The Love Parade did indeed make a triumphant return to Berlin
in 2006, but it was a short-lived comeback as far as the capital
was concerned at least. Berlin city authorities and event
organisers couldn't come to an agreement in time and instead
the LP signed up for a five year deal to be held in various
cities of the industrial Ruhr district in the West of Germany.
So no Berlin bacchanalia in 2008, but rather the debauchery
moves to Dortmund.
The Love Parade 2008 in Dortmund promises to be no less fun
than previous editions of the world's biggest street party,
and the date for your diaries is the 19th July if you're thinking
of booking flights and making travel and accommodation arrangements.
We'll be updating this page with some more info on the DJs
and other details as soon as our spies report in...
The Love Parade 2007
Yes, it is happening! But unfortunately not in Berlin...
The Love Parade organisers were unable to come to an agreement
with the powers that be in Berlin, and so began the search
for another city to host the event. After some wheeling and
dealing they have proudly announced a five year plan to host
the Love Parade in the Ruhr District of Germany. A vast connurbation
of 5.3 million inhabitants the Ruhr will divide up the hosting
duties, with each of its most prominent cities taking it in
turns to put on the event. Essen is the host for 2007, and
the date for your diaries is the 28th August - so not long
now! Time to wet your whistle and put on your best dancing
shoes!
So far for Essen 2007, Booka Shade, Chris Liebing, Loco Dice,
Bad Boy Bill, ATM and Westbam have signed up as the main cts
with many more sure to follow. You can get more news and info
at the official Love Parade website.
Meanwhile you can read more about the history of the Love
Parade by going to our 'The Death of Dance...' article.
And finally, if you are stuck in Berlin this summer then
fear not - there's plenty of techno happening in the city.
Berghain Club continues to go from strength to strength whilst
the legendary Tresor has reared its ugly head once more! Check
out more in our Berlin bars and club section!
The Love Parade 2006
With the aptly named title for the year 'The Love is back',
the Love Parade once again stormed the streets of the German
capital in 2006 to the delight of house, techno and trance
fans the world over. Thanks to the sponsors, McFits, the funds
were raised that allow the event to pay for itself. Self-funding
is a key requirement of the Love Parade's existence ever since
the German government won a court ruling against the organisers
about who should pay for security and the clean-up (can't
say that we blame the government on that one!). With the money
raised however, nothing could stop the Love returning in 2006.
Review of 2006
2006 truly was a special year for Berlin as, instead of empty
streets this July 15th, the city was witness to the biggest
street party on the planet with 1.2 million turning out to
listen to music, dance like crazy, and take the odd mind-bending
chemical or two.
Who was there Well - apart from the 1.2 million mentioned
- some familiar faces also turned up to ensure this was no
damp squib of a comeback. Dance legends like Paul Van Dyke,
Westbam, ATB and Tiesto were two-a-penny on the floats. And
although naturally most of the floats were representing the
Germany masseeve it was a nice surprise to see neighbours
Poland chip in with the SubstanzArt:Pl float from Wroclaw,
led by Angelo Mike, and it was a treat too to see the Baltic
State's own Baltic Groove Union float. Needless to say DJs
from the UK and Ibiza didn't miss out on the action either!
So was the party a success Let's hand it over to Berlin's
very own mayor, Klaus Wowereit, for the final word.
"...Berlin is the number one city for music in Germany,
a fact that was impressively proven once again. The Loveparade
is experiencing a renaissance Unbelievable!"
