Johannesburg Pride 2016 – all the details

Yes, it’s time for another Johannesburg Pride! The 27th annual edition has been, as always, not without its controversies, primarily over this year’s location – Melrose Arch.

Whatever your thoughts or preferences as to the venue, the event is still sure to remain one of the most prominent outings on the city’s LGBTI calendar.

For the first time in a number of years, Johannesburg Pride will start in the afternoon, and will continue into the night. It’s being held under the theme of #NoFilter and the colour orange (representing healing, in the wake of the Orlando Massacre). Here are all the details you need to know.

When and where is Johannesburg Pride 2016?

Johannesburg Pride starts at 14:00 on Saturday 29 October 2016 at Melrose Blvd, Melrose Arch. The parade will kick off at 16:30 from the Gay Village on Melrose Blvd.

The Planning Committee anticipate that a crowd of 7500 to 10 000 people will participate in this year’s Pride. Committee members Kaye Ally and Clinton Groome are responsible for the overall management of the event.

Pride activities at Melrose Arch

There will be a fashion show, performances and DJs on the stage. The parade will lead into the Johannesburg Pride afterparty. Commercial products, food and beverages will be sold in the Gay Village. Soft drinks, smart drinks and light alcoholic drinks (malt and wine) will be available. Community organisations and interest groups will set up tables and stalls to advertise their activities and sell various items. (Contact stalls@johannesburgpride.co.za to apply for a stall.)

Where can I catch the parade?

The Johannesburg Pride parade kicks off at 16:30. It runs along Melrose Boulevard into Corlett Drive, proceeding to Athol Oaklands, down to Melrose Blvd and back into the venue. Make sure to keep these street closures in mind. There will be marshals to assist with the formation of the parade and keep the attendees contained to the lanes assigned.

Who’s performing?

MegMafia and Kevin Britz are the on-stage hosts for the event. Opening acts will include live performances by Sizwe Salt and Danny D. There will be a fashion show for up and coming designers. Nolene du Preez, a third year fashion design student, has taken on the task of the coordination. A number of final year students from various institutions will be showing. The show will be combined with drag acts, choreographed by Sally Werq. The end of the fashion show will lead into the start of the parade, which will be followed by a DJ line up, headlined by DJ Zai Maya, and featuring DJs Skye, SeanE, SollyP, Karma and Biskit.  GoodLuck will perform at around 9.30pm.

How much does it cost?

General entrance is free to Johannesburg Pride 2016. A VIP Lounge, hosted by Sally Werq, costs R250 per person and includes a free drink, private lounge, private bar and toilets and a Pride branded sun hat. The VIP tickets also include entry to Churchills’ Halloween Party at Melrose Arch, as well as the announcement of the launch of new club on the night of Johannesburg Pride. You can book by emailing tickets@johannesburgpride.co.za.

What about the after-party?

This year, the official Pride afterparty will be at the Johannesburg Pride venue in Melrose Arch and will start after the parade. There is no entry fee to enjoy the celebration. As always, there are also a number of unofficial parties being held at venues around the city (see flyers below).

What else should I know?

You are not allowed to bring your own food or drink or any cooler boxes to Johannesburg Pride.