Charity night of erotic frivolity and sexual adventure, where laughter, generosity and passion collide

• honouring the Stars in the Erotic Universe
• celebrating sexual pleasure and freedom
• welcoming disabled people and novices
• raising essential funds for the Outsiders Trust

Starring
Babe (of Rockbitch fame), Mouse, Crisalys, Ashley the Raree Girls and the finalists of the Erotic Awards

Featuring
a magical maze of delights
Grapple, Oriental Room, Tantric Palace, Café Shebeen, Sensuality Chamber with minstrels, Salon of the Senses, Danny’s Dungeon, Electrical Education, Cage, Grope Box, Rubber Wall, Climax Clinic, Sleaze Street with Back Row Cinema

Outsiders Trust – Registered Charity 283350

Friday 20th May 8pm – 6am
Pulse Super-Club, 1 Invicta Plaza, Blackfriars Bridge, London SE1 9UF

Charity night of erotic frivolity and sexual adventure, where laughter, generosity and passion collide

• honouring the Stars in the Erotic Universe
• celebrating sexual pleasure and freedom
• welcoming disabled people and novices
• raising essential funds for the Outsiders Trust

Starring
Babe (of Rockbitch fame), Mouse, Crisalys, Ashley the Raree Girls and the finalists of the Erotic Awards

Featuring
a magical maze of delights
Grapple, Oriental Room, Tantric Palace, Café Shebeen, Sensuality Chamber with minstrels, Salon of the Senses, Danny’s Dungeon, Electrical Education, Cage, Grope Box, Rubber Wall, Climax Clinic, Sleaze Street with Back Row Cinema

Outsiders Trust – Registered Charity 283350

“Japan dropped by the damage of the earthquake,
but spirit were reflected by an email from you.
I want to participate willingly.”

Joanna Quail is a composer and cellist who loves to take the cello and its stunning repertoire to a wide audience. She performs concerts on a regular basis for private events and corporate functions and performed at the 2010 Night of the Senses in the Sensuality Chamber. She will be opening our show Chantilly Lace on 30th March 2011. Jo is currently recording and will be touring a solo album. Her gig dates are listed on www.joquail.co.uk, where you can also purchase her music.

Charity night of erotic frivolity and sexual adventure, where laughter, generosity and passion collide

• honouring the Stars in the Erotic Universe
• celebrating sexual pleasure and freedom
• welcoming disabled people and novices
• raising essential funds for the Outsiders Trust

Starring
Babe (of Rockbitch fame), Mouse, Crisalys, Ashley the Raree Girls and the finalists of the Erotic Awards

Featuring
a magical maze of delights
Grapple, Oriental Room, Tantric Palace, Café Shebeen, Sensuality Chamber with minstrels, Salon of the Senses, Danny’s Dungeon, Electrical Education, Cage, Grope Box, Rubber Wall, Climax Clinic, Sleaze Street with Back Row Cinema

Outsiders Trust – Registered Charity 283350

If this gives you no inspiration, here are some ideas:

• cut holes in your favourite outfit for those parts of your body you cherish most. If you like, leave a flat to lower or pin up depending on your mood, and in case you get too much attention. Write instructions on what you’d prefer, for all to see.

• use sparkle, make-up and frills to decorate your exposed parts.

• Hire or buy an outfit which tickles your fancy: an animal outfit (often too hot), 17th century, clown, ancient warrior, floaty, see-through, post apocalyptic.

Places to try:

Sohigh Soho funky shop with a basement full of sexy outfits. 96 Berwick St, London W1F 0QQ Phone: 020 7287 1295 www.sohighsoho.co.uk

Prangsta hire & Shop: Prangsta Costumiers 304 New Cross Rd London SE14 6AFTel: 020 8694 9869 www.prangsta.co.uk

• a private and safe club for physically and socially disabled people where they can gain confidence and support each other in their journey enjoy sex and find a partner. The Club is a microcosm of acceptance in a hostile world.

• the Sex and Disability Helpline which is free to callers and people who email from all over the world.globe.

• The Sexual Health and Disability Alliance for health professionals to support each other and learn more about sexuality and disability

• campaigns and projects to improve the personal lives of disabled people and improve their acceptance as sexual partners

Outsiders was founded in 1979 by Dr Tuppy Owens who is also the promoter of this event. It is a registered charity No 283350.

Grayson Perry in The Times

“The sexiest event in the UK, and possibly the world.”

Eros Website

“This isn’t some branded rave, run by cynical young trendies and sponsored by the latest foul alcoholic mutation; the whole thing is presided over by the seasoned campaigner Dr Tuppy Owens, who turned 60 last year, and a merry band of free-thinking persons, many of whom are well over 35. In fact, one of the past finalists was a stripper who went by the name of “Fabulous At Forty”. She was also a complete novice at the time but, if I remember right, decided to go pro not long after. Being 40 put her somewhere in the middle of the crowd, age-wise. Men and women of all ages travel from miles around for this party, also known as The Night of the Senses, because they know that whatever they feel like doing, or wearing, will be accepted, and no one is going to point the finger at them because of their age or physical appearance.”

The Independent

“The annual burlesque-laden award ceremony rewards creativity … and has something of a political and philanthropic element too, with anti-censorship and pro-sex education advocates feted and proceeds going to a charity which helps find partners for disabled people.”

The Guardian Guide

“The Erotic Awards is the adult version of the Oscars, promoting recognition for the most innovative, generous and gorgeous performers, writers, film-makers and activists of the year – and it’s all for charity. Imagine the scene: a roomful of men and women of all ages and sexual persuasions, dressed up in their fabulous best, applauding an array of erotic performers and looking forward to a night of sensual exploration and fun. Welcome to the Erotic Awards, part of the Night of the Senses, an annual celebration of all things erotic.”

Erotic Review

“A department store of British sexual fantasies.”

The Guardian

“More fun than Shakespeare in Love.”

- Metro

“A shamelessly naughty celebration”

- Flirt

“The most famous erotic event in the world”

- TNT

“A ground zero of the libido, the most unconventional dinner and dance imaginable. The crowd is full of merry, lascivious perverts of all stripes.”

- Screw

“Tuppy Owens coordinates one of London’s most interesting parties.”

- Apple Bomb Bubble Gum

“For good works over the years and her ceaseless efforts in educating people to be more understanding and tolerant towards the disabled, Tuppy Owens deserves to be nominated for the highest honour in the land and receive it personally from an appreciative monarch.”

- Marquis

“A unique event which promotes tolerance and diversity.”

- Record Reviews World

“The highlight of my diary.”

- Penthouse

“Highly enjoyable.”

- Time Out

“Neat People, wild night.”

- Popeye

” Tuppy Owens and the Night of the Senses are simply the best! Great people, a great cause, and a big love fest not to be missed.”

- Annie Sprinkle Ph.D Prostitute/Porn Star turned Sexologist/Artist/Author

” The most carefully arranged and friendly sex event in the world – great fun and the experience of a lifetime.”

- Jo King founder of the London School of Striptease

” The Glastonbury of Sex. These are the good people in a gloriously mucky business.”

- Grayson Perry

Many thanks to Sir Guy Masterley and more especially to his amazing “filly” Cynth. She was something else, well a human horse and I enjoyed riding in the cart she pulled. It was a masterful experience! I enjoyed fondling boobs, Tantric play in the Tantric Palace which was fabulously sensual. I explored the dungeon. I also would like to thank a “little” man from Italy who gamahouched me deliciously, standing underneath my skirt!“. Vieta

“I’m a semi-veteran Ball / NOTS attender (every year since 2002 inclusive) and I owe you for a string of best-nights-of-the-year and a ton of self-discovery”. David

I will just say this, dear lady: you are practically a National Treasure and as such you owe it to the Nation to take really good care of yourself as well!

“The way I feel at the Ball is the way I wish I felt everyday – accepted and beautiful.” Sophia (disabled guest)

“The Night of the Senses is the only place on earth I can feel really free” Sue

“I just wanted to say thanks so much for all the effort you put into organsing the erotic awards – and also how important they are.” anon

This came from an Erotic Awards winner:

“Todger Talk winning Blog of the Year has opened some important doors – the first with my starting as the Online Sex and Relationship Editor at Menshealth.co.uk – an amazing opportunity to drive through their 420,000 male readers a month to our blog and get a huge number of men talking and thinking openly and honestly about sex and relationships. There are quite a few other irons in the fire that wouldn’t have been there if we hadn’t won the award. Thanks again, and keep up the great work! Cheers,Sam van Rood Love Doctor

This came from another Erotic Awards winner:

“Firstly I applaud and acknowledge your consistent commitment to working to encourage responsible sexual expression and enjoyment.  In my experience it takes exceptional determination and confidence to make a stand for sexual rights and freedom.  Secondly I congratulate you on the Night of the Senses.  I have been to numerous sex events/parties/clubs and what struck me about NoS, was the friendliness that rippled through the whole event.  I know that sex parties have the potential for competition, comparison, aggression but none of this was apparent and it was a very allowing and fun and sexy space.

“Thank you to you and the Jury for my award – my golden cock has pride of place in my study.  Winning the Sex Worker of the Year award is so affirming for me and I really feel that it gives me the opportunity and inspiration to continue build and develop my work.” Sue Newsome of Shakti Tantra.

“I came to your event at Mass on 12 Sept 2008 and i really enjoyed it. i will say its a haven on earth to have freedom of sex n enjoyment”

This came from a nice guest who is has now become our charity webmaster (bless him):

“Ah! well … I had a good time; but my experiences and perceptions of anything social have always been coloured by my apparently unusual mental makeup.  I’ve always felt a bit of an outsider in the Colin Wilson sense everywhere, but I found when I first went to the Ball (1999) that I could almost feel an insider without knowing anyone because for some reason I have no internally driven inhibitions about dress — or rather undress — and so on. Still it is only a matter of chance if I get to talk to anyone for long because the ones standing still are attending their sideshows and have things to do and most of the other people are in couples or groups and despite everything you say and put the the Little Book of Delights many are relatively conventional; and as you write (not quite in these words)  if one comes alone one can’t be guranteed that anything will “happen …

“This year I did get to talk briefly to Madame Els whom I had met on the phone over the NotS website ticket sale function, and Madame Camtan who was on reception. Also three ladies two of whom were in seats next to me at the Cabaret of the Senses, and a different two of whom are a couple, one of whom, it turned out that her parents live in the next village to me. She gave me a card and said to email and she or they would stop by some time when they were here but I have not had a reply yet. Her partner is French but we only said two words in that language because the other doesn’t speak it so bang went an oportunity for French conversation practice. They were very friendly to me. I suppose a person just becomes rather odd if they live by themselves (and do not go out much) for most of about the last 40 years, as I have. But I do love the Ball.”

“If you only do one thing tonight, make sure it’s a visit to the Salon of the Senses”, advised my friend. Indeed it was heavenly. I closed my eyes, got stroked with feathers, had nice scents put under my nose, was fed strawberries, followed by a nice massage. It must have been popular, as I met this balloon fetishist who was queuing for second helpings! Almost all sexual persuasions are catered for at the Night of the Senses.’ Mandi Peers in Art Disability Culture magazine

“Wow – what a month we have had! Firstly, the beautiful and seductive experience at the Night of the Senses then we got married 2 weeks later and then went on honeymoon in the Dominican Republic! It doesn’t get much better than that! We just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and all the other organisers for a wonderfully erotic and sensual evening at this year’s Night of the Senses. It was our 2nd visit and the atmosphere was just as relaxed and the sense of community just as strong. We felt able to explore our sexuality even more and the exhibitionist in me is starting to really break out! We spent a lot of the honeymoon remembering the Night of the Senses experience and re-enacting lots of the naughtiness!”

“Haha, hi tuppy, get it right it was 54 and that was just the Sat night. We met up with the greedy guys of London on the Sunday night and i still can’t walk properly lol. We had a fantastic night at the ball. Gordy was just saying that he will be on a downer now 4 the nxt 6 months and the nxt 6 he will be hyper waitng 4 the nxt 1 to cum around. When i was in the Anything Goes room there was a wee guy in a wheelchair stroking my leg, while other guys were having there wicked way with me. They kept kinda pushing him away. I work with disabled people, and I thought, sorry boys, ure not on. So I sat up got a hold of the guy in the w.chair and sucked him off, and what a cock he had – it was solid. He had a piercing and when he came he almost blew my head off lol.” luv Marie.xxxx

“I have just had one of the best weekends of my entire life!” Bob

“How does one find the words to successfully recount a night spent at what has been described as the ‘world’s biggest and best sex club’? I want to do my bit towards raising public awareness of the incredible work of the Leydig Trust and Outsiders, two charitable organisations you don’t hear much about in the Evening News.”

“Dr Tuppy Owens is the mastermind (or should I say mistressmind?) of this monumental event, and has been running it for 21 years. Tuppy is a courageous activist who has been tirelessly campaigning for a more positive sex attitude in England, particularly towards and amongst the disabled community (see www.outsiders.org.uk) and is well-known in the Highland village, where she recently moved to from the hubub of London, as ‘that sex lady on the hill’.”

“Having actively studied tantra for ten years, learning through tantric meditations how to merge sexuality and spirituality, I have only recently begun to investigate this world. One thing I discovered in my tantric explorations is that there is no such thing as ‘wrong’ certainly in the world of sexuality and self-expression in general. The question I asked myself recently was, “So if I’m really going to live that truth then what better way to test the waters of my new-found ‘acceptance of all things as they are’.”

“Surely anything that breaks boundaries and opens ones eyes to the myriad aspects of human nature can only be a good thing? Visiting Wikipedia and typing in BDSM is an education in itself. My observation so far is that, whether it turns you on or not, there seems to be an admirably high level of consciousness and respect within the world of fetish, very little drug taking or alcohol abuse and basically a lot of rather normal and nice people who like to dress up and have a bit of fun.”

“The Night of the Senses celebrates in style and safety hundreds of different sexual preferences and practices and I was impressed by the generosity of the guests, contributors, helpers and performers. Next year I might even take my mother…….”

“I had invited members of the Online Community on www.tantralink.com to join me on this adventure and sadly, only one tantrika showed up. What a shame. I see tantra as a gateway to consciousness, and although tantra per se is not represented directly here, there is a great feeling of connection and spirit running through the Night of the Senses which gives me hope for humanity.”

“Participating in the Night of the Senses, even merely in voyeuristic capacity, is rather like dropping a tab of acid with a large bunch of good friends. About a thousand, in fact (and yes, believe it or not, I can still remember my teenage trips under the influence of the great hallucinogen, even though I’ve had two children since – pregnancy and childbirth kill off far more braincells than LSD ever could…..but that’s another topic.”

“Just arriving at the club is an eye-opening experience. Some people turn up fully dressed and others arrive in street clothes, transforming themselves in the changing room inside. There is a well-stocked dress up shop where you can buy a fantasy costume at low cost. Everybody, without exception makes an effort to present the most outlandish image they can create for the night, and wandering up and down the floors of the club one comes across revellers from every walk of life, kitted-out in a vast array of fantastical and eccentric outfits. Anything from sarongs and floaty silks, to high heels and latex rubber wear. You can feast your eyes on leather straps, collars and leads, priestly robes, thongs galore, pvc nursing outfits (on some of the men too) pirate gear a la Johnny Depp, every kind of uniform imaginable: there were a few ‘policemen’ about, which was faintly disturbing somehow. Fat, thin, disabled and abled, young and old, fit and gym-allergic mingle together in a friendly and heart-warming way, and the atmosphere is electrically-charged as guests move around the club, finding their way in this cavernous venue, which ironically used to be a church. What better way to honour consecrated ground, I say?”

