Thousands expected in Amsterdam for boisterous WorldPride in shadow of Berlin attack

(Reuters)

AMSTERDAM, Aug 1 – Hundreds of thousands of revellers will line Amsterdam’s canals on Saturday for the flagship event of WorldPride, promising a boisterous LGBT celebration that ​organisers say is particularly urgent after last week’s deadly attack on Berlin’s Pride.

Scores ‌of boats festooned with rainbow flags and balloons are expected to cruise through the city while huge crowds in colourful outfits cheer from the bank.

The canal parade is the annual highlight of Amsterdam Pride, ​which was picked to host WorldPride this year by fellow Pride organisers from ​around the globe. The slogan for the two weeks of events ⁠across the Netherlands is “UNITY”.