In 2003 Mark Ames decided that he wanted to bring the Bear Community together in celebration and to give something back to the community ‘Bear Necessities’ was launch. London’s first Bear Pride Event. Sunday event was a huge success that guaranteed this as an annual event in the Bear Calendar
In 2004 decides to build on the following of ‘Bear Necessities’ and simplified the name to ‘Bear Pride’ With the success of the 2003 event word spread further a field and the 2004 Bear Pride event saw bears from all over the UK attending.
The word got out about Bear Pride. 2005 saw bears cubs and their admirers attend from all corners of the globe. XXL Bear Pride had truly become the highlight of the International Bear Scene.
In 2006 Mark built on the success of the previous 3 Bear Pride Events. Mark saw that the the line between the Bear and Leather community was always a bit blurred, he expanded the event to include the leather community with the bear community to produce a combined event. Bear & Leather Pride 2006 was the most successful event to date with an extended weekend of events to cater to all in the Bear & Leather Community.
After the successful 2006 bear pride event, Mark Ames scratched his head and asked himself 'How am I going to top the events of Bear Pride 2006?' Well in 2007 he came up trumps again. Not content with having Bear Pride in London, He took Bear Pride to XXL's Second Home of Birmingham. He also unleashed XXL's dirty younger brother 'XXL XTREME' on the London Scene. For the saturday night Bear Pride event he upped the stakes in Production and Performances. But the cherry on the cake was the launch of 'FUSION' the most talked about Bank Holiday Sunday Party. FUSION saw the FREEMASONS play their first London GAY gig. Was it a success? Better than ever imagined.
XXL Bear Pride has raised over £50,000 for charity to date.
How will Bear Pride 2008 top previous events? You'll have to come down to see for yourself. |