“The finals of the Annual Erotic Awards is even more gloriously satisfying than the semi-finals, held a few weeks previously. Before the performers begin the stage show there is a presentation for the winners of categories such as ‘sex worker’, ‘pioneer’, ‘blog’, ‘film-maker’, ‘sex club’. At a break in the proceedings I lean forward and introduce myself to the most lovely man in a wheelchair sitting in front of me, who happens to be one of the judges. He is accompanied by his amiable cousin and they obliged me by enthusiastically appreciating my eight inch fetish shoes, which are already giving me blisters, and giving me marks out of ten for my outfit. This intelligent and cultured man has been coming to the Erotic Awards since its inception and tells me that even though he’s seen a lot of the performers many times, he’s never been bored. I can see why. The fine art of strip-tease is taken to a whole new level here, the sado-masochist acts are humorous and imaginative and the pole dancing takes ones breath away. I get to see the impossibly fit and flexible Ekatarina tie herself up in beautiful knots in aerial silks once again and as the show goes on, each act more innovative than the next I can’t help thinking that much as I enjoyed Cats and Les Mis this is a more entertaining show than anything Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has produced for the West End in thirty years.”

“I can’t remember who won!’Winning’ seems utterly irrelevant in this competition -each perfomer is so unique it’s impossible to rate one over the other.”

“After the show I go for a wander, teetering on my heels and wishing they’d introduce bedroom slippers as fetish footwear. I’m determined to grin and bear it for as long as I can ‘Glamour before comfort’ my mother always used to say. Or was it ‘You have to suffer to be beautiful’? Funny how those childhood messages lodge themselves deep inside the psyche. There is room after room, each with a different theme and decorated accordingly, and I find out, with relief that there’s no pressure to enter the spaces or to participate – the more cautious can spy through peep holes to witness the goings-on inside. Every sexual fantasy you could possibly imagine gets acted out here with gay abandon. I watch men with men, women with women, more than one woman with men, many men with one woman – you name it, I see it!”

“We come across a large, black box with holes in the walls which you step inside to be, yes you’ve guessed it – groped. It’s a hoot! I take a turn and scream with laughter as half a dozen or so anonymous hands appear and touch me all over. It’s so intense I last about forty seconds, but the bare-breasted and obviously seasoned punter after me remains in the box for at least five minutes. There should be an award for Grope Box stamina.”

“Unfortunately Im on my moon time, which is the tantric term for what can only be described in my case as ˜bleeding for England’. My partner has a stomach ache, so between the two of us there ain’t much action, but I’m happy to prowl the place as enthusiastic voyeur, a cat-o-nine-tails carried religiously throughout the ten hour marathon, showing that yes I am a sex maniac at heart, even if I’m not about to strip naked and get down and dirty on this particular night. It’s five minutes before we’re due to leave and a polite gentleman comes up to me and asks, in an Etonian accent,’Are you available for a whipping?’ It’s a question one doesn’t get asked an awful lot, especially in the middle-class, suburban village I reside in, and I think, what the hell, you only live once (unless you believe in reincarnation, which sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t, but on this night I definitely don’t).” He leads me to his friend, who’s dressed in a kilt (I’m not even sure why I’m mentioning it, by this point no article of clothing is surprising) and tells me that his friend’s been a ‘bad boy’. My exhausted partner sits down in a corner, quite clearly longing for home and a nice cup of tea. The two men and I move towards the doorway to the Torture Dungeon, but take our place against a wall outside. Somehow the torture room feels too official and intimidating. I think it’s the fear of how far one might go. Safely outside the dundgeon, with no fear of pressure from professional torturers, I do the honours of punishing the man, in a rather Jewish-girl-from-Bournemouth sort of way. I think he may have been a little disappointed by my lack of vigour. The Etonian asks me if I’ve been a bad girl. I think to myself, ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’, I might as well get a light whipping while I’m at it’. After all, this will be the closest I get to sexual depravity until the tidal waves of menstruation have abated. As the curtain comes down on the mutual whipping frenzy I realise that rather more than five minutes have passed and I feel a touch of guilt abandoning my ever-patient, tantric love god. I look over and, blow me down, he’s grinning ear to ear. That’s love!” Kavida Rei

“The real beauty of the Ball is that it brings together so many creative, wonderful, beautiful people.”

“Tuppy, the world is a much better, fun place for your being in it! Contrary to your name, you are worth your weight in gold!!!” Simon

The book defines the etiquette required to ensure everybody has a good time. It works: we’ve hardly had any trouble for years, and people really enjoy themselves. Our 150 volunteers are all working to give you a good time so make the most of us!

Our stewards are there for your happiness and safety in every arch of the club, and monitoring the entrances of the tents, so let them know if anything is bothering you. Vivi, Julia and Ice on the Hospitality Desk are also happy to hear about any snags you’re encountering. We also have the Tea and Empathy Tent for guests who want to chat about the night.

Etiquette

• Relax and don’t feel pressurised to do anything you don’t feel like doing — it’s OK to stand and smile

• “No” means “No”. Never touch without asking first or being invited

• Leave your camera and phone in the cloakroom — they will be confiscated if we see you using them

• Safer Activities Only

• Tell a steward if someone is behaving disrespectfully immediately. Don’t wait till they’ve wondered off, or complain the next day.

Dressing Up

Dressing up transforms you from an ordinary morsel to a spectacle, and spectacles tend to have a better time and also behave with more decorum. We thus insist on dressing up. If you are wearing street clothes, a steward will direct you to the Dressing Up Shoppe where you can purchase a garment and get changed in the Changing Room. If you don’t get dressed up, you will be asked to leave.

What to Bring

Please bring some cash to use at the side-shows and purchase drinks and dinner. But don’t bring wads of money, or wear expensive jewellery which could get lost during passionate embraces.

Coming Alone

Both men and women may come to the Night of the Senses on their own, because many of us don’t have friends who accept our sexual tastes and the Ball is the only place where we can really be ourselves. Here are some tips:

• Ensure your aura is generous rather than needy

• Offer to help others enjoy themselves rather than expect instant flirtation

• Never be pushy or follow people around. Learn how to walk away.

• Explore your own potential and enjoy the night!

Fetishes

The Night of the Senses caters to many fetishes and we are happy to create a corner especially for yours — just write in and ask.

Bodies

At the Night of the Senses we welcome disabled people who are encouraged to enjoy erotic adventures alongside the other guests without stigma. This includes people who are visually impaired, wheelchair users, people who may get too tired to stand for long periods and people who find socialising difficult. Here are some guidelines for people who are not accustomed to mixing with people who have disabilities:-

• Treat people with disabilities like everybody else

• Engaging in conversations without asking probing questions

• Respect the space above the wheelchair user’s head; and that wheelchair users do not like being trapped in a crush of people; or have their view of the stage blocked

• Don’t make assumptions: some people with cerebral palsy may be wobbly, not drunk. If unsure about how to cope with their impairment, ask.

• If a disabled person looks stuck, ask before trying to help.

Now, here is the book in full:

Little Book of Delights

FOR THE NIGHT OF THE SENSES 2011

Providing information, advice and etiquette guidelines
so that everyone feels respected, relaxed and horny

Disclaimer The Leydig Trust and our advisers do not advocate the breaking of the law. The material herein is presented as information which should be available to the public and is for educational purposes. The Leydig Trust and the compiler of this document cannot be held liable for people who carry out any of the activities reported on or in this publication.

Introduction

This booklet is to help you to arrive fully prepared for an incredible night, so you can relax and feel playful and sexy, receptive to the atmosphere of bonhomie and openness

We try to cover all the various aspects of the night, including the guests, who may be very different to you and your friends. It is sexually dynamic when singles, couples, groups and entire clubs from very different backgrounds and parts of the planet, make new erotic links, bonds and understandings. If you have not been to one of our events before, you may be surprised at the diverse range of people. Some might not look like much, but seem to be having fun, and others who look gorgeous may be having no fun at all.

Outer looks and being experienced at one thing or another can sometimes prevent people from getting into the swing of things or even trying new things. Our Ball is female-friendly and shy-person-friendly. The event works best when women and shy men feel brave enough to ask for whatever you fancy. When you find a listening and eager ear, everyone benefits. This book aims to encourage such confidence and takes you step-by-step through the night.

Good luck and best wishes for a wonderful, memorable time. Please be kind enough to let us know how it was for you!

Who we are

The Night of the Senses is run by a group of sexual adventurers who enjoy creating a wonderful space for others to explore, at the same time raising funds for the Outsiders charity – “for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts”, unlike the commercial clubs that tend to feel comparatively soul-less. Our founder/ director, Tuppy Owens, flies down from the Highlands of Scotland to plot, scrounge and train the volunteers. She hires an articulated lorry to bring the props from a farm in Somersetl. The build-up is quite incredible, with a group of volunteers promoting tickets, Tony keeping the website spic and span, and the volunteers assembling from all over the country. This coming-together of lustful enthusiasm makes the event feel so special. The Ball evolves each year as we dream up ingenious new ways of encouraging people to explore sexual pleasure. We always listen to the feedback from previous years and aim to stay fresh and experimental. We know the tickets are pricey but our expenses are enormous, hiring one of the largest venues in London and making it look, smell and feel lovely. Well, it’s not The Ritz but it’s funky, and the entire event has a homespun feel – very personal, caring and fun. We hope you like us. We work very hard on a voluntary basis and need to know that Outsiders gets a fat cheque at the end of it all. That side of things is up to your generosity – both by spreading the word on your blogs and online social networking (we’re may not advertise) encouraging your friends to come along and helping fill our collection tins.

The 24th Night of the Senses

This is our 24th Anniversary and we plan to make it the most incredible night ever, bringing back our most amazing performers and stars and providing new extravagances. Guests start arriving at 8pm and keep arriving till very late. Some turn into pumpkins at midnight, while others never want to leave.

The night starts with the Erotic Awards Winners receiving their golden flying penis trophies, followed by a sexy show of performance and fashion. Then guests move from the auditorium into the Ball in a horny state, in no need for warming up! Some guests who do not want to see the show arrive at 9pm and plunge straight in. A reminder, however turned on you are, never feel hurried or any pressure to do anything other than stand there smiling — take it easy and go at your own pace. Viv, Julia and Ice at the Hospitality Desk are there to answer any questions and tell you where things are. If you are feeling unsure, thy can point you to volunteer SLAGs who can take you around and explain all the treats. Trained stewards are available to help anybody who is feeling uncomfortable, put-off, disorientated or overwhelmed. You can sit down and just chill out, purchase drinks at the various bars and enjoy dining in the Courtyard. You will not come across an event quite like this. We really want you to explore and fulfil your fantasies rather than moan two weeks later that you were too timid! You will have a much better time

if you look (and thus feel) fabulous. That is one of the many reasons to dress up.

Dressing Up

Dress up, after all, you are the stars of the night

Show off your best bits with style and blatant exhibitionism.

Arrive dressed as your most voluptuous fantasy

not looking anything like your ordinary self

This is the one event you can wear the clothes that you have always dreamed of wearing, so go for it! Our theme is “The Triumph of Sex in a Hostile world.” Think 17th Century Versailles, Pierrot Clowns, Ethnic Wrestlers, Floaty, See-Through, Libyan Rebels; Rude Animals; All-Black Outfits. Try Sohigh Soho basement full of reasonably priced sexy outfits and Prangsta Costumiers hire & purchase 20% of for Ball guests. See our shop list or http://www.prangsta.co.uk. As a final resort, use our Dressing Up Shoppe (and changing room) at venue. We welcome the currently fashionable sensual and flowing silks, satins and chiffon. We encourage see-through and slits. We love guests who arrive in rich colours and sparkles. We accept fancy dress, fetish clothing, goth, baby-doll, etc.

Dressing up transports us from our ordinary, everyday selves into a fantasy persona. This means a lot to most of us but not everyone. Once you give it a try, you’ll notice that people will all-of-a-sudden, look at you with wide eyes, propelling you into an ecstatic state, so that you float around in a haze instead of feeling invisible (and spending most of the night propping up the bar or off your face). Plus, experience has proved to us that people who are dressed up generally behave like participants rather than predators. Our “no street clothes” policy means NO suits, NO T shirts or jeans, and NO day wear. You will not be allowed inside the Ball in these or dressed in clothes which are plain, humdrum or unsexy. Those who do sneak in are stopped in their tracks, and asked to go to the Dressing-Up Shoppe to get into dress code, or else leave. Our Dressing-Up Shoppe, changing room and secure cloakrooms are there for your convenience. So, if you are short of time or ideas, you can get dressed up by our costumiers.

The prices are very reasonable. Once you are dressed up, you’ll become part of the erotic spectacle and be delighted to find that others will be turned on by your appearance. You can create a “different” image as a disguise, especially if you are afraid of being recognised – (see Photography) or to make yourself look more mysterious. Soft silky fabrics can make you feel slinky and sensual. Big skirts can make you feel swirly and fluffy pompoms make you feel cuddly. Find the part of you which needs more encouragement and dress to bring that side out. Switching from what we normally wear can be empowering – a sarong instead of trousers, a velvet cape instead of a jacket, lace instead of leather, exposing instead of covering.

Dressing up can be an expression of a fantasy that is personal to each individual. What do you look like in your fantasies? Ask your partner/friends/ lovers or ex-lovers how they would like to see you or have you seen by others. Once you have worked out an image or general idea, it is time to decide how to create it.

Creating your outfit Before you go to any expense look in the back of your wardrobe — or your parent’s wardrobe! Ask around — a friend might lend you the perfect outfit. Dressing up as a historical character e.g. Salome, Puck, Lady Godiva, Casanova, Barbarella, draping yourself in a fabulous robe, or wearing your sexiest lingerie can be a great transformation. And it is a night you really can be as bare as you dare! Another option is a shopping spree at a fetish shop, fetish market, fancy dress store, flea market or charity shop. Our ticket outlets are obvious places to purchase a costume, with enthusiastic assistants to help and say what looks sexy. The more effort and thought you put into your costume the more fun you will have, so long as you feel comfortable. You can sometimes find suitable garments in charity shops, and adapt them to make them more daring, or decorate them to make them totally original. For example: a corset covered with flowers and Liquid Latex; pantaloons with a slit lined with coloured netting; a mask decorated with sequins and feathers; boots with spurs. Don’t assume that everyone is just in fancy dress. Some people dress for their own fetishistic pleasure. There may be fur fetishists wearing fur, or naturists with no clothes, adult babies, someone encased in rubber. Remember to be respectful and tolerant, The only thing we do not accept is racist symbols, which are obviously offensive. And we hate to hear about people being really uncomfortable all night – slippers can be sexy! The Night of the Senses is not a place where people compete to wear the latest fashion or most expensive garment. Plus, we would rather you give your precious money to our charity than spend it on ostentation! Creating your own outfit is a act of self expression which adds to the home-grown nature of the night. Take some photos of yourselves before you set off, as a record of how wonderful you looked before everything kicked off! You will get another chance to be photographed in your naughtiness in our photo booth if you wish.

The 16th Erotic Awards

The Erotic Awards have been part of the Ball since 1994. We honour people who choose to work in the world of sexuality and are currently excelling, often setting trends. Some of these people may have been ignored or trashed by the media and society, and are totally thrilled to be awarded. This creates an atmosphere of great excitement. Our Grand Jury for Conspicuous Sexuality meets several times a year to consider all nominees, select finalists and eventually decide on the winners. We aim to strike a balance between the commercial and home-grown, hetero, gay, bi and transgendered, the famous and unknown. Three finalists are selected in each category, and whoever wins creates a wonderful climax. The Awards show begins at 8.30pm, and in order see this fabulous show, please arrive in good time to get a seat, as viewing is limited, and seating is on a first come first serve basis.

The Golden Flying Penis Trophies, hand carved for us in Bali, are presented to the winners. These presentations take place before the show in alphabetical order of the category. The winning performers are presented at the end of the show. The three finalists of each category are grandly showcased on our website www.erotic-awards.co.uk, and displayed in the Gallery at the Ball.

