Essen in Love

It has already been everybody's little secret for a while - until a big German daily newspaper reported about the city of Essen being the next stage for Love Parade.

It seems that Love Parade company's way to communicate is in tight accordance with German politics or business culture is just not their strong point as a few weeks ago. Despite a signed and confirmed contract, Love Parade company declined the news about Essen by downgrading that finally true news paper article as out-and-out lie.

Yesterday everything has been different again when spokesman Björn Köllen officially introduced Essen as the new location of Love Parade 2007.

Of course the city of Essen is quite pleased about receiving a gainig attention. Being the stage of such high profile event heavily supports the city council's way and further spreads the word that in 2010 Essen will be Europe's Capital of Culture.

Since the last minutes Love Parade company stuck to July 7th being the appointed day. When introducing Essen they also changed their date which is now August 25th. A police report about security requirements is still pending and could in fact stir up everything though.

Since its early years the major part of Love Paraders are from Eastern Europe, especially Poland. It's expected this year's Love Parade will be even smaller as many people will now have a longer way to travel.

It's also the first time a Love Parade is being held outside of Berlin.