Love Parade Leaves Berlin

After failing to reach an agreement with the city council, it seems the Love Parade organisers have had no choice but to bid a teary farewell to the event's spiritual home Berlin... Yes, that's right folks, the Love Parade has packed it's bags and moved west to the Ruhr district of Germany.

This mighty connurbation of several cities and 5.3 million people is the fifth largest urban area in Europe and should prove an excellent host of the Love Parade. Each year will see the Parade move to a different city within the Ruhr, with Essen taking the honours for 2007, Dortmund for 2008, Bochum for 2009, Duisberg for 2010 and Gelsenkirchen for 2011. As for 2012 who knows... Maybe the Love Parade will make a romantic return to Berlin?

If you're planning on heading to Essen for the Love Parade 2007 meanwhile, you'll be pleased to know that some quality techno acts have already been booked to play. Westbam, ATM, Booka Shade and Moguai are amongst the big names.