The Ambiance

The Night of the Senses is a voyage of sexual adventure, originally inspired by Fellini’s film Juliette of the Spirits, where a “little housewife” enters an incredible erotic fantasy world. The ambiance mimics the film in being somewhat innocent and playful. You will see people who are obviously new to all this, and those who are more experienced, mingling with young and old, disabled and all genders, all happily sharing stories and fun. The winners of the Erotic Awards step off the stage in infectious jubilence, clutching their Golden Flying Penis trophies. Guests are soon swept up in the swing of the night, carried away by the spirit, and laughing at how marvelous it feels to be surrounded sexy people like themselves from all over the world. We pay attention to detail and our guests’ comfort. The club is kept very warm. Sounds are never deafening, minstrels playing in the entrance and in the Sensuality Chamber, enhancing each room. Smoking is allowed in the Courtyard,

Our 2010 Striptease Artist, the thalidomide campaigner, Mikey Argy will be there to greet you at the door. The Hostesses and Peacekeepers are there to look after everyone in a fun and friendly way.

Our Guests

One guest observed, “This is a very special crowd – way more interesting that the usual fetish or swing scene. Your guests are particular and have erotic charisma. Their shared concern is that they cannot wait another year for the next one!”

So many different People We do attract a fun-loving, outrageous, gregarious crowd, eager to see new things and perhaps find new friends. Young lovers in their late teens mingle with sex-mad-neverstop-hippies, unemployed people who have all the time in the world to make love, millionaires with equal time-potentials, artists with artisans, experimentalists and people expressing many sexualities and genders. Some are voyeurs and exhibitionists, some ordinary, some extraordinary people. Unlike most other charity balls, we revere humility: there is no kudos in posing, relying on good looks, or being rich and famous, and showing off how much money you donate.

This means we do not have the usual Charity Ball fund-raising capacity, so please appreciate this and try to give generously

in our collecting tins while you are having a good time (or send for a covenant form later). We encourage those who have never dared to express their sexual tastes publicly before, especially if their tastes are unusual.

Night of the Senses Community Attending the Night of the Senses makes our guests feel like the Super-Sexy People.

The naughty memories and thoughts that linger through their minds afterwards, light up their faces on a daily basis and make them look more attractive. The Night of the Senses keeps our guests youthful. Our amazing guests bond and share their sexual explorations through our website, blogs and online social networking, organically reaching out and attracting others to attend the Ball. Because the charity relies on the Night of the Senses to fund them, everybody knows how important it is to sell more tickets and our guests want to be part of creating this success. We hope you will do too, and link to other guests via the Night of the Senses website, promote the Ball online, and recommend it in your blogs.

Disabled Guests This event prides itself as being disability friendly even though some of this year’s venue is sadly not wheelchair accessible. Our guests appreciate being at a charity night where some of the people their money is going to benefit are actually also attending, and being treated as equals.

Coming in a group, with a friend, as a couple or alone

Most people come along with friends and lovers in a crowd. But many come as couples or alone. You may have noticed that we encourage odd numbers, being perverse, encouraging individuality and bringing new people in who might otherwise be left out. Please try to bring other people who would be really thrilled to be invited.

Bringing other people along Do not try to drag people along who are not really into it, but don’t make assumptions. Show your friends the flyer to let them make up their own minds. Never bring someone along who has no idea what the event is about. Do not pay a professional escort or sex worker to come unless they are really happy about getting into the spirit of things.

Best of all, bring someone who perhaps hasn’t yet mustered up the courage to come before, but is delighted to be invited.

The hot date / lover  Coming to the Ball with a lover/s you are currently having hot sex with can be incredible, perhaps even more so if there’s more than two of you!

Shall we stick together? If you are with your lover/s, do not cramp each other’s style/s by hanging onto each other — but be sensitive to each other’s insecurities. Some want to experience the event together but once again, don’t make assumptions if you do not have such an agreement. It helps to arrive with a defined agenda. It could be very simple, such as he likes to watch her being adored, or she enjoys getting into a threesome so she can enjoy another woman (and turn him on in the process). Your scenario may be adapted on the night if you both agree. Some couples and groups of friends do everything together, some benefit from short or long periods apart to experiment. Some people have the best times in a group whilst others like to wander off and check back later. Whatever you decide, this is best discussed beforehand, so you can fulfil your dreams without upsetting your partner and friends.

Our Venue

is a huge, confusing maze, so we beg you, if you split up and plan to meet up later, make it clear when and where. If all else fails, leave messages for each other at the Hospitality Desk. Maps will be pinned on the walls in prominent places. Use the map to help you decide on a place and time to meet up. Stewards and hosts/ hostesses will be carrying maps and wearing watches if you come without one.

Coming alone Some people decide to come alone. You may feel this is the only place you can truly be yourself and express your desires. Many of our guests feel this way.

If you come alone with the hope of finding a sexually liberated partner or someone for a wild fling, we wish you all the luck in the world but you may like to take note of this advice. Admittedly, many have just happened to be in the right place at the right time and fallen into the arms of a gorgeous stranger and their lives have been changed from that moment. This has happened quite often to people who least expected it. If you are not being that lucky, watch out for people who send erotic looks in your direction – if they look interested in you, be sure to make the most of it! Until this happens make sure the vibes you give out are generous rather than needy. When someone talks to you with friendly interest, suggest you help them find the pleasures they crave before making any requests. Flirt and be saucy, but never pushy. Nobody reacts well to being pushed or followed. The more you push, the more they will resist and find you repulsive. Learn how to walk away. Try not to feel bad about being alone – we have all been there – think of it as being free! The most important thing is to be open to possibilities and stick to your own principles. Never appear desperate. Work on broadening your horizons and exploring you own potential. Having said that, cute young things may find yourselves inundated with attention, whereas less cute folk, sadly, may have less choice. All the more reason to take the trouble to get dressed up and to be sexually inspiring. Bring some your wildest (and perhaps uncute) friends along too, to provide more fun for everyone.

Photography

We are aware that many of our guests need to feel absolutely sure that they will not be photographed and their identity at the Ball is secure. Your wishes will be respected. We are keeping photographers down to a minimum, one inside the Garden of The Senses Photo Booth, Official photographers and film makers wear red photographer’s sashes. They may be filming Awards finalists who have previously given permission, and they do not have permission to take photographs of anybody else. Any crew is always accompanied by one of our staff to ensure they don’t film anyone who has not agreed to it. They are not allowed to wander around on their own filming guests — so fetch a steward if you see anyone doing so. If your career might be affected or family disrupted because of your face being seen in photos or on TV, then don’t get on the stage or pose in front of the cameras. If you have any worries about having been caught on camera, inform the stewards, hosts or hostesses, and we will ensure that no pictures of you are ever published or films shown publicly. There is absolutely no obligation to be photographed. Indicate that you do not wish to be shot if film-makers or photographers are shooting nearby. To those of you who allow yourselves to be filmed and photographed for us to use in publicity – thank you. If you want a record of yourselves – go to the photo booth, where takings go to the charity. Some guests kindly give permission for us to use the photographs for publicity purposes, and on our website. Guests are not permitted to take photos or film the event, Your camera will be removed and returned to you at the end of the night minus the film/tape/disc/memory card.

What to bring & what to expect

What should I bring? You do not need wads of money or the status of wearing expensive accessories. You just need a few pound coins to enjoy the side-shows, some cash to buy drinks and a meal if you feel hungry, condoms just in case, and spectacles if you need them. Then you should have stashed away enough money to get home or wherever you might be going next. Mobile phones are not allowed. Guests feel uncomfortable seeing them in use, for they probably have camera attachments. So please leave yours at home for the night, or check it into the secure cloakroom with the rest of your belongings. You cannot bring it into the event. Bring a small bag or purse for cash you’ll need on the night, and leave everything else in the cloakroom. Please do not carry or wear anything of sentimental or financial value, as you might get carried away and lose it while your attention is elsewhere. Losing something precious puts a real dampener on the night.

Lost Property and First Aid If you lose items during the night please notify our hosts at the hospitality desk. Afterwards, do contact us, as we try to return all lost property. The hostesses at the Hospitality Desk look after found items and can advise you where First Aid is kept. The venue have their own paramedic.

Is this your first time? At this event, what you will see is people laughing, chatting, dancing and being saucy. We provide an arena for your fantasies where you can mingle, peep at, dip in or fling yourself into the pleasures around – anything that you desire. This is so long as you are not grabbing at or intruding on people who have not consented to your attentions. Just as you do not want to be pounced on or get unwanted attention, be respectful of people’s boundaries. Don’t be shy about communicating your desires and needs, but double-check verbally to ensure you’re not pushing yourself on people or pushing anyone into situations they may regret. We do everything we can to provide a safe environment and one of the reasons for this booklet is to encourage people to feel secure about stating what you want and what you don’t want, in a really nice way. Be prepared to be amazed if you have never been to anything like this before, but don’t be scared or feel threatened. Repressed people tend to take it out on others, but we trust you to behave in a civilised manner. It is a real shame when newcomers are timid of the things you would most love to happen in their lifetime. If you don’t feel experienced or brave enough to explore, we provide Fantasy Tours Guides to take you around, to introduce you and encourage you to enjoy the treats in store. Some new guests worry that they might be out of their depth or expected to do things they’re not into. Sexual pleasure is a moveable feast for most people. We may think we know what we like and dislike until we try, and every time we try, we may feel differently. Many of us terrified of what we may end up enjoying, but living in terror is no good. Open your minds to become pleasantly surprised.

Is this your second time? The first time you attend the Night of the Senses can be quite mind blowing and it may take weeks for everything to sink in. By that time it may all be a purple haze. Your memory of the night may grow out of proportion and you many second timers arrive with expectations beyond all possibilities, and then feel disappointed. Please don’t let this happen to you. Channel your energies into exploring new horizons, creating more pleasure and helping to create happy experiences for newcomers. Some guests are still coming back after their first visit in 1986 (perhaps now enjoying half price because of their age). They have learned how to arrive each time with an open mind, determined to make the most of whatever they encounter. Never expect it to be the same each time. Obviously the more friendly you are, the more erotic your experience will be. We appreciate the good spirit which most guests bring along. Thank you.

My fear is that there is sex going on everywhere Most of the fun you’ll see is various levels of fantasy play, flirtation and excitement. Most people come to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the dancing and peeping and playing around.

My fear is I will be expected to do things This is a place to explore. We just want you to have a good time and we got to a lot of trouble to ensure you do. We don’t want you to sit in a corner all night, being too timid to try things out. If you go home without enjoying yourself, you will be bitterly disappointed with yourself afterwards. Don’t drink too much in the hope of loosening your inhibitions, but find your own way of letting go. Have a laugh with as many people as possible, with a generous heart. Some people find the best way to enjoy themselves is to set yourself erotic goals. This might be showing off your best bits, looking dom or sub, playing with anonymous people on the side-shows, or contributing to an erotic scenario with somebody or a group of people who welcome you. Couples may decide between themselves whether to simply relax into the fun or set out to enact their fantasies. These can be very simple things like being led around by your partner as a pet, to exposing beautiful protuberances to other guests or sharing an embrace. More sophisticated scenarios may require dramatic skill, rehearsals and props, and — please feel free!

I don’t look young and gorgeous You don’t need to be young or gorgeous but you will enjoy the night more if you make the effort to look as attractive as possible. If you are feeling a bit left out, step inside the Grope Box or the cage to enjoy the thrill of fingers touching you. Visit the Dressing Up Shope and request a make-over of sparkle and fanciness.

Will I have sex? Although this event is very sexy, it’s mainly erotic play, exhibitionism, voyeurism and experimentalism.

If you’re looking for a brothel situation, this is not it.

Getting Into the Ethos of the Night We provide a great place for guests to discover what turns you on most, make new sexy friends, gain entry to an erotic community and even find yourselves at the inception of new erotic trends. Please appreciate these opportunities and act with dignity. Selfishly seeking kicks or simply hoping to get your rocks off is not appropriate. Never push, grope or intrude, as other guests may complain and you will get thrown out. To make the most of this event, please remember that if things are not played two-way, it is unfair on the other person. Never touch another person just because they are dressed provocatively. If they expose their flesh, it is for your eyes not your fingers (unless they are inviting strangers to touch). Be respectful and admiring. Our volunteers try not to pester people for cash at the side-shows but please be generous. It is disheartening for volunteers who are working all night to give you fun, if you never show your appreciation by putting a few quid in the collecting boxes. The charity relies on your donations because the ticket price usually only covers the costs. All this money goes to Outsiders, so it is all for a good cause. The charity is currently more than ever in need of funds to help it with its work and every little really helps. The next section will tell you more about Outsiders and lots of interesting aspects of socialising in an erotic setting with people whose bodies may be unlike yours.

Bodies

We at the Night of the Senses know that beauty does not mean sexy, and vice versa. Although there is no denying that people love looking at fabulous bodies, we also like looking at all the other kinds of bodies as well, and recognise that true beauty is beyond skin deep. If true beauty is within, how-come disabled people get rejected more than non-disabled people? Disabled people have become better integrated into society, so it seems doubly cruel that they get increasingly shunned when it comes to sex and relationships. Too many people these days seem to worry what friends and family might think when they select partners, and reject anyone who does not have a fit and near-perfect body (plus a good job and money in the bank). Outsiders aims to redress the balance, and The Night of the Senses chooses to share our frivolities and passions with disabled guests. Most of us still have much to learn about all the various types of disability and how it feels to be at a big event when you cannot see, hear or walk or even feel, and know that your body is unlike most other people’s. Disabled people have to be ingenious to ensure their pleasures are not inhibited by other people’s ignorance. This chapter is an attempt to reduce ignorance and enlighten you, which will make the night more enjoyable for everyone. Most disabled people are quite capable of stating what they want but verbal communication is not always easy at an event where people may be crushed together in a noisy environment at different heights, with some getting carried away. Hearing and speech impairments make it even more difficult. Disabled people may require your patience.

Blind and visually impaired people are at a real disadvantage at events like this – they cannot see when someone is winking at them. We provide tactile pleasures to make up for the fact they cannot enjoy the spectacle of the night.

More Notes for Disabled Guests If you need to bring a PA to help you eating, drinking and using the loo, please ask to bring one free of charge. The volunteers cannot help you with these activities. If you have specific requirements, let us know in advance by post or e-mail, or else stop off at the Hospitality Desk to alert the hosts/ hostesses and stewards to your needs. Stewards have been trained to help disabled guests but we prefer to be informed in advance so we can maximise our assistance. If you ever experience any difficulties with other guests, staff or security, please indicate this assertively to the stewards, who have been trained to deal with attitude problems. We try to cater for people with sensory impairments, but it can be difficult to accommodate all needs in all formats unless we have prior requests. We feel strongly that disabled guests should have all the support we can offer to ensure you are not left out. Please let the stewards or door staff know if you are experiencing difficulties of any kind.

Awareness Some guests may never, or have rarely had the opportunity to socialise with people with disabilities. Hopefully, this joyful environment will provide a good starting point.

Just like everyone else, disabled people wish to be treated with respect and understanding – not pity or brazen curiosity.

Just like any individual, disabled people need their own space and consideration, and this may not be possible without your awareness. Listen and think before you make assumptions. Many disabilities are hidden. Someone may lack physical balance or articulate speech – don’t assume this person is drunk. Someone may look ‘fit’ but need to rest often – and so on. This event is one where guests are already being sensitive to each other’s needs and desires, just remember to be ultra cautious. If you realise you have blundered, apologise and have a chuckle over it, to make amends. You may already be aware of these things but just in case, wheelchair-users may need much more space than you would imagine to move and turn. Don’t assume that they can see your feet if you do not move aside to let them pass! Do not crowd or hem them in: this can be disorienting and threatening. The space above the person sitting in their wheelchair belongs to them, so do not pass things over their heads or speak to others across this space. Never speak to the chair user via the person pushing the chair. Here are a few things that people with physical disabilities and disfigurement are often confronted with when out socialising, as a result of prejudice and embarrassment:-

People stare You may have not seen disabled people enjoying an erotic environment before, but staring, as always in Britain, is considered rude. You too would hate to be faced with blank open-mouthed gaping when you are trying to have fun.

