Cape Town Pride makes history, travelling to Amsterdam to officially accept the WorldPride torch. WorldPride Cape Town 2028 marks the start of Africa’s journey towards hosting the global LGBTQIA+ celebration for the first time.
WorldPride 2026 takes place in Amsterdam from 24 July to 8 August, with Cape Town Pride leading a South African and African delegation as preparations begin for WorldPride Cape Town 2028. The city won the bid to host the international event back in November 2024.
- The highlight of the visit will be the official handover ceremony at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony on 8 August, when Amsterdam formally passes hosting duties to Cape Town.
Acclaimed South African actress, television presenter and soprano Lynelle Kenned will perform African Dream during the ceremony. Kenned is no stranger to Cape Town Pride audiences, having previously appeared at both the Cape Town Pride Proms and the Cape Town Pride Mardi Gras main stage. Stefan Lombard, who accompanies Lynelle, is part of the Cape Town delegation.
Lynelle Kenned and accompanist, Stefan Lombard
In addition to the handover, Cape Town Pride lead the African contingent in the WorldPride March on 25 July and will showcase the continent during Amsterdam’s iconic Canal Parade on 1 August with its own barge. The delegation will be joined by representatives from other South African Pride organisations, including eThekwini Pride and Pretoria Pride.
Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, will represent Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis in Amsterdam.
“I sincerely look forward to inviting the international Pride community to our beautiful Cape Town, South Africa and Africa for the first time. Our City prides itself on being the most welcoming and inclusive LGBTQIA+ ‘must see’ destination in Africa, and showcasing our award-winning city to exhibitors, participants and the global Pride community is a win for Cape Town. It further entrenches us as the preferred destination for African pink travel and investment.”
Building excitement for 2028
Cape Town Pride CEO Tommy Patterson described the trip as an important milestone, not only for Cape Town but for the continent as a whole. “I am thrilled to be heading off to WorldPride Amsterdam at the end of the month with the Cape Town Pride team. We will be joined by Stefan Lombard and Lynelle Kenned, who will be performing for the LGBTI+ community at the closing ceremony and the handing over of the torch to Cape Town.
MapMyWay is proud to have published the inaugural Cape Town Pink Map in 1999, Published by A&C Maps, it marked a major milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility in post-apartheid South Africa. It was developed as a specialized guide to locate gay-friendly accommodation, restaurants, nightlife, and services, establishing Cape Town on the map as the “gay capital” of Africa.
WHAT: WorldPride Cape Town 2028
WHERE: Cape Town 2028
WHEN: Amsterdam 24 July to 8 August, 2026
