Sir Elton John has accepted an invitation to become a EuroPride Patron, giving the event two Peers of the Realm and a brace of Knights among the high-profile supporters.

“I am delighted to be a Patron of Euro Pride – especially as it will be focusing on the issue of homophobia through its 'Pride Against Prejudice' initiative,” Sir Elton said.

“This is a crucial theme, and one which both complements my work with organisations such as Amnesty International, and is also inevitably linked with the issues around stigma and HIV/AIDS that I see in the UK through the work of my own Foundation.

“With news of a terrible homophobic attack in London this weekend, we are reminded that these issues still need to be vitally addressed in society today,” he emphasised.

Jason Pollock, Chief Executive of EuroPride London said he was delighted that the legendary gay pop star had agreed to become a patron.

“[Sir Elton] genuinely feels that the issues EuroPride London will be addressing are essential to the basic human rights of the international LGBT community.”

Sir Elton John joins an illustrious panel of Patrons, which include Sir Ian Mckellen, Lord Waheed Alli, Lord Chris Smith, Stephen Fry, Rhona Cameron, Michael Cashman MEP, Peter Tatchell and Wayne Sleep.

Plans are already well advanced for the 2006 EuorPride Festival from June 17 to July 1, 2006, and will culminate in the 'Prides Against Prejudice' conference aiming to unite Prides throughout Europe in a concentrated campaign against prejudice and homophobia, particularly in Eastern European countries.

On EuroPride Day, Saturday July 1 2006, the parade will start in Oxford Street at 1pm and will, for the first time, boast over 80 floats and hundreds of walking groups.

The Parade is followed by the Pride Rally which will continue the Prides Against Prejudice theme. Meanwhile over in Leicester Square the Virgin Mobile Cabaret Stage will again host an afternoon of top entertainment culminating in the finals of ‘Drag Idol Two’.

Most of Soho will be closed for the day for the EuroPride Food Fest, Travel Ally, Speed dating, dancing, a commercial market, and many other attractions.

EuroPride Day is a free international LGBT community festival and is supported by the Mayor of London.

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