People shun When you meet disabled people, relate to them as people and be relaxed about their disabilities – it is merely one aspect of what it means to be a human being. People may feel afraid of getting sexually and/or emotionally involved with disabled people, presuming that an expression of sexual desire will render them ‘lumbered’. This is bollocks! Disabled people are as picky and discriminating as everyone else, probably more so, as they cannot risk being vulnerable to unreliable and dishonest people. You may find others become judgemental if they see you with a disabled person. Fuck ‘em. Fearful people may get confused and worry that, if they show their true affection or lust they will be considered exploitative. Don’t worry. Allow the person with the disability to make up their own mind. Disabled people and non-disabled people have always formed friendships and sexual relationships. If you see disability as a block to forming relationships, you are yourself “disabled” by society’s obsession with outward beauty. Together with the people in Outsiders, we at the Night of the Senses and the Erotic Awards do what we can to break down the prejudices that surround disability and sexuality. Outsiders is 31 years old this year, and thanks to campaigning and all the spin-offs from what we and many other organisations do, attitudes are improving.

People ask personal questions You would not like strangers asking you highly personal and ften banal questions, as if you are a worn-out tourist attraction or museum exhibit. This is what commonly happens to disabled people when they are out and about. Please don’t bore or insult disabled people by asking them ‘what’s wrong with them’, whether or not they can feel anything ‘down there’, or whether they can ‘do it’. Such questions are disrespectful and inappropriate. When they get the chance, disabled people experience and satisfy their sexual selves in a myriad of wildly imaginative ways! Being used to asking nicely for what they want, disabled people tend to make better lovers than more “able” people who don’t feel they need to ask or discuss!

People assume they can be intimate One of the most disturbing challenges disabled people encounter is that they get smothered with unwanted affection, kissing and touching or otherwise invading their space. It is an unwelcome kind of compensation for the guilt and fears society has about disability, and expresses the embarrassment an individual may have when meeting a disabled person. Whatever the reasons, it is offensive and highly unpleasant to be on the receiving end. So please, never do it.

Offering Assistance If you see a disabled person who looks stuck, do politely ask them what they need. If they want help with directions, walking or moving along, try to ask a steward — as they have been trained. If none are around and, for whatever reason, a wheelchair needs lifting, make sure you have enough people to help: one at the back, one each side. balancing equally, and one in front. Only lift by the parts the disabled person tells you can be used. Wheelchairs were not made to be lifted and come apart very easily. The person may wish to be bumped up or down steps rather than lifted straight up and down. It is very scary being lifted by strangers, so do exactly as they ask. If you see a disabled person stuck in a crush of people, ask the people in front on them to move aside. If they are not able to grab the attention of a bar person, offer to act as a go-between. We hope that reading this section makes you feel more confident about mixing with disabled people at the Ball – and elsewhere.

Girlies

While we are on the subject of people being good at asking for they want and taking control over their sexuality, it might be helpful here to discuss the that old fashioned notion of the compliant partner, which is still prevalent today. Feminist politics has warned women not to allow themselves to be treated like sex objects, and men must respect their bodies and give them orgasms. Demands don’t really work in sex, especially if you are lying there telling men what to do! What most women have since learned is to ask! At the end of the day, it is up to each and every one of us to take responsibility for our own pleasure, come to terms with our own fantasies (and expand on them) and communicate our sexual needs. Relying on your partner to understand or even decide what you want and provide it, is passive, and being passive is always less fun. Yet, going along with what your partner wants in the hope that you get a bit of fun in the process, is something that many people still do. It is saddening to watch one partner (usually the men, but not always) control their (non-S/M) scene, with their partner going along with their fantasy, without pleasure for themselves or mutual consideration. We really want both of you to have an equally wonderful and empowering time. If power imbalance is your thing, please plant it into a fantasy life and take it happily into the dungeon.

Gay, Bi,Trans & Intersex

LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bi, transgendered and intersex) people come to our events for many different reasons. Although there are plenty of your hot gay and tranny sex clubs, the Ball offers a wider potential and diversity. Some say that the commercial clubs are cold and mechanical and love the friendliness and warmth at the Night of the Senses. Many bisexuals feel out of place in both gay and straight clubs. Some people want to do certain specific things only with their own gender and we are supplying booths for just that. We hope we provide good spaces and opportunities for you all to play in whatever way you wish. Some side-shows offer the opportunity to play with people of both genders without being really sure which is which. For example, the Grope Box allows the people inside to enjoy being touched by the fingers of total strangers of indeterminate gender, and vice versa. This can open your mind to anonymous sensuality, and you can fantasise about the people touching you. The dark room is for people to experience a totally different, non-visual, sensual experience, sometimes irrespective of gender.

Pretty trannies wearing feminine attire are popular with certain men – others find them a rude surprise. The trend right now is for gender-play and experimentation, which does not include playing tricks on people who are not into it. This is intrusive and predatory. We aim to create as little offence as we possibly can and hope that everyone will be mutually tolerant.

Message to gay men: If a man shows no interest when you cruise him, do not persist. Some men may be hoping to have their first gay or bisexual experience, but be sensitive to the fact that this is probably a very big step for them and if you are genuinely interested, you may have to take things a little more slowly than you would in other situations (maybe even talk to them about it first or give them the opportunity to do so). Some guests may be experimenting with bisexuality while others are quite sure of it and will be flaunting it on the night. Do not assume that women together are hoping to be picked up by men. They may be quite happy, enjoying each other. Women often play together to turn themselves and their male partners on, without any desire to form lesbian relationships. Less common with men, but it happens. This is a night where anonymous fingers, loving arms and a zillion fantasies blend with respect for personal preferences, love, lifestyle and commitment. Thankfully, this is a private space where you can try more than you might attempt at the local rave or village dance.

Rooms, Sideshows & Services – Recently, guests have told us that it’s sometimes unclear how much of it they can join in, and how much is a show by “experts”. Well there are two shows, and the rest of the Ball is a theatrical installation in which you to join in, so long as you’re not intruding on other guests’ action. If you don’t feel able to push yourself forward, just ask.

Sharing

Offering your partner freedom It is generous (if scary for the first time) to discuss with each other how free you are to do as you please with other people. Try to reach an agreement in advance of the event so you know where you are. Discuss your hopes and fears, state your own boundaries of what you think you can cope with and stick to what you agree on. A strong relationship thrives on adventure, so don’t worry that this might be the beginning of the end. It will probably be the beginning of much more hot sex between you!

Sharing adventures If your dreams are to enjoy sexual sharing together, then try little flirtations to begin with and take things step-by-step. Have little signs which you can use to assure each other that you are happy about what is going on or indicate you are not happy.

If one of you is unhappy, it’s best to stop, discuss what to do next and reach a compromise.

Communication in groups Communication between strangers in a group situation should ideally be verbal. Be aware and sensitive to all participants, so that you harmonise. If you want to squeeze people out or invite people in, do so nicely with a smile. At a big event like this, sorry, you will always find people not to your taste.

Jealousy Fantasising about having new partners in a party environment is one thing, but in reality, jealousy may rear its ugly head. In order to minimise this possibility, talk things through together in advance. Most importantly, reassure each other of your love and devotion. State your limits, discuss what you think you might like and what might freak you out. Discuss your vulnerabilities and insecurities and the worst case scenario for you. Remember it’s not the end of the world if things go wrong — single people have bummer nights, and couples do too!

What is Jealousy? Jealousy is not a sign of immaturity or weakness. The most seasoned players can quite unexpectedly feel agonising pangs. It is important to be in touch with your emotions and deal with them rather than to try to be “above it all” and repress them. The “responsible non-monogamist” way to deal with jealousy is to listen to and respect the part of you which feels jealous, without mistaking it for your whole self. Follow your jealous self deep inside, where you will find your darkest secrets. Another way of getting on top of jealousy is to redefine it as an emotion you can readily accept, such as insecurity, feeling rejected or upset that they seem to be having more fun than you, then you can then rationalise the situation. You know your partner loves you (or whatever), so there is no need to feel insecure. They are experimenting, not rejecting you, and of course they are having more fun than you as they have only just met someone they fancy and you are standing there like a saddo. They may even be doing things that they have refused to do with you, just to rub your nose in the ointment. Quite normal! But think what hot sex you will enjoy together later, perhaps with new things on the menu! If feelings of jealousy are overwhelming, seek the comfort of a steward or host/hostess. If the worst comes to the worst, go for a puke or a weep in the toilets, or venture to the Tea & Empathy Tent where they will be totally supportive.

Fetishes: Come & Express Yours!

Everyone should feel free to indulge in whatever fetish they have, so long as it does not involve non-consensual sex. We have always given a corner (or more) to anyone who has a fetish and wants to explore it in public for the first time. We have had a Balloon-Popping Room, a space for Adult Babies, Cowl Neck Jumpers and other Ordinary Fetishes, Foot Kissing stalls and Dancers who Trample on top of Trampling Fetishists. As a fetish becomes better accepted, those corners are replaced with new fetishists as individuals dare to come out (often from their Internet sites and into reality). If you would like a corner, write/e-mail ahead so that arrangements can be made. Fussy guests have complained about our events having hand-written signs. Please understand that some fetishists pay their ticket money, come and establish their own space with their own home-made signs, and invite people to indulge if they want to and, frankly, more power to them! It is called taking control over your own desires! If you want us to make a special sign in advance, of course we will.

Getting Along with Everyone Else

Getting off on the spectacle If you see people getting passionate, by all means enjoy watching, but never crowd in on them, nor do anything to cramp their style. Not only is it rude, but it will stop them in their tracks and ruin the situation for everybody. People can’t enjoy themselves if there’s a wall of eye-wide faces about to cave in on them. If crowding becomes dangerous, please find a steward. This applies to affectionate embraces and whipping or other S/M scenes. Players need their space so keep your distance.

Laughter: with, not at Please respect other guests, however strange their sexual indulgences might seem to you. Most of the people who have sexual tastes that are not generally accepted in society have a great sense of humour but it is important that you laugh with them and not at them. Here are some of the various pleasures you may encounter: adult babies in nappies sucking on dummies; people lying down hoping to be trampled; people encased in rubber; fetishists displaying their furs, people acting submissive to their partners; people bound up; people showing off; people experimenting with gender blurring and homosexuality; people dressed in their fetish clothing or objects which might be anything at all. If you get laughed at, point the giggling prat out to a steward.

Fun: ask and chat Months of preparation has had our volunteers busy in order for you to enjoy the night and so we ask that you tell the stewards if you find that things bother or annoy you. This might be anything from music being too loud or too soft, you feeling too hot, cold, isolated, lost or bewildered, or even that one lot of people gets preferential treatment over another lot. If you belong to one of the categories which is in less demand, like submissive males, try to find ways of offering pleasure and seducing people ingeniously, without appearing predatory.

What to do if someone intrudes on you Whether they’re being sexually pushy, intruding on your space or trying to sell you drugs, we would appreciate you telling a steward. Please do so immediately rather than leave it a couple of weeks to complain. Stewards can be recognised by their silver sashes. There should be at least two stewards in every room. Relate to the steward what happened and if possible, identify the culprit. Don’t worry about being a tell-tale, as this is an issue of education. Our stewards are trained to listen to what the other person has to say and explain how to behave in a more acceptable manner. If they annoy you again don’t give up. Report their repeated bad behaviour and be assured that the troublesome person/s will be removed from the event by the security staff. Not complaining leaves others in danger, and prevents people relaxing and having a good time. If you want a safe space in which to play, venture into the sex and dungeon spaces, which are enclosed and carefully monitored.

Consent: no means no If you are brought along by someone who expects you to do more than feels comfortable, say no. Enjoy only the things that appeal to you. Obviously, you might feel very excited if you find yourself in the arms of someone gorgeous who is being swept along by the situation. It might be extremely disappointing if they then tell you to stop, but everything must be mutual. Equally, however provocatively someone dresses and behaves, you do not have permission to touch unless invited. At any stage of any interaction you may be asked to stop and you must be ready to obey – even in the middle of something which feels really nice to you. This applies to women as well as men. Women sometimes assume they have the right to play around without seeking consent first (even if just to prove to their partners they can!) which can be disruptive. People who come to the event from out of London may feel less inhibited than in their home town, and start doing things they wouldn’t normally do. This can be fun so long as you stay in control of yourself and are mindful of being considerate to others. Think about your responsibility to yourself and use your common sense, and never be afraid to say “no” if you find yourself getting deeper into a scene than feels comfortable, or worry you are taking health risks. Self respect and respect from others comes from being in charge of your own destiny, so never take part in sexual acts just to keep other people happy. On the other hand, if making someone happy makes you feel good, so be it! The Night of the Senses is, for some people, the first place they have been to where they have felt able to say “yes” to the things they previously only dreamed of. The rest of us should make that experience as wonderful as possible.

BDSM

What is BDSM? BDSM is the consensual domination of a submissive. It may take many forms, from threats and humiliation to bondage and whipping. Many people find it erotic and some even find that the pain inflicted feels highly pleasurable. S/M works well in a social environment as voyeurism and exhibitionism usually amplifies the sexual high. Even guests from the fetish scene may be inexperienced in BDSM and it is not sensible to mess around at an event such as this without experience, especially using whips or implements which could damage the other partner/s. BDSM requires the mutual consent of all participants, and a safe word and sign, which mean the action really MUST stop NOW. BDSM may involve mind-games, role play, dominance and submission and mild or heavy corporal punishment, with the use of a huge variety of devices. In BDSM the dominant, or dom may also be called the top and the submissive or sub may be called the bottom. These may be of either gender and one of the great things about BDSM is that gender often becomes irrelevant. Some doms will lend their subs out at parties but never attempt to dominate someone else’s sub without the permission of their dom.

The Dungeon Our dungeon supplies their own Dungeon Masters – DMs — good-will ambassadors for the BDSM community who will happily explain safe BDSM practices. They also keep a watchful eye on your health and safety. If the dungeon gets crowded, they may create a temporary space around any dom who is wielding a whip or cane. Please introduce yourselves to safety DMs who will happily advise you and help to ensure your safety when you enter the dungeon. The bottom must be able to stop the activity at any time, which means there must be mutual trust before starting an BDSM session, and verbal communication should be possible and not drowned out by music or chatter. If you can’t hear, ask the person repeat what they said. Proceed carefully with new partners. It is considered bad manners to push into a safe space while a scene is happening, as you place yourself and others at risk of accidental injury. Please listen to the DMs and learn from their advice – they are there to make sure everyone has a good time.

BDSM Experiences The body naturally produces substances to counteract pain, which also influence your consciousness. This is part of the aim of BDSM and when this happens, the bottom may no longer respond rationally to the top, which is another challenge to the top. He or she must be able to judge the bottom’s limits correctly and must accept increased responsibility for preventing risks. Alcohol and drugs may alter your perception of what is safe. Psychedelics will heighten awareness but may make you want to experience more pain that normal, so beware. Never take pain-killers or opiates such as heroin before playing as a bottom in BDSM. Avoiding using thin whips or canes which are more likely to break the skin. If bleeding does occur, take care not to let sperm enter the wound, or the blood enter anyone else’s bloodstream via cuts or mucus membranes.

Bondage provides the sensation of physical immobility, a state of mental dependence and helplessness. The active partner has absolute control over the bound partner and can do what they want with them – a power dynamic which consenting adults tend to find really appealing. Bondage must never be too tight or for too long a period. Experts know which knots are best for rope and where to place them. Knots should never be placed near the eyes or other vulnerable parts. Care should be taken when using suspension to ensure the hooks can really carry the weight. Breathing should never be inhibited in an environment such as the Night of the Senses, especially when gags are used. Always keep a spare set of keys for handcuffs in a place where you will definitely be able to find them quickly.

Nipple clamps should not be applied for too long or they may break the skin. They should not be shared. Special care needs to be taken if the nipples are pierced.

