OutUK - OutSpoken : Amsterdam Leather Pride and London Fetish Fair

First Published: Before August 2002

This is an OutUK Archive Item and so some of the links and information may be out of date.

If you've got a fetish, whether it's leather or anything from feet upwards, then there's a couple of events you've probably already got in your little black book. Amsterdam is the venue for Leather Pride 2001 which is a week of leather-oriented activities including a leather fashion show, art exhibitions, and special parties all over town, while Sunday 4 November sees another London Fetish Fair.

The biggest events of Leather Pride have to be the two leather, rubber and fetish parties on November 2nd and 3rd called Playground I and II. They're most definitely events which just couldn't happen here in the UK so brazenly. The organisers are promising no less than 1500 up-for-it men at each party in a secret location and a factory-like atmosphere.

You can only get to them on free shuttle buses from Amsterdam Central Station and each Playground boasts a huge disco, large labyrinth playrooms, a big ws area, hot and cold catering, drinks, free condoms, and a free cloakroom. Advance tickets are available here in London from leather and rubber store RoB at 24 Wells Street at £16.50 each. Call 020 7735 7693 for details. As you'd imagine there's a strict dress code, but that's how leather guys like it.

As you'd imagine gay accomodation during Leather Pride is already virtually booked. There's information on the Leather Pride Website or you could book online at one of the cities many gay-friendly hotels. Check out discount flights at Travelselect or if you'd prefer special Eurostar offers click for details. Fantasy City Tours of the Netherlands are offering an all-in Leather Pride package including accommodation and tickets to Playground I and II but airfares are extra. Click for info.

Closer to home you can get everything you need to set up your own in-house playground at the next London Fetish Fair on Sunday 4th November. Not strictly a gay event, the organisers nevertheless promise plenty to interest us guys. Leatherwear, uniforms, bondage and playroom equipment, magazines and videos plus a bar and restaurant serving a full menu including Sunday lunch.

The Fetish Fair's at Shillibeers, in North Road Islington between 11 and 5. You have to be 18 to get in and admission is £4. It it worth it? Well, the organisers have linked to a review of the June fair on their Website so you can read all about the kind of things on offer.