Copenhagen WorldPride 2021 and EuroGames announce major changes amidst COVID restrictions

Copenhagen WorldPride 2021 has been scaled back significantly!

The organizers of the event, which has been planned to take place from August 12-22, have been forced to make significant changes due to the Danish government extending restrictions amid new pandemic outbreaks, according to The Advocate. Copenhagen WorldPride and EuroGames are a shared event between neighboring nations and cities Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden. However, the government of Malmö has yet to announce changes. 

The most significant change is that the WorldPride Parade, which was originally planned for Saturday, August 21, has been cancelled. It has been replaced by a number of smaller “Protest Walks” dispersed around Copenhagen that still comply with government restrictions. Parade routes are still being determined, and will be announced later.

Performances have also been affected by the restrictions. The Pride stage in Copenhagen’s main square will be replaced by a viewing area in a local park, which is allowed to hold over 5,000 seated guests. In the park, guests can enjoy concerts, which will be live-streamed from an off-site indoor concert venue. 

Other events will take place at a much smaller scale throughout the city. Per current restrictions, 500 people can be allowed to gather. Over 50 cultural partners will still hold smaller events throughout Copenhagen.

However, those numbers are a far cry from what was previously projected over the entire duration of WorldPride and EuroGames. The organization responsible for the events, Copenhagen 2021, had been expecting over a million visitors. 

“After five years of planning we are of course disappointed to have to make the decision to scale back some of our events,” notes executive managing director of Copenhagen 2021, Benjamin Hansen in a written statement.

The organization had previously described the government’s decision on major events as “overly cautious” and complained that it went 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.” However, the attitude has shifted with most recent developments.

“But the safety of everyone has to be our highest priority, and we have worked with our safety company RF Experience to create a meaningful and safe WorldPride and EuroGames experience for everyone,” Hansen continues in his statement. 

Hansen adds, “Despite scaling back on some plans, we’re pleased that we haven’t had to cancel any of our events entirely”, pointing specifically to the “29 EuroGames sports tournaments, dozens of cultural events, and a Human Rights Forum,” which will all take place as scheduled, and which will “create a long-lasting legacy for Copenhagen 2021.” 

Currently, Copenhagen 2021’s events in Malmö appear unaffected by this announcement, which was specific to Denmark. Sweden’s government has not released any information regarding the WorldPride events in Malmö and whether they will take place as planned. However, some events have already been moved to alternative venues.

Check out the full details of Copenhagen 2021’s updated plans.