Nearly 4000 people are expected to attend one of the biggest singing and dancing London events — Various Voices 2009. It is also among the most remarkable social events in the European gay community and is held every four years. The host city is changed every time and this time the honour has come to London. This year, it is bound to emerge as the city’s most captivating social events, since the theme is based on removing discriminations and pre-conceived prejudices that are creating the violence that affects the entire global society. This makes it a slightly different edition of Various Voices, as traditionally, being one of the most noted gay events, it stressed upon engaging more attention towards the cause of LGBT identity, i.e. lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders. The most notable factor that has added more prestige to Various Voices and increased its chances of being counted among London’s most sought-after music events has been its recognition in the form of being awarded with the Olympics 2012 Inspire Mark.

This directly propels it among the most elite list of London gay events, as no other notable gay/lesbian choir festival from the city has ever had the opportunity of upholding Olympic honours of any kind. Various Voices is also known as The European Festival of Song and it is traditionally known to attract the best of talent among the gay and lesbian choirs from across Europe. The last edition of Various Voices (2005) was held in Paris and it was due to the combined efforts of London-based organisations like The London Gay Men’s Chorus, Diversity and The Pink Singers that it has finally come to London. The fact that Various Voices will bring together participants even beyond the European nations is bound to add to its international appeal. It is already making an impact as one of the most eagerly-awaited London events, as more than 2000 singers would converge on the city for the 50 scheduled concerts. It is among those rare music events that allow participants to make the transition from being a novice to a more complete performer.

Further, maintaining its reputation of being counted among the savvy international gay events, training in musical queer studies and beatboxing is also offered. Being one of the most elaborately arranged musical London events, it will be organised over an entire weekend, i.e. from the 01st to 04th May. Various Voices is among the most exclusive of social events to be held in London as it offers several workshops preceding the main event that provide an unmatched opportunity for music lovers to collaborate with their international counterparts. The chosen venue for Various Voices 2009 is Southbank Centre, which is ideal since it boasts of multiple transport service options. Those intending to choose public transport to reach Southbank could try the underground Waterloo and Embankment services or the bus services operating from Waterloo Bridge, Stamford Street, York Road and Belvedere Road. Another option could be using the main rail line of Waterloo East or Charing Cross. A crucial factor for ensuring your seat at such mega London events is about getting your reservations in advance and the craze for Various Voices too is beginning to show.