Wax/cigarettes/matches Often these are used more as a dramatic gesture than for causing physical pain. Use non- beeswax candles and hold them a good distance from the skin so that the wax has cooled by the time it lands. Lighted cigarettes, cigars and matches should never touch the skin directly. The risk of catching or spreading HIV and Hepatitis infection is the same for burns as wounds.

The Reputation of BDSM As a rule, people who enjoy BDSM are responsible, sexually sophisticated players, yet they are still misunderstood, discriminated against and ridiculed by society, the media and authorities. BDSM needs to be recognised as a legitimate sexual activity, so that BDSMers no longer need to be secretive, out of fear of losing their jobs or even their children. The Spanner Trust, Backlash BDSM Rights, CAAN and other pressure groups are continuously campaigning to get politicians to recognise BDSM so that there can be a change in the law and BDSMers will no longer live in fear of being criminalised. Sadly, last year year, a new law was passed, as part of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act, making the downloading and possession of extreme pornography illegal. This is despite the fact that politicians knew that there was no proof that such porn does any damage. To present BDSM in a positive light, BDMSers need to behave in an ultra responsible fashion. Please learn everything you possibly can before you start playing for real.

If you want to read up on the subject, you couldn’t do better than a book called Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns – the romance and sexual sorcery of sadomasochism by Philip Miller and Molly Devon (Mystic Rose Books, PO Box 1036/SMS, Fairfield, Connecticut 06432, USA). This book has sections for single people and couples, as well as an excellent chapter about playing at parties, which offers the following advice: “Playing in public is a type of “theatre”. The players have two audiences. The primary audience is always your partner. If you lose sight of that and become too aware of the secondary audience it will ruin your performance. Concentrate on what you are doing rather than the reactions and judgements of the people viewing. All too often the dominant who forgets this makes some horrible mistake and ends up looking like a sap.”

Even if you are not into S/M we know many guests enjoy watching the action at the Night of the Senses. Our dungeons have barriers to keep onlookers at a good distance so they don’t get in the way. If you watch a whipping or flogging elsewhere, be absolutely sure not to crowd in – or you may get injured.

Safety

We all need to manage our sexual health in the same way we manage other aspects of our health, like eyes and teeth, by looking after ourselves and having regular check-ups. Understanding STIs helps us make informed choices about risks. If you remember the simple guidelines, you will be able to indulge your fantasies whilst minimising chances of acquiring or passing on STIs. There has been a huge increase in STIs, the most common ones not having immediate symptoms. On the night, stewards will be on the lookout for anyone being reckless – such as having unprotected sex with lots of different people. Tell a steward if you see this happening. STIs are spread when bodily fluids – vaginal juices, come, pre-come, or blood enter someone else’s body. Condoms act as a barrier to stop this happening. But a condom won’t protect you from everything, so here are some guidelines on safer sex:

PEP if you have an accident and fear you may have been exposed to HIV, there is now a course of treatment which can be given to you by your GP. To speak to someone in person, call THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200 for more information on PEP and where to get it.

Testing Sexually active people should get tested on a regular basis. Either visit your local sexual health clinic, often known as STI, GU or GUM clinic, or visit an online personal testing service such as www.DrThom.com to order postal tests for the most common STIs. Some clinics require no appointment, eg the GUM clinic at St Mary’s Hospital (Jefferiss Wing) Praed Street, London, W2 1NY Telephone 020 7886 1697, wheelchair accessible, quick and anonymous.

Other Health & Safety Tips

Alcohol Obviously it’s not good to get drunk especially if you tend to get aggressive when pissed. Some Night of the Senses guests complain about the price of drinks at the bar, but please understand that this is the way that the nightclub makes their money, rather than take an extortionate sum from us. So please bear with it. At least the bars here are of an excellent standard.

Drugs Lots of people take drugs in order to enhance their night at clubs, although this is less common at our event. We are contractually not allowed to condone it. Here are some of the basic health issues. Lots of drugs make you feel nauseous or panicky in an enclosed environment such as a night club. They may make you want to dance but might make you pushy or incomprehensible. Do not share snorting tubes and avoid snorting through rolled up bank notes as they may be infected with a hepatitis virus. Over 99% of bank notes in London have been shown to contain traces of cocaine, indicating that they’ve been up someone’s hooter! Not very hygienic. Beware that cocaine can make you want to drink more than you might otherwise do. Never share needles with anybody else – only use fresh ones. Ecstasy and other chemical drugs are less healthy and more dangerous to your health than natural substances like cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms.

What if you feel bad? Mostly people feel really comfortable at our events and we want to ensure nobody feels bad. Here are some things which might help. Erotic imagery may occasionally bring out deep-seated anguish or insecurities. Rather than get sad, angry, bolshy or vindictive, have a chat with steward or host/hostess and they will do everything they can to help you through it. If you have too much to drink or are having an unpleasant reaction to drugs, do go to Tea & Empathy or ask a steward to take you somewhere quiet where you can calm down and help you understand what is happening to you. If you get upset by the way your partner or friends are behaving, chat with a steward or host/hostess who might help you see things in perspective or talk to them on your behalf. If you can’t feel comfortable, even at Tea & Empathy, our stewards will help you to the exit and into a taxi, so you can go home. We really hope that you will come back next year and enjoy yourself next time.

Legalities

Having sex As members of our club, guests pledge to abide by the guidelines of this booklet, and you may be as sexy as you like at our event so long as it’s not against the law. Just make sure that you only play with people who have consented.

Touching without permission Not only is it bad manners to touch someone without their permission, it is also illegal and you could be convicted of Common Assault. In addition, if you touch someone in a sexual way, such as groping, patting bottoms or grabbing tits, you could be convicted of Indecent Assault.

Drugs At this event, we are legally obliged to forbid guests to take recreational drugs, other than alcohol and tobacco.

BDSM It is inadvisable in a large club to break the skin through whipping or body piercing and never do anything life-threatening.

Selling sex All kinds of saucy favours are sold for charity but we do not condone the selling of sex by guests for their own personal gain and it is illegal for us to allow soliciting. Indeed, this is not an appropriate place for guests to promote commercial sex services.

Spread the Word

Don’t be afraid to rave about this night to your friends, both in person and on your blog and online social networking. The world is never going to become a more liberal place if you keep all that pleasure to yourself. We are not allowed to advertise so your help is really important to us. We produce leaflets for our events and can happily send you a bundle to hand out to friends or place in your local lingerie or erotic store. We can also send you banners and publicity e-mails which you can forward on to your friends. You could put news of our event up on your favourite swing or fetish site. The more nice people who hear about us, the more money we raise for the charity.

Making History

The Night of the Senses took over from the Sex Maniac’s Ball in 2004. It has been described on the Eros Website as “Probably the best erotic club in the world.” Erotic parties are currently enjoying freedom but have too often been forbidden. From Victorian times until recently, they were prosecuted under the 1751 Disorderly Houses Acts “to prevent the lower sort of people engaging in riotous pleasure”. The 1996 Sex Maniacs Ball was stopped under the threat of this archaic law, and the Sexual Freedom Coalition was formed as a protest. The SFC continues to campaign for the sexual freedom of consenting adults – see www.sfc.org.uk. We are like one big happy family. Join us. We said earlier that guests often ask about similar clubs they can go to rather then wait a year for the next Night of the Senses and always the answer was “none”. But now new smaller non-commercial clubs are beginning to blossom, notably Kinky Salon and Club Rub. Sexy clubs are opening in in even small villages around the country. Still nothing really quite like the Night of the Senses, so you have to wait another year!

Outsiders

Outsiders is the charity which The Night of the Senses and The Erotic Awards finance. Outsiders is a national (and international) self help group for people isolated by physical and social disabilities, where they gain confidence and find friends and partners. Since its formation in 1979, it has been run by volunteers, including its founder, Dr Tuppy Owens. In 2009 we celebrated the 30th Anniversary.

We aim to raise enough money to keep Outsiders growing from strength to strength, as our expertise becomes more widely known, and funding from other sources becomes more and more difficult. Outsiders has around 500 members. They really appreciate belonging to a club where they feel safe and their disability is accepted and everyone can relax and be themselves. We offer support in asserting the right to a private life, and seeking love in a society where status normally stems from good looks and money. Some people find love straight away, but for others it is a long journey. We hold unthreatening events where members can practice socialising. Members’ difficulties and ways round them are published in our book Practical Suggestions, free to members, available to the public at £15 including p&p.

Some of the most amazing relationships have been formed. One of our members proclaimed, “Disabled people make the best lovers because we know how to ask nicely, and we’re good at overcoming obstacles and dealing with sticky situations. “

Outsiders also runs the Sex and Disability Helpline, open weekdays 11am to 7pm, answered by Dr Tuppy Owens on a voluntary basis. Disabled people and health professionals are delighted to at last find someone who takes sexual problems of disabled people seriously.

Outsiders runs the Sexual Health and Disability Alliance which has become enormously popular with health professionals. It is initiating a project to persuade the big wigs in all the disability agencies, occupational therapy and medical profession, to support their workers in acknowledging disabled people’s sexuality, and offer support. In November 2009 SHADA put on a highly successful conference on sex and disability with the Royal Society of Medicine.

Outsiders holds sex workshops for disabled men at the regular London lunch, and have a V-Group for disabled women who have sexual problems and need support. There is no club like Outsiders anywhere else in the entire world. You would think our government would be proud of this fact but sadly not. Lord Faulkner wrote to us to say, “You will have seen that I quoted your earlier email to me in the House of Lords debate. I have a great deal of sympathy for the point of view you are expressing on this issue.” With all our unique expertise, you would think that the UK, the 4th richest country in the world, might find a way to fund us generously but we still rely on our disabled members’ members donations, small grants, plus this event to survive.

We hope this helps you realise how important this event is. If you think you could help us in any way, by volunteering as an experienced Trustee, fund-raiser or helping promote the Night of the Senses, please step forward. Sponsorship is welcome!

The Outsiders Trust is registered charity, number 283350.

Published by The Leydig Trust BCM Box Lovely,

London WC1N 3XX 0707 499 0808

The Night of the Senses www.nightofthesenses.com

The Erotic Awards www.erotic-awards.co.uk

Information about Outsiders (for Donations, Offers of Help, Membership and Associate Membership) telephone 020 7354 8291 e-mail [email protected] website www.outsiders.org.uk

Sexual Health and Disability Alliance www.shada.org.uk

Sex and Disability Helpline 0707 499 3527 [email protected]

TLC: www.tlc-trust.org.uk Website for disabled men and women
to find responsible sex workers

Sexual Freedom Coalition www.sfc.org.uk

Little Book of Delights

@anti-copyright 2011

Please feel free to copy, redistribute or use extracts

Eleventh Edition written and compiled

by Dr Tuppy Owens

Tickets can be purchased online. They are slightly cheaper in the shops (see Buy Tickets).

2011 will be our 24th year and it will feature new treats: an Oriental Room offering Japanese Teas, Saki & Bondage; female Erotic Wrestling; The Jungle will be wild; The Theatre of the Senses will provide opportunities for guests to express their desires and the audience to see how these might be fulfilled.

All the old favorites will be brought back in the usual home-grown lusciousness which has earned us the nickname The Glastonbury of Sex. The 2011 Erotic Awards finalists include pioneers and top performers who will all be there to share their talents.

The Ball is is a sexual carnival, an erotic wonderland, where amazing personal adventures are made possible. It’s a celebration of sexual diversity welcoming all genders and persuasions, in a safe, unhurried, no pressure, tolerant, joyful, fun environment. Uniquely, laughter blends with passion, beauty with disability, first-timers with old-timers, young and old admire each other, and everybody is made to feel at home.

Our guests are flocking from all over the world. They are not your usual clubbers but hedonists who share our vision of a sexually free society and come with a generous spirit, knowing that funds must be raised to support our very special charity. They come dressed up in the most inventive exciting costumes. They come hoping to meet up with guests from previous years, meet new people and have fun.

Parking

This is the google map link for Electrowerkz and the local area.  It says Slimelight but this a club held at Electrowerkz on Saturdays.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&t=h&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=210161344895636446952.00049ef9eda4cf623898d

Try  Colebrooke Row, which is up Nelson Terrace and Elias Street.  This side is also out of the Congestion charge zone, which is active between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday. No charge on weekends..

It may be that his humble start in life provided Fosit with the inspiration to create stunning effect out of almost nothing at all. His room at the Ball, called Café Shebeen, is the only space where anything and everything takes place side-by-side, and this works only because of Fosit’s spirit and passion, his art.

Court-jester, DJ, agitator, designer, prankster and naïve soul, Fosit’s room is a magical place at the Ball, a place that no other club ever manages to replicate. His obsession with orbs, his brilliance with lighting, and his funky, non-judgemental humour transforms his space from ordinary to charm and sexual charisma.

Multi-talented performance and visual artist who claims “I go to art galleries like other people go to church”. As well as being a writer, life model, pop star and film maker, Mouse graces the Night of the Senses each year with the messiest and most extraordinary cabaret act in the world. It’s Carry-On, Hardcore Art, involving sparklers up the bum, eggs, cakes with candles and copious amounts of soapy water being sprayed like a Catherine-wheel, far and wide. Mouse gives 190%, risking life, limb, liver and all sensitive parts.

Mouse has become recognised in the underground art world — she performed with Matthew Barney and Ron Athey in Matthew’s show in LA — but she has not yet gained anywhere near the respect she deserves. She is, after all, a classy one-off, ego-less good-egg, and you can’t say that about many British stars these days.

www.carryonmouse.co.uk
[email protected]
077958 575 163

Each year, since 1994, we herald the most talented, pioneering and influential sex-positive people. Together, we create a sensational show and exhibition
of their work and honour our winners with  Golden Flying Penis Trophy.

We are still accepting nominaions for 2011 Erotic Awards till the end of March, on our website www.erotic-awards.co.uk. The Finalists will be announced on 15th April. The Exhibition will open on 12th May, go to the Ball and thence to Shh!.

The winners are announced at the Night of the Senses and the performing finalists, including the fashion shows, take place at the beginning of the night.

Spiral provides the Night of the Senses with the imagery for our publicity. We feel honoured.  His the images are, he tells the world, his muse, “who is the canvas on which I hang my feelings, thoughts, fears and desires.” In turn, they are canvas which inspires our Ball theme.

Spiral is a very successful artist who lives in Devon. His other clients are Pretty Polly and Horlicks who thankfully pay him. You can see more of his work on http://athomeinspace.com/

A photographer whose portfolio has been described as “a celebration of otherness” by virtue of its exploration of issues such as gender, sexuality, disability, body modification and contemporary fetishism.

Ashley has photographed our events since 1998 and is now in his third year as a judge. As a trained counsellor he is especially interested in the therapeutic use of photography and is currently focusing on several projects: one, entitled, “Bodies Of Difference” aimed at challenging perceptions of disability and sexuality, whilst another project, “Cancer Sucks” documents performance artist, Tutu, and her fight to overcome breast cancer. www.savageskin.co.uk

Melanie Wilson founded Prangsta Costumiers in 1998 to rally against the waste that she saw in the fashion industry, by collecting discarded vintage garments and recycling them into new creations.

Prangsta creates bespoke costumes and keeps a costume collection for hire. They were voted Fashions Designers of the Year 2010 and since then pledged to work with us to show off their spectacular outfits.

Melanie passes on her expertise to students in Dressmaking & Tailoring classes in her design studio in Deptford. Prangsta’s mobile Burlesque Boudoir tours festival locations throughout the summer and winter private functions.

www.prangsta.co.uk

Between the Sheets have been making beautiful tactile, sexy bed linen since 1992. Pure Silk, Satin, Latex, Leather and PU all feature in their ranges and can add new sensual delights to your Boudoir!

