Date: Sat, 25 Mar 1995 15:31:21 -0500 (EST) From: Thomas Tichelmann EUROPEAN PRIDE ORGANISER' ASSOCIATION (EPOA) PRESS RELEASE Meeting for the first time in Helsinki at the end of December, members of the European Pride Organisers' Association (EPOA) selected Copenhagen as the host city for Europride in 1996 and Paris in 1997. Originally both cities had bid to hold the event in 1996 but following a vote, French organisers opted to re-schedule for 1997. Danish organisers have applied for a share of the 75 Pound Sterling allocated by the state for the promotion of Copenhagen as European City of Culture in 1996. Plans for the vent include a parade, Film Festival and open air party in Copenhagen's famous H.C.Orsteds Park. French organisers of the 1997 event plan not only a March and Festival but an action directed towards the European Parliament in Strasbourg and a European "Salon de l'Homosocialite" -a grand open air fair involving organizations from across Europe. Meeting in Helsinki at the same time, the annual ILGA Euroconference gave it's endorsement to the EPOA decision. The EPOA conference also elected Pride Trust Festival Director, Teddy Witherington as the first President of the Association and Hartmut Schoenknecht from Berlin as Secretary/Treasurer. Commenting, Witherington said "That the first conference of European Pride Organisers has taken place is historic and will lead to greater cooperation, support and dialogue between Pride Organisers across Europe. It is also great news that the Europride event will continue. Although there will not be a Europride in 1995, the future seems assured." The 2nd Annual EPOA Conference will take place in Copenhagen over the weekend of 4-5/11/95 where the host city for Europride 1998 will be selected. For more information contact: Teddy Witherington voice: +44.171.738.7644 fax: +44.171.924.0325 **************** This message is an Internet service of the INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN AND GAY YOUTH ORGANIZATION (IGLYO) for the European Pride Organisers' Association (EPOA). Please do not reply to the sender but contact EPOA directly. yyz,250395