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London Fur Meet - report
15 years ago
General
Every third Saturday, the City of London plays host to the London Fur Meet. And today, 28th August, I went along with them for the first time.
Admittedly, it's never a good start standing by an empty train at the station for twenty minutes, only for the actual train to be on another platform, and two minutes from departing. Nevertheless I caught the train on time at Cambridge, and I was on my way to London, along with my companion for the day, former Londoner
jay-lel
First impression of the meets: big. I had been told the London meet would be large, and indeed it was impressive to have well over 100 furs in attendance (and still call this particular meet "rather small"). So, libations in hand, it was time for step two; meet the furries. Wherever I go, I am always impressed by how friendly the local furs are. And London, despite being such a large meet, was no exception. Everyone was most welcoming and easy to chat with, and special thanks to those of you who we spoke at length with.
However, the main event was yet to come. As half-past three approached, the appearance of some in the group began to change somewhat, the bar gradually turning into a menagerie of ears, tails and coloured fur. Soon, our unsuspecting little corner of London was teeming with wolves, foxes, huskies, horses, ferrets and purple cats. Yes, it was time for the highlight of the day; the famed LondonFurs fursuit walk.
The first stop on the furry tour was St Paul's Cathedral, where the famous steps were soon host to our troop of suiters, much to the amusement (and bemusement) of the many tourists on the steps. Well, it must be peculiar for a foreign tourist to come to our historic city, by admiring our world-famous landmarks and architecture, and suddenly find the area invaded by a pack of highly excitable six-foot wolves and huskies. Japan at a pinch maybe, but in the land of cricket, Pimm's and afternoon high tea? Surely not! Even a wedding that was leaving the Cathedral was subject to a bit of LondonFurs magic. Then again, surely St Paul's has a furry side to it anyway: Sir Christopher Wren? Feed the birds, tuppence a bag?
On we headed, whole open-top tour buses full of tourists staring at us as they drove past with yet more priceless antics to be had as we reached the park. Hint: dressing up as a giant wolf does NOT make it easier to catch pigeons.
Back at the bar, there were more drinks, another chance to chat and time for a final frolic with the suiters. All too soon though, it was time to leave, and to catch the Tube and train for the journey back home to East Anglia.
The UK's largest regular furmeet lived up to all expectations and more besides, and I am already looking forward to returning soon.
Ziegenbock
Admittedly, it's never a good start standing by an empty train at the station for twenty minutes, only for the actual train to be on another platform, and two minutes from departing. Nevertheless I caught the train on time at Cambridge, and I was on my way to London, along with my companion for the day, former Londoner
jay-lelFirst impression of the meets: big. I had been told the London meet would be large, and indeed it was impressive to have well over 100 furs in attendance (and still call this particular meet "rather small"). So, libations in hand, it was time for step two; meet the furries. Wherever I go, I am always impressed by how friendly the local furs are. And London, despite being such a large meet, was no exception. Everyone was most welcoming and easy to chat with, and special thanks to those of you who we spoke at length with.
However, the main event was yet to come. As half-past three approached, the appearance of some in the group began to change somewhat, the bar gradually turning into a menagerie of ears, tails and coloured fur. Soon, our unsuspecting little corner of London was teeming with wolves, foxes, huskies, horses, ferrets and purple cats. Yes, it was time for the highlight of the day; the famed LondonFurs fursuit walk.
The first stop on the furry tour was St Paul's Cathedral, where the famous steps were soon host to our troop of suiters, much to the amusement (and bemusement) of the many tourists on the steps. Well, it must be peculiar for a foreign tourist to come to our historic city, by admiring our world-famous landmarks and architecture, and suddenly find the area invaded by a pack of highly excitable six-foot wolves and huskies. Japan at a pinch maybe, but in the land of cricket, Pimm's and afternoon high tea? Surely not! Even a wedding that was leaving the Cathedral was subject to a bit of LondonFurs magic. Then again, surely St Paul's has a furry side to it anyway: Sir Christopher Wren? Feed the birds, tuppence a bag?
On we headed, whole open-top tour buses full of tourists staring at us as they drove past with yet more priceless antics to be had as we reached the park. Hint: dressing up as a giant wolf does NOT make it easier to catch pigeons.
Back at the bar, there were more drinks, another chance to chat and time for a final frolic with the suiters. All too soon though, it was time to leave, and to catch the Tube and train for the journey back home to East Anglia.
The UK's largest regular furmeet lived up to all expectations and more besides, and I am already looking forward to returning soon.
Ziegenbock
