Antwerp Pride 2019 not only changes its parade route, but also the location of the Love United Festival on Saturday 10 August and the Closing Festival on Sunday 11 August.

The new venue will be the Gedempte Zuiderdokken, between the Vlaamsekaai and the Waalsekaai.

Not everything is formalised, Antwerp Pride chairmain Bart Abeel told the LGBT influencers of Antwerp and local politicians at the Antwerp Pride new year’s reception. But the all but rubberstamped plan is to start the parade at Sint-Jansplein, pass the River Scheldt quays and end at the Gedempte Zuiderdokken. There there will be a Pride Village and the Love United Festival.

The same area and infrastructure will be used for the Closing Festival on Sunday. New will be two podiums for the Closing. “So there will be no arguments about music and talent”, Abeel laughed.

Cruises

Why the change of venues, you ask? Firstly because of the many, many, many construction sites and engineering works in Antwerp.

Secondly because Het Steen or Stone Castle is being transformed to a cruise terminal.

Museums

The chairman announced a cooperation with the Museum of Contemporary Art of Antwerp (M HKA) and the Photography Museum (FoMu). Both are located on the Waalsekaai.

Furthermore, Starting 1 February, Pieter Van Bocxklaer joins the crew as event manager.