On 2nd November, from Paris to Venice, the train’s globally renowned carriages will be transformed into a flamboyant party venue, featuring electrifying performances by house and disco music legends, Honey Dijon and Purple Disco Machine.
The icon of the rails, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe, unveils the second edition of “Travel With Pride”, celebrating self-expression and the LGBTQ+ community with a new line-up of talent, featuring extra special hosts – American TV producer and actor Gary Janetti and renowned Canadian fashion stylist Brad Goreski. With this annual journey the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express supports UK trans-led charity, Not A Phase, committed to uplifting the lives of trans+ and gender non-conforming adults through community initiatives.
A once-in-a-life time party, from Paris to Venice
Boarding in Paris, guests are invited to dress to the nines and take a seat in one of the train’s meticulously restored restaurant carriages; as the stewards pour chilled champagne, the train departs Paris for the South of France. Following a sumptuous four-course dinner curated by Michelin-starred Chef Jean Imbert, guests will gather in the Bar Car ‘3674’, the beating heart of the train, where dedicated performer and hit-maker extraordinaire Purple Disco Machine will welcome them with a hypnotising DJ set. Grammy Award winner Purple Disco Machine has had huge success with his own multi-platinum hit records and with multiple high-profile remixes for the likes of Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, Foals, Calvin Harris, Sir Elton John & Britney Spears, Fatboy Slim, Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande. A perfect act to set the tone of this electrifying evening on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
As bespoke ‘Travel with Pride’ cocktails are served around the clock, guests will get ready for the second entertainer of the night: Honey Dijon, the DJ and producer shaping Black queer identity in the world of house and electronic music. Surrounded by the art déco splendour of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’ Bar Car, the Chicago-born DJ will bring her signature beats to the carriage, keeping the train pumping into the early hours.
The following morning, a continental breakfast will be served as the train travels through the ever-changing Italian landscape, before the carriages arrive in Venice on November 3rd, 2023.
Supporting trans+ adults with charity “Not a Phase”
Committed to making all Belmond properties a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for the global LGBTQ+ community, Belmond has chosen to support UK trans-led charity Not A Phase as part of Travel with Pride for the second year running.
Founder of Not A Phase and LGBTQ+ activist, Danielle St James comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to be back for a second year of celebrations on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with our friends at Belmond. It is through events and points of visibility like these that we are able to continue to grow and maintain our projects around the UK that support the trans+ community and spread a message of pure joy. We truly appreciate Belmond’s support and look forward to continuing to work together to celebrate diversity and create positive change.”
Pascal Deyrolle, General Manager, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe adds, “As a sign of Belmond’s continued commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all guests and members of staff, where individuality is celebrated, we are delighted to welcome back this special ‘Travel with Pride’ journey after its huge inaugural success last year as well as proud to continue our support of Not A Phase.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