From Sumptous Comforters in Velvet to the delights of complete bed sets in the finest Latex and Leather – All the Bed Linen is handcrafted in darkest Wiltshire by Jane Allen and her team. They strive to create wonderful hand crafted bed linen in all the unusual fabrics you just can’t find elsewhere, and they make for all sizes and shapes of beds. So the only limits are in your imagination!

www.betweenthesheets.co.uk

DARKROOM presents photography as present, a live experience as opposed to a document of the past. It is about slowing down the photographic process. Using long exposures and light painting techniques with torches in a dark space, participants are invited to make a single image. DARKROOM plays upon the language of photography and flirts with the concept of nightclub darkrooms! Guests are invited to get as dressed up or undressed as they like… and are encouraged to play within the space…

www.hollyrevell.co.uk

Katie Sarra expresses her joy of love, life and sexuality through oils, performance, tantric teaching and her own grand exuberance. She won Artist of the Year 2008 in the Erotic Awards and has ever since come to the Erotic Awards semi-finals and Night of the Senses to bring us a amazing bundle of arty fun. Katie is a fine artist also qualified in art therapy.

Katie creates a painting of the Erotic Awards striptease and performance art show, which is auctioned at the end for charity. The painting is always vibrant mass of sex and colour. Katie has co-presented the show with Mat Fraser, which involved quite a bit of spanking. Katie joined in a spectacularly triumphant, glorious group piss on a fetishist in our garden’s Golden Pond. She led an interactive stage show ending in a pretty May Pole Dance. This year, she is painting guests’ fantasies as well as baring all in a unique striptease act.

See www.KatieSarra.com

07540 571 745 or email [email protected]

Raree Girls (rair-ee, ‘a peepshow, an unusual or amazing show or spectacle’) are two performance / striptease artists, Joy and Solitaire, who play with flirtation and decadence to offer bespoke erotic entertainment. Both gave up conventional careers to do what they now do best, and take enormous pride in performing with their bodies in a way which makes the viewer swoon and marvel. They have evolved from being Erotic Awards winners and finalists to regular fundraisers at Erotic Awards events, Solitaire with her diamond butt plug and Joy in her tailored striptease suit. They also raise the most money for charity at the Night of the Senses with their singles-and-couples lapdance booth. “It was better than sex!” was one comment overheard by couples in the queue as a man left, knees a-quivering.

In 2009, Solitaire performed an elegant striptease at the Royal Society of Medicine conference on sex work and disability for a deaf-blind man, whose translator gave the audience a verbal translation of his finger alphabet interpretation. The audience were moved to tears. Raree Girls are invited to residential homes for disabled people, as well as posh private parties around London and hold their own events for fans. They have created a new art form and long may it blossom.

Visit www.RareeGirls.com to find out more.

Designed and provided the Night of the Senses with this website.

Tony Loan is a very successful artist/designer who lives in Wiltshire. His other clients range from 3M to Salif Keita who thankfully pay him. Here are some examples of his video production and photography.

[email protected]
www.toonloon.com

DJ Tofu comes from a legendary past of DJing in fields and under canvas.
His records come with the dust of a thousand mad all-night magic festivals…..spinning
eclectic toons from electro swing, Balkan soundclash, ska, polka stomp, flamenco
hip ho, casino remix and belly dancing breakbeat.

Being a full-time wheelchair user, Mandi can find it difficult to get into gigs, because of lack of access. She has, however, worked successfully with live bands or DJ’s, playing live visuals – totally twisted, funny, silly, and sexy movie clips – in response to the music, crowd, and the general vibe. Mouseonthetelly VJ collective is my partner in crime Mr G, myself, and various other renegade individuals.

She looks forward to entertaining you there.

For more details please go to
www.mouseonthetelly.com
www.myspace.com/mouseonthetelly

7pm-11pm on Wednesday 30th March 2011

Electrowerkz, 7 Torrens Street, Angel, London EC1V 1NQ

Electowerkz is a funky accessible venue with a theatre, bar, barbecue and Italian Diner.

Tickets £25, or early bird (before the end of 2010) £19, or together with a discounted 2011 Night of the Senses (on Friday 27th May 2011, in Southwark) Ticket: £80. From http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/tickets/chantilly-lace/10013528

2011 Night of the Senses

Friday 20th May, 8pm – 6am

at Pulse, a huge new venue in Southwark, near Blackfriars, with a garden and wheelchair access.

All Night starting at 8.30pm with the Erotic Awards Show and Presentations

PRICES

Night of the Senses All night including Erotic Awards, Cabaret of the Senses and the Treasures and Treats listed on this site and more. £75 per ticket, buy 6 get the 7th free. Concs for full-time students, registered unemployed and pensioners £40.

Tel. 07971410077

• A night of erotic frivolity and sexual adventure

• A magical maze of delights

•  Where laughter, generosity and passion collide

Guests arrived through a saucy bedouin entrance, each white tent connecting to the next. Outdoor spaces allowed them to see through translucent rubber at bodies rubbing against it, and peer through lenses at much-enlarged organs in the Boyz Tent. One door led into the Erotic Awards Grand Exhibition: incredible paintings and images that invited amazement and discussion. At the far end was the sanctuary of the Hospitality Desk where guests immediately felt at home. Vivi, Julia and Ice, dressed as May Queens were mothering everyone as usual, this year accompanied by Alex in her wheelchair. Stories were shared and everybody enthused, “how nice it is to be here!”.

Taking their seats in the Auditorium for the Erotic Awards Presentations, guests observed that the finalists were already seated. The beautiful Helen Croydon came up on stage to announce of the winners, with Sarah Berry, Editor of Foreplay giving out the Certificates and our Tuppy handing  out the Flying Penis Trophies.

Each winner gave a short speech with smiles and thank-yous. James Mannion came on stage to collect the Trophy for the Reverend David Gilmore, unable to attend because he was supporting the people at the Anniversary of the Soho Nail Bomb Attack. Anna Arrowsmith aka Span, co-winning Politician of the Year (Lib Dem) picked up her Trophy with glee, whereas Chris Davies MEP had simply asked for his to be forwarded on so he could take it to the Annual Conference. There were smiles and tears and much appreciation.

The Performing categories then started the Show — an extraordinary collection of individuals, each stunning, talented and unique — presented by Mat Fraser whose professionalism and charm seemed to exceed all previous years. The winners were announced to much applause. Two disabled women had won: Amelia Carvalllo (blind) as Performance Artist and Minki Mix (thalidomide) as Striptease Artist. Prangsta took the Fashion Trophy for their sensational show and outfits, Major Suttle Tease took the Male Performance Trophy, and Ernesto Naked Poet took the Poet Trophy.

Pye, Sex Worker of the Year who had come from Sweden, stayed on to do a striptease in the Cabaret. Jane Fae, Writer of the Year, stayed on to try out being a woman for the first time in her newly transgendered life at such an event. Dr Antony Lempert, Academic of the Year, hung out with the other finalists and purchased one of Tim Pilcher’s sexy cartoon books from the Exhibition Display of Publications. Networking in progress.

Katie Sarra took over the stage with her Interactive Theatre and Maypole Dancing, and the guests spread out to explore: past the cage to discover  Danny’s dungeon, the Darkroom with Holly Revell’s light painting and Mistress Sweet Violet’s Electrical Education; past the Grope Box to explore the Shakti Tantra Tantric Palace, the Sensuality Chamber, Salon of the Senses and Solitaire and Joy’s delightful Lap Dancing Booth.

Stories circulated about a man of small stature who had been trying every opportunity on a tiny tricycle fitting neatly under a beautiful woman’s skirt and giving her pleasure. Sure enough, this feedback came in later,

“Many thanks to Sir Guy Masterley and more especially to his amazing “filly” Cynth. She was something else, well a human horse and I enjoyed riding in the cart she pulled. It was a masterful experience! I enjoyed fondling boobs, tantric play in the tantra room which was fabulously sensual. I explored the dungeon. I also would like to thank a “little” man from Italy who gamahouched me deliciously, standing underneath my skirt!“.

The Cabaret of the Senses eventually began at 2pm, featuring the effervescent Jo King; sultry Pye; incredible pole dancer, Imadol; and the one-and-only Mouse. Mouse was carried on stage by her Daddy Bear in a suitcase. She climbed as Goldilocks demanding her porridge, becoming increasingly naughty. Sparklers were lit in her arse, her bottom descended in a bowl of water and then on a cake with its candles lit. Eventually she used the funnel to fill her orifices and spin on her knees to spray soapy water like a Catherine wheel, all much to the delight and astonishment of the audience.

Later on we saw a messy cake fight on stage and this was, of course,  the only fight: guests were too busy having fun to do anything but enjoy.

When Jo Quail had finished her cello playing in the Sensuality Chamber, the accordian player from Prangsta took over and soon the entire Ball became an erotic mish-mash, everything gelling together in happiness. Chris Tofu got the dancing going and Fosit’s Café Shebeen was, as usual, a paradise of pleasure.

Overheard in the queue, a young man leaving the lap dancing booth,

“It was better then sex!“.

£6,000 was raised for the Outsiders Trust which, in these times of financial hardship, has been mighty welcome.

email [email protected]

There was a very special atmosphere at the 2008 Ball, guests feeling bonded by the shared disappointment of not being able to invite people with mobility impairments, because of the lift breaking down. Thankfully, plenty of disabled people were still able to attend, and their presence was doubly appreciated.

Guests were greeted at the sumptuous Hospitality Desk, from which friendliness and laughter flowed. “It is nice to feel accepted” whispered a shy recluse dressed in bow tie and cock ring. Everyone agreed that, although there were plenty of gorgeous and stunning looking guests, beauty is not the same as sexy, disabled people can be included in sexual activities, and public sex does not have to be sleazy, exploitative, or selfish. Guests were also very aware that, and appreciated the fact that all their ticket money and donations were going to support a very special charity, Outsiders, for disabled men and women to find partners.

The evening began early in the Marquee, where the winners of the Erotic Awards were announced by disabled presenter Miss Diva Hollywood. Then came the presentations of the Flying Penis Trophies, followed by yet another spectacular Erotic Awards stage show. Joy, whose delicious outfit had taken a solid week to make, won Striptease Artist of the Year. Eva Reiser who had worked equally hard on her outfits, won Fashion Designer. Transgender Lazlo with all his foodstuffs, won Performance Artist. Katie Sarra, Artist of the Year, painted the performances from the balcony.

The audience then spilled out into the various palaces of pleasure. There was the Salon of the Senses, where people were treated to all kinds of sensation, the Fuck for Forest Film Studio, the Dark Room, the Electrical Experience, Foot Kissing, Cautious Caning, Breast Fondling, as well as the usual drinking, dining and dancing.

Slowly, couples made their way into the Sensuality Chamber serenaded by jazz singer Léone. She wrote later on her blog,

“It was the best gig I have done. I sang whatever came into my head, and it was so liberating. Perhaps the permissive atmosphere of the room had freed me from fear of judgement for my singing in the same way that it had freed others to express their sexuality. It was beautiful.”

In the Café Shebeen, artist Robin Whitmore sat and listened to people’s fantasies while he drew the the image it conjured up, on a piece of paper which was then projected onto a huge blank wall. On the other side of the room, women queued up to sit on the Climax Machines, 32 choosing with dildo, and 18 without dildo, a total of 50 women enjoying 236 orgasms. On a raised stage, ingenious dungeon contraptions offered BDSM experiences created by Infernal Mechanix, including a yellow see-saw with dildo seating. Delicious Ice Creams were served by Artisan

Being a fine late-summer night, tables and chairs were provided outside beside a regal tent called Tea and Empathy, which welcomed people who felt like a cuppa and a cuddle. Slarty in his sou’wester waited patiently beside the Golden Pond, hoping to be pissed on, and pissed on he was, when a gaggle of five zesty ladies arrived with that aim, aiming right on him – splashing him senseless.

The Cabaret of the Senses took place on stage at 1am in front of a heaving, packed audience. Presented by the beautiful and charming Andrea, the show began with Empress Stah who had her vicious way with a blow-up man. Sweet Tiny Tamara followed, then Chiqui. Rumpshaker gave us longer than usual to admire his amazing body before he stuck his manhood through Marilyn’s mouth. Finally, Mouse came on stage with her usual collection of liquids and lotions to spray all over the audience plus a new act involving gold fish.

At 4am, our Queen of Mess, Mouse, led a team of sploshers with buckets of messy cream and foam into the garden and they sploshed each other, as well as a few game guests with white stuff.

The prize for the Most Outrageous Sex went to a Swiss couple and a big black Londoner. She was suspended between the two, roast spit style, supporting herself by athletic ingenuity. Second in place was a divine performance of Miss Sue on the floor with a couple of strangers, with her 72 year old boyfriend watching on. Third prize went to the Golden Pond brigade. The winners are invited to a free night at Britain’s poshest swing club, Liberty Elite.

Despite our carefully designed safe chambers for those wanting to indulge without unwanted intrusion, the North African diner, Calabar Café became deliciously bacchanalian, as did the landings and dance floor. Girls sat in the Boyz Back Room to watch pulsating mounds of men, and Writer of the Year, James Lear paraded around the venue with his Flying Penis Trophy clasped between his upper thighs.

One guest remarked, whilst collecting his pet Begonia from the Hospitality Desk at the end of the night, “Life is so dull under the Saxons”.

Here are a couple of the feedback messages that came afterwards:

“I congratulate you on the Night of the Senses. I have been to numerous sex events/parties/clubs and what struck me about NoS, was the friendliness that rippled through the whole event.  I know that sex parties have the potential for competition, comparison, aggression but none of this was apparent and it was a very allowing and fun and sexy space.” Sue Newsome of Shakti Tanta

“ It’s heaven on earth to have freedom of sex n enjoyment”  Anon

“I just love coming along and I owe you for a string of best-nights-of-the-year and a ton of self-discovery”. Anon

The Outdoor area suited the smokers and provided an excellent space to cool down, chill out and look at the Erotic Awards exhibition. Some of the art was mighty outrageous, with Makan Emadi’s Hollywood depictions of Muslim women and J.A.M. Montoya’s perfect photographs of Roman Catholic erotic imagery.

The night began with the opening of the Exhibition in a marquee, hosted by Alison Lapper and proceeded with the Awards Ceremony. After this was a fantastic mind-boggling stage show of strippers, performers and fashion shows.

Next door was the Fuck For Forest film booth where guests bared their bodies and engaged in sex for the FFF website. Both the Sensuality Chamber and Anything Goes Room had peep holes where you could view musicians serenading lovers, groups of fuckers and cosy threesomes. One young lass from Glasgow took 54 men who were queuing up (see letter below) and the rooms were packed all night. Not enough space for all the wheelchair users, apparently, so they will have to be bigger next year.

Downstairs the Roissy Dungeon rocked, and the playroom was quite surreal “ so many treats in one small space “ including the medical ‘operating table’ the fucking machine, the cage and electrical garage.

Down in Babalou there was a different atmosphere altogether “ an enchanting fairyland of the Cafe’ Shebeen, Romantic Diner and PhotoBooth. Guests were lazing around in erotic embraces, laughing and posing.

At 1pm came the Cabaret of the Senses, a show by the creme de la creme of all the Erotic Awards winners. Chiqui did an operatic strip, getting the audience to join in the chorus with her. Lily Dumont performed her famous Ugly Ducking act, Rumpshaker was his usual charismatic brilliance and Mouse kept the audience a good distance from the stage with her doggy act, endless squirtings and landing, pretty bottom down in bowls of soapy water.

Despite our worries about the small lift, disabled guests got around fine, and we were grateful to the small team of assistants, who came from Deaf-Blind UK to ensure everything went smoothly for them. One couple told us that the Night of the Senses is the one night of the year they can go out, she in a wheelchair, and know that they will fulfill their dreams.

Throughout the Ball, tiny booths offered specialised pleasures. The Breast Fondling Booth was for women who wanted to take their titties out and have them fondled, either in private or being watched. The Kissing Booth was a red velvet cubbyhole shielded by a silver chain curtain. The Room of the Senses offered sensual treats all night.

