Nouveau screened by Jameson has recognised the value and loyalty of the gay community, and that they are playing a key role in celebrating Pride this year,” says Sandilands.

Joburg Pride is the longest running gay event on the African continent.

The Joburg Pride Festival Week kicks off on Sunday 30 September and will conclude on Saturday 6 October with the Parade and ‘mardi gras’ at Zoo Lake Sports Club. For more information on Joburg Pride 2007, visit the official website at www.joburgpride.org.