Manchester Alternative and Burlesque Fair 12/10/2013

This review has taken me far too long to write. After a period of particularly poor health, stress and loss in my family, I simply haven't had the time I needed to write at my normal standard. But finally, here is my review of the Manchester Alternative and Burlesque Fair. All images used are with permission of the Photographer; Elizabeth McDonald (whose company I had the pleasure of that day) and Heresy 'n' Heelz. These images must not be used without permission.

Every person has their vice; be that shopping for new clothes, good food, watching a lovingly crafted dance routine, a warm and welcoming atmosphere or a latex clad lady selling a wide array of dildos in all the colours of the rainbow. For me, you can check all of the above. Now, finding somewhere that encompasses all my vices in one place would seem an impossible task, which has been accomplished by the absolutely incredible Manchester Alternative and Burlesque fair, hosted and organised by Heresy ‘n’ Heelz in. I have attended several of these events now, and wanted to share with you my experiences of the October 2013 Manchester fair.

Upon entering the venue (conveniently situated just a few minutes’ walk from Oxford Road Train Station) the first thought that occurred to me was an overwhelming sensation of belonging. Feeling completely and utterly accepted, whatever I looked like or wherever I had come from. I think that a large part of this is the close relationship the event has with The Sophie Lancaster Foundation; a charity very close to my heart that is dedicated to the acceptance of alternative peoples, fighting for our rights. 

  My first purchase of the day was a T-Shirt from the Foundation’s stall, emblazoned with the hard hitting message “Weirdo. Mosher. Freak. If only they’d stop at name calling” (as can be seen in the top right of the photo).

The second thing to pique my interests were the fantastic smells from the first floor. A mixture of hot drinks from the well-stocked bar of the Soundcontrol Venue, delicious cakes of all kinds from the two (yes, TWO!) food stalls, and the scent of a warm, slow cooked chilli bubbling away. There was a fantastic range of food available at the venue, from cupcakes to pastries, meaty chilli to vegan pastries. In a manner that reflects the ethos of the fair, there was something for every taste.

 Within the first hour I had fulfilled two of the devils on my shoulder, and with some time before the first of many fantastic performances that day, Liz and I ventured into the stalls for more indulgence.

One stall at the top of my list is the incredible Kiku Corset Boutique, ran by the incredibly talented Lynn Mckay.

(One of Lynn’s stunning creations, a Steampunk Inspired corset, handmade by Kiku boutique.)

Lynns designs range from the fabulous and fantasy, to daringly sexy and simple classics, but the love and attention to each fine detail is obvious from the second you see one of her pieces. 

A lovely extra surprise with this event was being able to meet a personal inspiration; Lotti Bella, who was modelling for Kiku Corset Boutique that day. Lotti is such a versatile and talented model, with classic beauty and a personality a sweet as her smile and mind as sharp as the spikes on her corset.

Another of my favourite stores was Kalandra Jane Designs, who specialise in Burlesque and Retro Millinery and accessories. This adorable little display says it all!

 Something I would strongly suggest checking out would be the Cellar of Sin. The variety of products is incredible, with toys to tantalise all tastes, but what I found most pleasing was the attitudes of all the stallholders. Each one believes so heartily in all of their products, happy to answer questions as well as ask them to find the best product for you. There is no shame in the Cellar of Sin, which is the way it should be. The stallholders openly discuss their own favourites and techniques without a care in the world, knowing every little thing about their stock, the way every shop owner should act. They all made me feel so welcome, an attitude that is prevalent throughout the Alternative and Burlesque Fairs.

 (The stallholder for the Kinky Pink Furniture stall, selling all types of bondage and kink equipment, had a particularly friendly and warm attitude; I could’ve spent hours talking to him alone!)

(Just a small display of the different types of insertable lovelies on offer at just one of the many stalls.)

At regular intervals throughout the day, we were graced by incredible performances from the Pole Dance and Aerial students of Blush Dance Studios and the Ministry of Burlesque: Movers and Shakers group, presented by the engaging and ardent Kieron O’Toole.  

Being an Intermediate level Pole Dancer myself, I just adored the show of strength and grace from the oh-so-talented ladies of Blush. Their fluid movements making every pose look effortless, which is actually far from the truth, as Pole Dance and Aerial Hoops/silks are actually really intensive full body work outs, which take a lot of practice and perseverance. Anyone in the Stockport and Manchester areas should get in touch to book a class; they also teach Burlesque, which is a fantastic way of increasing confidence and teaches body positivity to everyone. 

 (Pole dance performance from Blush Studio.) 

(Blush's Juniper Crush, demonstrating the lighter side of Burlesque)

(The gorgeous Snow Pin-Up performing a 

classic Burlesque routine.) 

(The charming and amusing Kieron O'Toole)

But the headliner of the show was the breath-taking Natsumi Scarlett. Natsumi is a classically trained dancer, who travelled from Amsterdam to perform a small number of shows. 

Those who know me know it’s not very often that I’m left speechless, however, trying to describe the emotions raised by Natsumi’s unbelievable skill and beauty has me lost for words (her final performance of the day had me silently choking down tears). Her choreography and costumes alone are so moving; she is truly an artist. If you ever see her name on a line-up, please make sure you see her. I had the pleasure of talking to her briefly at the end of the day, and she is such a humble soul who has so much passion for what she does, which shows with every step she takes on stage.

The Alternative and Burlesque Fairs are a hard thing for me to summarise… So I’ll just say this:

There are few places I can feel truly comfortable with being myself, the Alternative and Burlesque Fairs are one of them.