The Ball raised ?12,000 for Outsiders. This is thanks to all the volunteers (none of us get paid), and the wonderful, generous guests. The venue management were impressed with the care we took to ensure our guests, especially the disabled guests were comfortable and happy, and have invited us back again for 2008.

Here is what some of our guests wrote about the Ball:

“If you only do one thing tonight, make sure it’s a visit to the Salon of the Senses’ advised my friend. Indeed it was heavenly. I closed my eyes, got stroked with feathers, had nice scents put under my nose, was fed strawberries, followed by a nice massage. It must have been popular, as I met this balloon fetishist who was queuing for second helpings! Almost all sexual persuasions are catered for at the Night of the Senses.’ Mandi Peers in Art Disability Culture magazine

“Wow – what a month we have had! Firstly, the beautiful and seductive experience at the Night of the Senses then we got married 2 weeks later and then went on honeymoon in the Dominican Republic! It doesn’t get much better than that! We just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and all the other organisers for a wonderfully erotic and sensual evening at this year’s Night of the Senses. It was our 2nd visit and the atmosphere was just as relaxed and the sense of community just as strong. We felt able to explore our sexuality even more and the exhibitionist in me is starting to really break out! We spent a lot of the honeymoon remembering the Night of the Senses experience and re-enacting lots of the naughtiness!’

Haha, hi tuppy, get it right it was 54 and that was just the Sat night. We met up with the greedy guys of London on the Sunday night and i still can’t walk properly lol. We had a fantastic night at the ball. Gordy was just saying that he will be on a downer now 4 the nxt 6 months and the nxt 6 he will be hyper waitng 4 the nxt 1 to cum around. When i was in the Anything Goes room there was a wee guy in a wheelchair stroking my leg, while other guys were having there wicked way with me. They kept kinda pushing him away. I work with disabled people, and I thought, sorry boys, ure not on. So I sat up got a hold of the guy in the w.chair and sucked him off, and what a cock he had – it was solid. He had a piercing and when he came he almost blew my head off lol. luv Marie.xxxxx

“I have just had one of the best weekends of my entire life!’ Bob

“How does one find the words to successfully recount a night spent at what has been described as the ‘˜world’s biggest and best sex club’? I want to do my bit towards raising public awareness of the incredible work of the Leydig Trust and Outsiders, two charitable organisations you don’t hear much about in the Evening News.

Dr Tuppy Owens is the mastermind (or should I say mistressmind?) of this monumental event, and has been running it for 21 years. Tuppy is a courageous activist who has been tirelessly campaigning for a more positive sex attitude in England, particularly towards and amongst the disabled community (see www.outsiders.org.uk) and is well-known in the Highland village, where she recently moved to from the hubub of London, as ‘˜that sex lady on the hill’.

Having actively studied tantra for ten years, learning through tantric meditations how to merge sexuality and spirituality, I have only recently begun to investigate this world One thing I discovered in my tantric explorations is that there is no such thing as ‘˜wrong’ certainly in the world of sexuality and self-expression in general. The question I asked myself recently was, “So if I’m really going to live that truth then what better way to test the waters of my new-found ‘˜acceptance of all things as they are’.

Surely anything that breaks boundaries and opens ones eyes to the myriad aspects of human nature can only be a good thing? Visiting Wikipedia and typing in BDSM is an education in itself. My observation so far is that, whether it turns you on or not, there seems to be an admirably high level of consciousness and respect within the world of fetish, very little drug taking or alcohol abuse and basically a lot of rather normal and nice people who like to dress up and have a bit of fun.

The Night of the Senses celebrates in style and safety hundreds of different sexual preferences and practices and I was impressed by the generosity of the guests, contributors, helpers and performers. Next year I might even take my mother…….

I had invited members of the Online Community on www.tantralink.com to join me on this adventure and sadly, only one tantrika showed up. What a shame. I see tantra as a gateway to consciousness, and although tantra per se is not represented directly here, there is a great feeling of connection and spirit running through the Night of the Senses which gives me hope for humanity.

Participating in the Night of the Senses, even merely in voyeuristic capacity, is rather like dropping a tab of acid with a large bunch of good friends. About a thousand, in fact (and yes, believe it or not, I can still remember my teenage trips under the influence of the great hallucinogen, even though I’ve had two children since – pregnancy and childbirth kill off far more braincells than LSD ever could…..but that’s another topic.

Just arriving at the club is an eye-opening experience. Some people turn up fully dressed and others arrive in street clothes, transforming themselves in the changing room inside. There is a well-stocked ‘˜dress up’ shop where you can buy a fantasy costume at low cost. Everybody, without exception makes an effort to present the most outlandish image they can create for the night, and wandering up and down the floors of the club one comes across revellers from every walk of life, kitted-out in a vast array of fantastical and eccentric outfits. Anything from sarongs and floaty silks, to high heels and latex rubber wear. You can feast your eyes on leather straps, collars and leads, priestly robes, thongs galore, pvc nursing outfits (on some of the men too) pirate gear a la Johnny Depp, every kind of uniform imaginable: there were a few ‘˜policemen’ about, which was faintly disturbing somehow. Fat, thin, disabled and abled, young and old, fit and gym-allergic mingle together in a friendly and heart-warming way, and the atmosphere is electrically-charged as guests move around the club, finding their way in this cavernous venue, which ironically used to be a church. What better way to honour consecrated ground, I say?

The finals of the Annual Erotic Awards is even more gloriously satisfying than the semi-finals, held a few weeks previously. Before the performers begin the stage show there is a presentation for the winners of categories such as ‘˜sex worker’, ‘˜pioneer’, ‘˜blog’, ‘˜film-maker’, ‘˜sex club’. At a break in the proceedings I lean forward and introduce myself to the most lovely man in a wheelchair sitting in front of me, who happens to be one of the judges. He is accompanied by his amiable cousin and they obliged me by enthusiastically appreciating my eight inch fetish shoes, which are already giving me blisters, and giving me marks out of ten for my outfit. This intelligent and cultured man has been coming to the Erotic Awards since its inception and tells me that even though he’s seen a lot of the performers many times, he’s never been bored. I can see why. The fine art of strip-tease is taken to a whole new level here, the sado-masochist acts are humorous and imaginative and the pole dancing takes one’s breath away. I get to see the impossibly fit and flexible Ekatarina tie herself up in beautiful knots in aerial silks once again and as the show goes on, each act more innovative than the next I can’t help thinking that much as I enjoyed Cats and Les Mis this is a more entertaining show than anything Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has produced for the West End in thirty years.

I can’t remember who won! ‘˜Winning’ seems utterly irrelevant in this competition -each perfomer is so unique it’s impossible to rate one over the other.

After the show I go for a wander, teetering on my heels and wishing they’d introduce bedroom slippers as fetish footwear. I’m determined to grin and bear it for as long as I can ‘“ “Glamour before comfort’ my mother always used to say. Or was it “You have to suffer to be beautiful’? Funny how those childhood messages lodge themselves deep inside the psyche. There is room after room, each with a different theme and decorated accordingly, and I find out, with relief that there’s no pressure to enter the spaces or to participate – the more cautious can spy through peep holes to witness the goings-on inside. Every sexual fantasy you could possibly imagine gets acted out here with gay abandon. I watch men with men, women with women, more than one woman with men, many men with one woman ‘“ you name it, I see it!

We come across a large, black box with holes in the walls which you step inside to be, yes you’ve guessed it – groped. It’s a hoot! I take a turn and scream with laughter as half a dozen or so anonymous hands appear and touch me all over. It’s so intense I last about forty seconds, but the bare-breasted and obviously seasoned punter after me remains in the box for at least five minutes. There should be an award for Grope Box stamina.

Unfortunately I’m on my moon time, which is the tantric term for what can only be described in my case as ‘˜bleeding for England’. My partner has a stomach ache, so between the two of us there ain’t much action, but I’m happy to prowl the place as enthusiastic voyeur, a cat-o-nine-tails carried religiously throughout the ten hour marathon, showing that yes I am a sex maniac at heart, even if I’m not about to strip naked and get down and dirty on this particular night. It’s five minutes before we’re due to leave and a polite gentleman comes up to me and asks, in an Etonian accent, “Are you available for a whipping?’ It’s a question one doesn’t get asked an awful lot, especially in the middle-class, suburban village I reside in, and I think, what the hell, you only live once (unless you believe in reincarnation, which sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t, but on this night I definitely don’t).

He leads me to his friend, who’s dressed in a kilt (I’m not even sure why I’m mentioning it, by this point no article of clothing is surprising) and tells me that his friend’s been a ‘˜bad boy’. My exhausted partner sits down in a corner, quite clearly longing for home and a nice cup of tea.

The two men and I move towards the doorway to the Torture Dungeon, but take our place against a wall outside. Somehow the torture room feels too official and intimidating. I think it’s the fear of how far one might go. Safely outside the dundgeon, with no fear of pressure from professional torturers, I do the honours of punishing the man, in a rather Jewish-girl-from-Bournemouth sort of way. I think he may have been a little disappointed by my lack of vigour. The Etonian asks me if I’ve been a bad girl. I think to myself, ‘˜in for a penny, in for a pound, I might as well get a light whipping while I’m at it’. After all, this will be the closest I get to sexual depravity until the tidal waves of menstruation have abated. As the curtain comes down on the mutual whipping frenzy I realise that rather more than five minutes have passed and I feel a touch of guilt abandoning my ever-patient, tantric love god. I look over and, blow me down, he’s grinning ear to ear. That’s love! Kavida Rei

“The real beauty of the Ball is that it brings together so many creative, wonderful, beautiful people.’

Tuppy, the world is a much better, fun place for your being in it! Contrary to your name, you are worth your weight in gold!!! Simon

It seemed that such troubles were well behind us until this July, when we got wind of a true-life farce involving a General, a Bishop and a Raw Sucking Pig, which had focused the authorities’ attention on our regular venue, and caused us to switch to another venue at the last minute. To our great good fortune, we managed to find a replacement, the Renaissance Rooms in Vauxhall, an attractive club with an outdoor terrace and pavilion. New flyers were sent out, and the tickets sold like hot cakes. Luckily, the event went ahead without difficulty, but it just goes to show that Britain really needs to rid herself of her ancient puritanical laws – and hypocritical attitudes.

Many of our guests told us that this was, once again, our best Ball ever. Nobody seemed to mind the crush, and our disabled guests were incredibly good-natured about it. It was difficult to squeeze everything and everyone into this venue without creating inevitable bottlenecks.

Here is some of our feedback from guests:

“Thanks very much for organising last night! It was another really special effort and there was a lot laid on. It was our third NOS (in recent years). We’re really glad there’s an event like this to go to and that is so inclusive, not only in terms of sexual/erotic preference but in terms of disability. Our impression was that there were more disabled people there this year than previously, which is great. It must have been a major effort by the organising team to pull it all together in time. So well done and really thanks for that.”

“I was happy to walk around the ball wearing nothing but a black feather boa and a feather head dress being admired and propositioned and stroked and played with, knowing that I was protected by my Love. And he was happy doing what he does. At the end of the night we came home together with nothing between us but love and happiness. No questions only answers.”

“Thank you for all your hard work at making an awesome event at which we were able to be ourselves without any judgement, as well as being a wonderful way for us to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, most of the time off doing our own thing. Our best wishes to you and your team.”

Mel of Melanie’s said, “Where else in the world can you jump up and down on a guy with your spikiest heels for only a pound!” Adam: “Well, I thought I’d seen everything, four hours into the ball, I realised, I’d seen nothing!”

The 20th Night of the Senses took place on Saturday 2nd September 2006, and made a record sum of money for Outsiders – twelve grand! It was a sea of happy faces and the only disappointment was that morning arrived all too soon!

Guests entered through an arch of fresh flowers and stepped straight into the Erotic Awards auditorium. The Erotic Awards exhibition (at the time on show at the Trolley Gallery) was projected on screens beside the stage while guests and finalists settled into their seats. The show opened with the usual blast from Mat Fraser, and the strippers, performers and fashion shows were interspersed with brief presentations of flying penis trophies to the winners in each category.

After the show, everyone wandered through the Playroom and outside onto the terrace where the Infinity Dome and the Messy Eating Diner were in full action.

One of the most beautiful encounters of the night was when a gay couple came up to the Ball’s founder, Tuppy Owens, to inform her that they have attended every single Ball since the first one she held in the London Dungeon in 1986, and this year was special for them because, becoming pensioners, they got in half price!

Starkers’ Naked Disco produced a slick and completely nude ultraviolet technohaze. Ravers could peep inside the more private Naked Lounge, where amazing scenes took place. At one stage, a woman so enormous that it was impossible to determine the gender of the person beneath her was gleefully flaunting her voluptuousness and passion.

The Sensuality Chamber was a round construction of multi-level beds beneath a parachute, in which bundles of people were making love. Our serenaders were wedged between them, and often swept into the action. Our young lady cello player, who had planned to leave with her financé at midnight, was still enjoying herself at 5am. This was a couples-only area, and there was much excitement when a stray male we speedily ejected by our naked karate blackbelt hostess.

The Roissy Dungeon looked particularly pretty this year, with stunningly beautiful dommes in luscious outfits seeing to smiling subs on elegant equipment bathed in soft lights, spied from outsiders through fancy netting.

We were treated to unexpected erotic scenarios, both by volunteers and guests. A Japanese bondage display left viewers spellbound on the terrace, while amazing fisting demonstrations were being given on the Playroom Stage along with all manner of unexpected insertions, and the Medical Area provided a continuous show of guests enjoying all kinds of examinations and procedures.

Perhaps because of the limited space of the Sensuality Chamber, fuckers spilled out into the Café Shebeen, while the more bashful entered the Dark Room and the Fuck For Forest Grotto.

For the first year ever, we had a successful Women’s Only space. The Red Tent was organised by Tegwen who has been stewarding at the Ball for many years. Having trained with Shakti Tantra she brought along some playmates. Together they created a sumptuous space filled with velvets and silk. Women were treated to succulent fruits and chocolate, massaged with feathers and finger tips and encouraged to explore themselves and others in this Tantric sacred cavern.

The Boys Back Room also was busy all night, with French porn in one corner, kissing, cuddling and more in the centre, bi-curious men standing around, agog, and a-hard!

To celebrate our 20 years, Tuppy decided to bring back some of the best acts from the Erotic Awards for a Late Cabaret. It proved tricky tracking down long-gone performers and so she invited the close family of performers who are our friends. This brought together the all-time favourites and much-loved, such as Lara Clifton, who went on from stripping to run the Whoopee Club, but was happy to do her old pub routine to the huge loyal audience gathered around the stage. We also had the beautiful Solitaire, horny Rumpshaker, twirling Sunny, and amazing Mouse. Mouse was her most full-on, with a high energy show of madness: cow’s milk straight from the udder, Catherine-Wheel squirting, sliding off the stage and self-fisting-up-the-jacksy. Guests who had travelled the world and seen all the top shows told us this was the most amazing act they had ever seen. Tuppy sat at the front screaming with delight.

After Mouse’s endless mess had been cleaned up, the Café Shebeen transformed itself once more into place of magical erotic energy that was felt by everyone.

The finalists in the Erotic Awards included some very brave and talented winners:

ARTISTS OF THE YEAR Jan Willemsen , a gay Dutch artist who creates Bosch-like miniatures of playful cocks, shared the prize with London based fashion/fine art photographer Alice Hawkins .

CAMPAIGNER OF THE YEAR was won by Backlash who are campaigning against the new government proposals to ban extreme pornography. The award was collected by Demolition Red .

CLUB OF THE YEAR was a toss up between Olympia Moments , the stripper-run stag club, Starkers London’s naked disco which has been having to fight the authorities to survive, and Candy Bar , London’s only licensed striptease club for lesbians. The winner was Olympia Moments.

FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR was won by designers of striptease outfits, Ooh La La !

