Copenhagen 2021 WorldPride and EuroGames – which begins 100 days from today and takes place from 12-22 August, has been given the go-ahead following the Danish Government’s announcement of new regulations around major events from the 1st of August.
Organisers of Copenhagen 2021 acknowledged the Government’s decision on major events, however, described the regulations as an “overly-cautious approach – which goes against the government’s own expert group who advised last month that ‘all restrictions could be lifted when people above 16 have been offered a vaccine.” (A target that the nations vaccine calendar states should be achieved by the end of July 2021.)
While the event is scheduled to proceed, the regulations mean that Copenhagen 2021 capacity is capped at 5,000 and people are divided into separate areas with a 500 capacity. Attendees would also need proof of vaccine or a recent negative test.
The nation’s Government has confirmed, however, that events can be scaled up in size if the vaccine roll-out and general pandemic situation improves.
Speaking about the regulations Chair of Copenhagen 2021, Katja Moesgaard, explained, “With 100 days to go until the start of our event we are pleased to finally have some clarity about the regulations, but disappointed that such a cautious and conservative decision has been made. Copenhagen 2021 is the biggest and most significant LGBTI+ event ever held in Scandinavia, and with the clarity we now have our focus is on the three months ahead. In the coming weeks we will publish more detail on how we will accommodate for these regulations.”
“In the meantime we urge political leaders and the government to reconsider the regulations on a weekly basis to explore every option to safely increase the number of participants to allow more people to join us to campaign and celebrate equality. This is a unique event that will not be repeated in our lifetime and it is a vital opportunity for Denmark to shine as a global beacon of equality.”
Moesgaard acknowledged the devastating effect of the announcement on events forced to cancel including Roskilde Festival, Northside, Tinderbox and Copenhell. “We have all been living through huge uncertainty for months, and I know how disappointed their organisers will be this morning. Our whole team’s thoughts are with them,” she said.
Aside from 12 night of concerts at Rådhuspladsen and the WorldPride Parade, events include human rights events at Øksnehallen, Christiansborg and UN City, sports tournaments across the city and a Sports Village at Islands Brygge, with culture events at Gammel Strand, Huset KBH and Rådhushaven.
Organisers have already announced plans for a major digital presentation of their event, with many events livestreamed online for a global audience.
For more information head to the Copenhagen 2021 website HERE
