Berlin gears up for love parade

The organisers of Berlin’s Love Parade are expecting as many as 800,000 techno fans to jam Tiergarten park this weekend and dance alongside 30 floats carrying DJs and bands.

Three thousand police officers and 1,000 first aid staff will patrol the annual techno party. This year’s motto is “Love Rules”.

In recent years, the parade has faced mounting criticism from city residents over the damage partygoers cause to the park.

About six miles of fencing has been put up this year, and 600 portable toilets have been installed.

The parade began in 1989 and has since developed into a Berlin institution and a massive draw for ravers and curious tourists.

“We are just keeping our fingers crossed that the weather stays good,” parade director Fabian Lenz said today.