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Manchester, UK -- EuroPride 2003, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender festival held in Manchester from 15 - 25 August has been declared the best EuroPride ever. "This EuroPride has been fantastic, the best EuroPride so far. Manchester has done EuroPride well, they have staged a truly professional event which has been safe and fun for all the visitors." Declared Robert Kastl, President of the European Pride Organizers Association (EPOA), the founding organization for EuroPride, "The energy in the Gay Village has been buoyant throughout the ten days of the festival, it has been a truly international event."

"The most stylish theatre in the UK today was here on the streets of Manchester." Exclaimed Sir Ian McKellen, "When I saw the faces of the people lining the streets as I rode through Manchester in the parade, tears of joy ran down my face. Kids, old people, mothers, grandparents and a real racial mix , it was tremendous. And not a single person objecting to us being there."

"How wonderful to see the Rainbow Flag flying from the top of the Town Hall." McKellen continued, "What a difference today from 15 years ago when I first came to Manchester and marched through the streets against Section 28." Section 28 is the British national law that forbids the promotion of Homosexuality by local authorities. "That was the year I came out. 2003 is the year we finally repeal Section 28 . But that's not enough. When the Church of England can't make up its mind and join the human race we still have much to do. Now we have to start education for young people, educate them about health, homophobia and all those things."

With over 150 events, the festival and parade reached more than 250,000 people during the ten days and significant funds have been raised through Operation Fundraiser for HIV and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations across Greater Manchester. "Manchester is a city which is justly proud of its diversity and which unites all cultures. It is a pioneering, inspirational place in every sense and has played an important part in progressing gay rights. I am sure that everyone - lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and their friends - has enjoyed this very special time and that they will take home fond memories of our city." Said Manchester Councillor Pat Karney. "This has been a fantastic ten days - a wonderful time of celebration. It is a great honour for Manchester to have hosted, for the first time, Europe's premier gay festival and I am thrilled at the huge numbers of international visitors who received a warm welcome to our city and who clearly revelled in the party atmosphere." He continued.

The finale, the Big Weekend, was the safest in the history of the city's annual gay festival which is traditionally held on the final August bank holiday weekend. Police activity during the parade and festival resulted in the arrest of 13 people for minor infractions. "EuroPride 2003 has been a safe and well supported event." Said Inspector Philip Howarth, Greater Manchester Police. "Greater Manchester Police are extremely pleased with the management of it, given the numbers of people involved."

Events such as the heritage trail "Out in the Past" which took visitors on a journey through the city's pink past, proved so popular that extra tours had to be scheduled. The Manchester Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, which is held each year in the city, reported twice as many attendance figures than in previous years. "EuroPride 2003 has succeeded in raising the profile of Manchester as a city of diversity and culture. Furthermore, a city that knows how to mount extraordinary events." Said Andrew Stokes, Chief Executive of Marketing Manchester and Chair of EuroPride 2003. "We could not have done this without the dedication and hard work of the team. Claire Turner and Christopher Hodgson, the Festival coordinators, have worked tirelessly over the past six months and have always stayed focused on delivery of an extraordinary festival which, in turn, raised money for HIV and lesbian and gay charities through Operation Fundraiser. Those who have joined them along the way, whether they were team members or volunteers have contributed everything they had to making this event the success it was."

A portion of the worlds longest Rainbow Flag stretching a quarter of a mile in length and weighing more than half a ton was carried in the Key 103 EuroPride Parade on Saturday 23 August. The piece of the Rainbow Flag was specially loaned to EuroPride 2003. The Rainbow Flag was adapted by Gilbert Baker in 1978 as a symbol of gay and lesbian pride. As the flag was carried through the streets of Manchester, people spontaneously ran from the pavements to help carry it on its way, while others threw money into its center for Operation Fundraiser. More than £1700 was collected during the parade. "We cannot begin to thank everybody for their generosity, their convictions and their belief in our ability to raise the most money ever for charity." Said Paul Martin, Chief Executive of the Lesbian and Gay Foundation. "EuroPride 2003 has put the pride back into Manchester. Here's to Manchester Gay and Lesbian Pride 2004."

Michelle Reid, Chief Executive of George House Trust said, "The unique success of EuroPride 2003 lays not only in its ability to stage a world-class event, but also to have worked with Operation Fundraiser to raise over £124,000 for all HIV and lesbian and gay charities in Greater Manchester.

Additional information can be found at http://www.europridemanchester.com.