Extra security for WorldPride as the city responds to Berlin attack

Concrete blocks line the canals, club doormen are checking bags and the mood is watchful. Amsterdam has tightened security for WorldPride after last week's attack in Berlin. According to DutchNews.nl, 250 concrete blocks have been placed along the canals ahead of the weekend's street parties and the annual canal parade. Nightclubs are carrying out extra bag searches during the two-week event, which runs until 8 August. Richard Keldoulis of Club Church, one of the city's best-known gay clubs, told NOS he had never known anything like it. He comes from Berlin and was at the scene of the attack. Venue owners are in constant contact with the police and intelligence services, though they concede that a so-called lone-wolf attack, by one person with a knife or a vehicle, is almost impossible to prevent entirely. The Berlin attack happened last Sunday near the Brandenburg Gate, where the Christopher Street Day parade was under way. A woman was killed and 29 people were injured when a man drove a car into the crowd. The suspect was later shot dead by police, who are treating the incident as an Islamist terrorist attack. Michel Peters, chair of the gay police association Roze in Blauw, said officers would keep a highly visible presence over the weekend, mainly to stay in touch with the LGBTQI+ community and so that people know they can approach them. On Tuesday evening, thousands gathered at the Homomonument to commemorate the victims. Mayor Femke Halsema called for courage and resilience: "We will win if we keep spreading hope loud and clear." For Vibra members, this is the reality behind a night out: venues, police and the community working together so that people can celebrate with some peace of mind. Nightlife here is built on trust between regulars, hosts and neighbours, and that is what we want Vibra to support, from finding your people to buying tickets and earning Pulse points for the nights you keep coming back to. Look after one another, follow venue guidance and allow a little extra time at the door. Source: DutchNews.nl — Amsterdam steps up Pride security in wake of attack in Berlin (31 July 2026)