CAPE TOWN PRIDE EXTENDED

Cape Town Pride’s 2007 festival preparations have kicked off. At the organisation’s first meeting held after the 2006 Annual General Meeting last week, the decision was taken to extend the 2007 Festival by an extra day, making it an 11-day celebration.

The extension was based on the significant line-up of events planned for February 2007, which means that the Festival simply cannot fit into the traditional 10-day period.

Pride 2006 was, say the organisers, a successful event that was well supported by corporate and individual businesses and the public alike. “The buy-in from community stakeholders resulted in substantial financial surpluses from this year’s Pride,” commented Treasurer Rob Brickhill. “These surpluses have enabled us to employ a manager and rent office space at the C.I.A Centre in De Waterkant – which is exactly what Cape Town Pride needs to boost the Festival”

The 2007 committee has some new members that bring with them a wealth of experience in events and tourism management. Brian Kruger of Cape Info Africa has been appointed Festival Director, with Liesl Theron of Gender Dynamix as his deputy. “With the appointment of these two experienced, dedicated people, we have the skills and energy to make this the best Festival yet” says Chairman Ian McMahon.

Parties, the Race Day at Kenilworth, The Pink Tie Affair, the Ladies Allsorts Benefit Ball, the Guguletu Pride Day, Shebeen Crawl and Book Faire – are only some of the many highlights that Cape Town Pride offers.

New committee member Richard Griffin of restaurant Madame Zingara fame said “It is high time that this festival lures tens of thousands of Capetonians for the parade and fair day, similar to the Pride’s of San Francisco and Sydney. This is the making of Africa’s premier Gay Festival”, he adds. You have 2 months break after the Fabulous MCQP and its great theme of “Comic Strip” to prepare for the Pride Festival. “Cape Town is ON THE Map of hosting huge Queer Events!” Say Griffin

Cape Town Pride Festival is a volunteer-run community initiative and a Section 21 (A) non-profit company. The event will be held from 15-25th February 2007.

People wishing to volunteer, become a sponsor, donate or take a stall at fair day are invited to contact the organisers via their website.