Alternative Picnic Meet Up in London

I am here for one reason: to party and fuck shit up.

No.

Not really guys.

I’m in London, England to work under designer and owner of Jed Phoenix of London as a fashion intern. Before that, although, I was invited to a picnic: a very dark picnic in the park. As a part of my internship I must learn all about the customer base and who they are, what they are like in their element in the community of alternative/goth/punk subculture. I was VERY excited to be attending an event such as this in London. Not only that but I was able to get well acquainted with another intern named Yvette. Yvette is an ambassador of the Jed Phoenix brand and works as a fit model for other alternative and mainstream brands within London. Before attending the event Yvette and I had become acquainted over facebook. Having the chance to be thrown into the social circle with someone like Yvette by my side was truly beneficial for me. We decided to meet up at Waterloo station in central London to then go to the event together. Realizing how far of a journey we had to make, Yvette and I had a chance to get to know each other quite well. It was really amazing to me how quickly we got along. She figured it was because of our astrological signs.

After about 30 minuets of riding on the Tube and a bus we had made it to Kenwood House in Hampstead. We were slightly confused as to where the group was, but after squinting our eyes into the distance we both saw a black huddled group of misfits sitting in a field next to a pond. Upon walking to the group, Yvette and I were a bit worried about whether anyone would talk to us (even though I assumed she would have friends of her own attending.) She laid out her Hello Kitty blanket and we set up our snacks. Within minutes we were greeted by other attendees and suddenly we were mingling. I was quite nervous to say the least being the only American within the European pool of people. I thought to myself “no one would be interested in talking to someone like me.” But suddenly as Yvette introduced me to the people around us I was becoming a little social. I had talked to a couple of people about where I’ve come from and it turns out some of the dark picnickers had traveled to America. We had a bit of a common ground. They had asked me about the community of goths in my area, what kind of music I’m into, and so on. One person in particular that I met was a man named Viking. Yes. Viking. He is a magician who performs around the world with many freaky tricks by using blood, a giant Hello Kitty plush, among other things.

I found myself sitting there shy while I gazed out into the crowd of people admiring the scenery of wonderful alternatives. Something I have always admired about this culture was the clothing and how people presented themselves. There were many mohawks of many colors. Which pleased me. Everyone was nice by offering their food, treats, and other things. They had practically begged Yvette and I to accompany them to a couple of places. One being the local pub called “The Unicorn.” The name alone was magical. The other meet up being a popular club called “Slimelight” where you chill, drink, and dance till the sun comes up (which in London was 7:30am). Me being a little hesitant, and a bit tired, Yvette had heavily encouraged me to come out and experience the night life. I was excited and nervous at the same time, but I needed to not be such a party pooper.

The whole group of punks, goths, and alternatives swamped a double decker red bus to the Unicorn. There were pedestrians surprised and amazed at how many of us filled the narrow bus.

Arriving at the Unicorn, I walk into a great looking pub full of locals, live music, and cold drinks. There was a stage with colorful lighting full of local bands preforming. I was actually pretty impressed with the band that had the screamo female vocalist. As nervous and tired as I was, the pub was invigorating to be in. I love any and all local business where the same people come, stay, drink, and hang out every night they can. As we were hanging out I was able to talk to more of the people that attended the Alternative picnic such as this one fellow who heavily reminded me of Weird Al Yankovic. Him and his girlfriend were a lovely couple in which I got to know very well. The funniest thing they told me about them was that they had a cat that masturbated. As shocked as I was already they provided a video as their proof. This is also the same cat that is featured on the website “Cats That Look Like Hitler.”

Sheridan, Yvette, Me, and Viking

The clock stroke midnight and the pub closed at 12:30am and we were forced to leave. The next destination excited me but also made me quite nervous. From what I was informed Slimelight was the premier destination for the Alternatives, punks, and goths of London to loose themselves in the dancing, drinking, and drugs for the good times all night. We arrived. I walk in to a giant black hallway with stairs. People were lurking on the stairs. While Yvette was socializing for a bit I was standing there amazed at where I was. Excited but scared. Cause I can be a pussy sometimes. Yvette takes me to the main room where there was a bar and slightly below average (sarcasm) bathroom unisex stalls. Friends from the picnic had greeted us with hugs and drugs. I was offered extacy pills; which honestly surprised me how readily available it was for me (for free no less). I had declined politely. Yvette, Viking, and I had proceeded into the night.

The building was like a maze. There were many rooms and hallways that you could easily get lost in. there were two dancing rooms, a space that held people’s belongings (ran by an adorable man named Bunny who squeaked in excitement), a chill spot radiant with lights, couches, food, and a magical bus, and magical outside smoking space with giant mushrooms and other psychedelic visuals. I loved looking at the people. They had such AMAZING outfits. One that I remember in particular was a 6 foot something man who was cross dressing as a sexy maid completely made of latex with fishnet socks and sleeves. Another striking person was the man with the GIANT mohawk that stood more than 3 feet tall. He was the KING of the mohawks. Lots of things were happening in the night such as me dancing in a cage with a 50 or 60 year old man wearing nothing but fishnets and less than booty short shorts. Someone was even high enough to ask me permission to kiss me. Which I replied “pft I don’t know” (which I guess was a no). The music in one room was a playlist of songs from the 80’s, 90’s, and maybe early 2000’s. Most of it was stuff I recognized. The other dance room was Industrial, Electronica, ect.

Yvette and I had danced most of our night together to some really great music. Even if my face didn’t show it, I had a great time. I had a great experience with her and the friends I made. I am truly grateful to have had Yvette with me to show me around. She not only introduced me to the scene, but she made a connection with me from the moment we met that very day. We spent the night talking to each other about a lot of personal issues. We got to know each other on an emotional level. She took care of me the whole night from facebook messaging when I was late to be meeting her till when we took the tube back to the bus I needed to take to get back home. I couldn’t of asked for a better tour guide into the Alternative scene. Truly.

Overall it was an amazing first week end on my own! I will more than likely make an effort to trying new things in my next 6 weeks of living here in London. Yvette and Viking had kindly offered to take me around to other places to see such as the fetish scene, Camdentown, and even to Yvette’s home and that area. I am just very in awe of my situation. I would have never have guess what this experience would be like. It is really nice to not have giant expectations and let the chips fall where they may.

Wish me luck guys.