One million take part in Swiss techno Street Parade: organisers



GENEVA, SWITZERLAND- Around one million people thronged the streets of a sun-drenched Zurich Saturday to take part in the Swiss city's annual techno Street Parade, organisers said.
Fans from across Europe began gathering around 1100 GMT, before dancing through the heart of Switzerland's financial capital to the high-decibel electronic beats blaring from 26 floats, known as "lovemobiles".



With the sun glaring and the mercury rising to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) by early afternoon, participants were urged to stay hydrated, and business was reportedly booming at the concession stands lining the pulsating streets.
In addition to the lovemobiles, six dance podiums were erected along the route where more than 20 Swiss and international DJs performed for the crowds.
Switzerland's national railway company organised 100 special trains to ferry partygoers to and from Zurich throughout the day and night.
City police, who deployed 500 officers to guard the event, told AFP there had been no major problems throughout the day.
There had however been a few serious accidents, and police said they had taken three people into custody due to excessive drug or alcohol use.
In one of the most serious incidents, a 17-year-old girl was rushed to hospital in serious condition after falling into Lake Zurich, but police spokesman Marco Cortesi said her life was not in danger.
The first edition of Street Parade took place in 1992, drawing a mere 1,000 revellers and only two love mobiles.
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Sunday, August 30th 2015
AFP
           


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