Manbears

Goldilocks would have had a field day if she had happened across Manchester’s Canal Street for the first May Bank Holiday weekend as it turned into a sea of bears, cubs and all became a furry fuzz.
Now on its 14th event the ‘Great British Bear Bash’ has become a must visit for bears, cubs, otters and their fans from across the globe. Men from all over the UK, Europe, America and even further afield revelled in the four-day long event from the opening ‘friendly welcome’ at the REM Bar.

As well as the club nights, including the opening ‘Navy’ themed party at the Ritz on the Friday night, there were endless amounts to do during the daytime. Many opting for a special Beary few hours at The Basement Sauna before cooling off at one of the weekends highlights – The Pool Party (which sells out every year). Think a rather camp and delightfully hairy bear soup.

Other highlights included a cabaret show, talent search and dance troupe at The Birdcage, barbecue in Sackville Park, and bear themed nights at several of the bars with particular mention going out to The Eagle.

Legends played host to the clubbing with the infamous Foam Party (less attire the better) on the Sunday night as a fond and frothy farewell!

A brilliant event all in all and one that needs to feature heavily in any bear or bear lovers diary! We can’t wait till next year… and if you can’t either… there is always the Pre-hi ‘bear’ nation event in the Autumn.

Words: Simon Savidge
Pictures: Bearpix.co.uk