FILM OF THE YEAR was won by the French gay porn producer Jean Claude Cadinot for his erotically immaculate Nomades series, although judges also loved the other films: the wild and fabulous French feature film Choses Secretes and the latest alternative American porno from Libido Films, Trial Run .

INNOVATION OF THE YEAR was Crochet My Crotch – a website offering cheeky and charming crocheted vaginas.

THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD was given to three heroes: 74-year-old Irena Ionesco , the charismatic and influential French erotic photographer; Sunset Strip , the ancient Soho striptease theatre of great repute; and writer, publisher and thinker William Levy .

PERFORMANCE ARTIST OF THE YEAR was Lily Dumont , for her stylishly experimental dances.
The successful gallery owner Jamie Robertson became PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2006 with intimate photos of his wife taken on visits while she lived far away from him in Japan.

Agent Provocateur ‘s new swanky short story volumes Secrets and Confessions won PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR with their beautiful tales, bindings, ribbons and end papers.

FEMALE STRIPPER OF THE YEAR was presented to Chiqui for the fabulous acts she has performed for us and her flamboyant speech at the Sexual Freedom Conference.

Pru was crowned FEMALE SEX WORKER OF THE YEAR because of her humility, tenacity and devotion to her work.

Chris-Student was crowned MALE SEX WORKER OF THE YEAR for all his kindness, campaigning, public speaking and good looks.

WEBSITE OF THE YEAR was given to Bent Voices , a lively site for disabled gay men.

The black writer Angela Campion won WRITER OF THE YEAR for her book Scandalous published by Brown Skin Books.

Outsiders elected to crown the disabled artist Alison Lapper with the Outsiders Award .

We were flattered to have the help of Adam and Mel of Melanies UK Swingers website, in the Sensuality Chamber, and even more grateful when they pledged to sponsor the Ball financially from now on. We plan to use the cash to pay for a floor manager and to make our venues totally wheelchair accessible and disability friendly. We are now in search of the perfect venue.

We would like to thank all our guests for coming along, and apologise for the venue’s slow cloakroom, and the lack of space for people using wheelchairs. Thanks go to the guests who allowed us to take photos for this website. And finally, we must thank our teams of volunteers for their very hard work and integrity, for which they must feel proud, particularly those troopers who were still packing up on the Sunday afternoon: Paul, Eddie, Steve, Mick, Stevie and Tuppy.

See you next year.

The end result – the Night of the Senses 2005 – was carved, culminating in a last minute gush of energy before that moment when we welcomed the guests inside, perhaps feeling very shy, to meet their high hopes and provide them with the most exciting night of their lives.

First there were the world’s most inventive and inspired talented people: finalists in the Erotic Awards. They were exhibited in the Gallery and the performers took part in the Awards Show on stage. Winners were presented with a Golden Flying Penis Trophy. The show was presented by disabled actor Mat Fraser and the Flying Penis Trophies presented by last year’s winners, assisted by the beautiful striptease artist, Solitaire. This was the 12th Erotic Awards

ARTIST OF THE YEAR was won by The Secret Museum – a tantalising erotic maze on the web – take a peek onwww.thesecretmuseum.net

CAMPAIGNER OF THE YEAR was won by the UK Network of Sex Work Projects who have just received lottery funding to set up a centre in Manchester to coordinate their work protecting the welfare of sex workers

CLUB OF THE YEAR was a toss up between Rude Revels in the Midlands, Fun 4 Two in North London and Lost Vagueness . Lost Vagueness won for bringing quality erotic performance into vogue

FASHION DSIGNER OF THE YEAR was won by fashion college leaver
Carley Hague for her deep sea bondage floating mini dresses

The FEATURE FILM winner was the delightful Spanish hardcore film Torremolinos 73 and the INDEPENDENT FILM winner was the fabulous Canadian student production Made in Secret – the Story of the East Van Porn Collective

The 2005 INNOVATION is Boutique Boutique – a new commercial initiative helping women act out their fantasies

The 2005 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT was won by 75 year old Betty Dodson – World Mistress of Female Masturbation – who sent a message from New York to wish us many happy orgasms

Al Batros won the PERFORMANCE category with her profound portrayal of her personal erotic fantasy, enacted on a trapeze

The successful photographer Jonathan Root who has taken the sex world by storm, became PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2005

Britain’s posh erotic photographer Bob Carlos Clark won PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR with his beautiful album Shooting Sex which features his desires and struggles

Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium was presented with the SPECIAL JUDGES AWARD -for being the best sex shop in town

The decision to award the FEMALE STRIPPER OF THE YEAR was almost more than the judges could make, but in the end they decided on Ima Doll . The MALE STRIPPER was named – Sunny / Snake Boy

Kim Smilie Kitten was crowned SEX WORKER as a result of her tesimony about her work, helping clients feel better about their bodies, especially obese men
Leona & Tommy of FuckForForest travelled from Germany to pick up their award for WEBSITE www.fuckforforest.com which is a porn site giving all its funds to save the forests

The Australian gay writer Andy Quan won WRITER OF THE YEAR and the OUTSIDERS AWARD went to the half-Greek social secretary of Outsiders’ beautiful Social Secretary, Sophia, who has cerebral palsy, won the Outsiders Award

After the Awards, our favourite many-times winner Mouse officially opened the Ball and everyone disappeared off to explore.

Tuppy’s second secret of success is to provide an erotic dynamic where survival depends on providing the opportunity for guests to entertain and play with each other, whilst raising money for Outsiders. This year, £6,500 was raised for the charity.

Star rooms: Roissy Dungeon – an enclosure where players were given the equipment and space to live out their fantasies and the ordinary mortals watch on in amazement. Then there was the Sensuality Chamber, a vast boudoir with soft, silky surfaces and musicians serenading, jamming to the love-making. It made a most enchanting sight from the holes in Peep Alley, and was a mind-boggling experience for those inside.

This year’s new spaces included the Spiritual Salon, a beautiful temple of love created by Charlotte, the female-only Breast Fondling Booth, the Room of the Senses, Kidnap Cavern, the Observatory, the Climax Clinic which featured three VX1 Female Orgasm Machines, the Extreme Sex Platform, and the Orgone Energy Accumulator.

The Night of the Senses was a maze of laughter and sexual activity all night long, with a sweet, mostly young crowd who had gathered from all over the world. There were so many stories but perhaps the most bizarre was the trombone player peeing into the Piddling Pool for five minutes while he continued to play his trombone.

One couple emailed days later to say, “It was an amazing experience, a perfect sensual evening with so many sexy and friendly people. we thought the atmosphere created was incredibly calm and non-threatening, it was beautiful. Both of us were first timers to your event and left definitely wanting more! My partner has not had any sexual experience with other couples and so this was a bit of a soft introduction to see if she felt comfortable with the situation. I guess we were both a bit apprehensive before the show but were soon at ease among such kind, erotic people. In the end, we got so intoxicated by the sexy young people around us that we ended up in the sensuality chamber having sex with each other whilst about 30 other couples were doing the same thing! It’s an experience we won’t forget in a hurry! So thank you. It was really liberating, empowering and left us with big smiles on our faces!”.

After months of preparation and gathering of guests, the big doors of the SeOne Club finally opened to allow the busy, excited queue to enter through the glittering foyer. The very first Night of the Senses was about to commence.

Everyone was looking wonderful in gorgeous colours and sensual, sexy and sometimes hilarious outfits. We always get the usual dashing doctors, rubber nurses, angels, princesses and fairies, but this time there was a new graciousness – shimmering silk and flowing chiffon.

Our new image attracted a full-on young crowd eager for sexual adventures, a delightful bunch who were absolutely no trouble, and the stewards had no hassles whatsoever.

Guests were welcomed at the Hospitality Lounge where hostesses Viv, Ice and Julia soothingly pointed lost souls in the right direction, answering queries and reassuring the nervous and shy. Guests made their way through the playroom to look at the Erotic Awards Exhibition before talking their seats for the 2004 Erotic Awards Show. See www.erotic-awards.co.uk.

Once the Awards were over, our guests were eager to party, whether they came alone or with friends, and there was plenty in store for them. The Room of the Senses provided a multitude of non-visual sensory experiences, and the Tactile Fashion Show offered everyone the pleasure of touching models’ garments in a wide range of fabrics and textures. Many of the models were disabled: Mr Wool in his wheelchair wore a fleece which I had recently sheered from one of my sheep; Miss Fluffball glided along trussed up in pink pompoms; Mr Leather held leather comfort-balls in his hands and, led by one arm around the auditorium (he is blind), left his wide leather chaps precariously suspended by chance and gravity. Miss Winceyette felt so cosy that, after everyone had snuggled her, she just sat down and sucked her thumb. This fashion show was a repeat from the Outsiders 25th Anniversary celebration at the Landmark Hotel in London a couple of weeks earlier.

The Playroom was a vast arena of experimental eroticism, with the choice of soft, medium or hard. The Rubber Wall held up under the strain of bodies, and the Medical Area played host to examinations of the most intimate parts by sexy doctors and nurses. And not forgetting the Piss Pool, where one young man was rained over by a very eager young lady.

Favourite spots were the Infinity Dome – always busy because the people inside can see their reflections on the walls. The love nest in Fosit’s Café Shabeen was never empty – his entire room was a smoochy light show, smelling of Frankincense and throbbing with pleasure! One of our most popular rooms was the Anything Goes Room run by Stunners. They created a spiritual lounge where guests placed requests under the Clitoris Stone and were given the time of their lives under the magical touch of Charlotte and her Sixth Sense Oil. Fresh fruit and cream could be eaten off Polly’s pretty body and couples chilled in erotic embraces in the corner.

GongBong set the Dance Room on fire with his non-stop lyrical rhythms and luscious porn projections. The icing on the cake was a fixed pole that attracted swirls of skirts and legs at ever-changing angles.

At midnight the cabaret began, and we were surprised at how many people lapped up the entertainment. It began with the Tactile Fashion Show and then focused on the stage, MC’d by Timon from The Erotic Review. Highlights included UKRudeGirl having the fire from her arse put out by the spurts from Mouse’s anal enema, and Rumpshaker’s classic strip where he placed his wanger through a hole in a towel where Marilyn Monroe’s mouth opened. Sedek’s show was a tri-sensual delight. These world-class hard-core acts were punctuated with poetry and song from Timon’s Gods and Goddesses Travelling Circus.

A Shrine had been set up in the Sensuality Chamber in memory of Swing2Us Dean who, very sadly, had a heart attack earlier in the year, leaving Mattie and their two children. Candles were administered by our Candlemaster, Ron Briefel.

Overheard from a guest whose partner agreed to suck his cock while they were happily swamped in a pile of bodies, “Darling, that’s not mine!”

A beautiful piece of performance art entitled The World Wide Web filled a huge corner of the main room, featuring Gwenita Lamores and Gregory Scott-Gurner. For several hours, the naked Gwenita crocheted a white thread which was woven into a web by Gregory until the couple were completely bound. With one snip, the web collapsed to create the perfect wedding dress on Gwenita’s body. This was crochet engineering erotic-style, enhanced by ultraviolet lighting, gracious movement, and a certain tension. The couple repeated the performance days latter at the Liverpool Biennial Art Show.

The dungeon, kindly donated and meticulously managed by Roissy Workshops, was declared to be the best dungeon in London. It certainly looked grand with spectacular equipment well spaced so that whips could crack wide. Voyeurs were confined to the outer circle.

Jon Edge’s Photo Booth was a bustling boudoir of posing, pouting and poking. This was the only photo area so, with mobile phones banned from the event, everyone felt confident that the rest of the Ball was completely camera-free.

Everywhere you looked, there were bodies and minds enjoying one another, intense conversations, raucous laughter and passionate sex. People were chatting, snoozing, gazing and shagging side by side, as is if this were quite normal – which of course it is not.

By 5am, I felt I had worked long enough and decided that what I would really love to do was suck off the cello player as he was jamming in the Sensuality Chamber. My friend Catasha urged me on: “Go for it gal,” so I entered the Chamber, tiptoed up to him and whispered in his ear “Can I suck your dick?” “You can give it a go,” he murmured under his breath. I knelt, undid his flies and positioned my head between his stomach and cello, his beautiful erection tucked in my mouth. The flautist raised and lowered the tempo as the two continued their duet, and I felt his buttocks tremble, and heard puffs and pants over the plucking of cello strings. At five to six precisely, he tensed, shouted out and spurted his white hot triumph all over his cello whilst still playing, and the music crescendoed. Cheers and applause could be heard all over the Ball. I blushed as he bent down to say hello. That was the first ever time I’ve had sex at the Ball and certainly worth the wait of 18 years. Mr Cello turned out to be a conductor, hence being able to do so many different things at once!

Here are some quotes from some of the many guests who wrote to thank us:

“The first Ball I attended changed my life – I had entered feeling shame about my desires and came out with my head high. I became a better person. This year I returned to once again enjoy my sexuality with honesty and gratitude. This is where I feel most at home.”
Charlotte of Café Alice

“Emma advised me to come in a skirt with nothing underneath, and we had the first dick-fight (of a few). I had a fab time – really friendly and up-for-it people – mind (and cock) expanding.”

“Fantastic erotic extravaganza. The energy which had been put into making the party look and feel lovely, evolved into an incredible sexual energy amongst us. Totally inspirational – with opportunities to see amazing sex close up and watch people soar into ecstasy.”

“As a newly married couple, the Night of the Senses proved to be a gentle exploration of our erotic fantasies and a wonderful opportunity to reveal a healthy fun-loving sexuality we previously thought necessary to repress.”

“We have attended the event three times now and have had a different, but powerful experience every time. More Please!”

“I had a fantastic time at the Night of the Senses, where I won the Stripper of the Year Award (even though I am an amateur). After the presentation on stage, I was able to enjoy the other pleasures of the night. In the ‘Anything Goes’ Room, I became a true exhibitionist with my beautiful and incredibly sexy friend Vicky, taking advantage of the sumptuous chocolate and soft fresh fruit provided in the boudoir, to paint each other before having fantastic strap-on sex together, with an audience of probably about 30 voyeurs…. Fabulous! What an excellent night.”
The Painted Lady x

“We came as a group of six: two long-time fans, two thirty-something swingers who had not been to a Ball before and two forty-somethings, who had never been to anything like this ever, and whose eyes were out on stalks just about as soon as we entered. I thought the layout was much better than last year – and everything just seemed to work: the Erotic Awards ran to time, the disco was fab, there was lots of space to chill out and meet new people. We all had a great time. We particularly liked the performance art – the girl being carefully ‘knitted’ into a spiders web – and the Sensuality Chamber. The great thing about the Night of the Senses is that it works at so many levels – our swinging couple were off-and-at-it as soon as the Awards were over, our virgins spent ages at the performance art and just wondering around before tentatively going into the Sensuality Chamber and staying on the sidelines – and they still didn’t fuck – they just soaked up the atmosphere and marveled at what was going on around them.”

“Members of our group all left at different times, and by the end, I was left on my own and peeping through the peep-holes of the Sensuality Chamber, I saw a sight that made me stand riveted to the spot. A simply stunning brunette was naked and giving her boyfriend a blowjob, nothing unusual in that, but he was lying on a raised bed and she was arched over him – the curve of her back was like a sculpture and her bum the best I have ever seen. Then they turned over and he fucked her from behind – the spectacle was so impressive that a big crowd gathered around them. I’m sure the image will live with me for ever.”

“So it was a simply fantastic night, and it proved, more than ever, that The Night of the Senses is for everyone – the hardened swingers, the first timers, the young, the old (our party ranged from 30 to 74!) – everyone who wants the opportunity to explore their own sensuality and watch others do the same.”

“And as a footnote, a few weeks later, our little group got together again and surprise, surprise, the shy forty-something Ball virgin not only had her first taste of non-marital sex and the longest fellate any of us can remember, but was taking the lead and setting couplings up. Talk about letting go! The change in her was unbelievable – and it would never had happened without the Night of the Senses. We all can’t wait till the next one.”
Boblet and friends