Well, erm, this should make for an interesting discussion, ha ha.
Scotland are to host their first ever Festival of the Erotic Arts. In other words: a big old bondage fest.
According to reports, there will be a "sado-masochists’ dungeon and a workshop on bondage for beginners." Apparently people taking part are set to be "degraded" but the festival organizers have defended this saying: "Some people get off on being degraded."
Um, ha ha...well. Apparently this festival has attracted a lot of complaint and criticism from locals as well as MPs. They are not happy this is taking place and are worried about the type of people it will attract and what it will do to tourism in the area.
But what do you think?
This is a free country, right? Things like this are allowed to take place if there is demand?
Or is it totally wrong in your opinion and should be banned?
Would you ever think about attending something like this?! Or are you completely appalled by the entire idea?
Be brave and respond!
2012, March 12 - 3:56pm
I don't think it should be banned, it may not be too everybody's taste, but off the little knowledge I know of the BDSM community, everything is consensual and those taking part always discuss what they are comfertable with.
I can understand that locals may not be fond of this sort of thing taking part on their doorstep, but I don't it's a reflection of Scotland as a whole, it's just an event that happens to be taking place in Scotland.
If anything they should be oddly proud that they have an event like this to add to Scotland's ever growing portfolio of varied events, from the historic career launching comedy festivals in Edinburgh and Glasgow, right across to the sell out T In The Park and Rockness, I think a little sex festival would fit right in haha!
2012, March 13 - 4:53pm
If you don't like it, then don't go.
No one is forcing you to go. Makes me laugh that MP's are not happy...half of them are into weird kinky stuff anyways...thought it would be right up their street! Lets face it, you wouldn't bring your kids, but if that is what you are into then so long as you are safe and all that...go for it/
I don't think I would attend it personally. I think I would be intimidated by all the black leather and whips, not really my thing. But I wouldn't judge anyone for sharing in a little erotica.
Maybe that is the wrong thing to say. I don't know. I am keen to hear what other people think. Perhaps it is unfair to those around...if it is in a rural area then it could be tough on the locals. I would imagine a festival like this would be better suited in a real urban environment such as London, Bristol or Manchester. Somewhere, where sex shops, burlesque and erotica is not an uncommon thing to see at clubs, streets. Does that make sense?
2012, March 15 - 7:44pm
HA HA! Oh man, I laughed so much at your MP comment Kizza! SO SO TRUE! They are probably salivating at the mouth really, ha ha!
I agree with you both - I am not against this at all. It must be all aboveboard and legal as it would not be allowed to go ahead in the first place otherwise!
To be honest - I think the world needs to stop being so anti-sex! Sex (presuming it is safe, etc etc) is better than violence, right? Gosh I sound like such a hippy - but seriously, make love not war! Ha ha!
The only thing I would slightly dispute is the fact it is taking place in a rural area. I mean, if I was a parent, I guess I would not want my kids potentially being exposed to something like that. So I can understand the locals concern. But then again, I am sure that the organizers are going about it respectfully enough and won't be sticking up posters of people in bondage gear throughout the town, ha ha! But yeh, I agree with you Kizza, I think they should have held it in a more urban area where there is a sex shop presence, etc. Like Soho or something...not to stereotype Soho and all ha ha.
2012, March 22 - 3:05am
Wow, have you checked the schedule of this festival? It's hardly a "big old bondage fest" It's a tasteful art exhibition with various performance, cabaret and clubbing events happening around it. I expect someone has been rehashing the words of the local tabloid.
Edinburgh is major European capital city, it can handle it. Kinda patronising that you think it can't It has already had regular Torture Garden events running successfully for four years. Judging by the current marketing direction of the event it'll in far better taste than the sexually confused posters of scantily clad ladies currently dotted around the city to advertise grubby clubbing events.
Possibly no need to say this, but I'm pro this event. In fact I'm excited about it and am glad its happening somewhere outside of London - for once I don't need to travel to go to an erotic art expo.
2012, March 22 - 10:25am
So true, and even if it was a big ole bondage fest, as Kizza said earlier if you don't like it, you don't have to go.
I think it's great and bold that a festival like this is happening, and I actually think Edinburgh is a great place for this to happen, you guys have such a great selection of cultural events happening up there, I think something like this broadens the already great selection you have!
If you do go Turakitten let us know how it goes!
2012, March 22 - 7:09pm
I am glad to hear that we are all very open minded here at WikiFestivals.
That said, I understand why there are concerns. Namely from a female standpoint. As long as females are not objectified (unwillingly) in anyway, then that is okay. But I do worry women become objectified, more so than men in some cases. Does that make sense?
That is just a small concern though, and I am not accusing this festival personally of such a thing.
What do we think about the festival using words like "torture" though? Is that too far? Could they have gone about it a bit more subtly?
Not to sound like a newb, but what DO people do at these festivals? Like, do they watch people...ahem...having bondage sex? Ha ha. Or like. Just people being whipped and things?
Or can you actually partake in it yourself? Like not just be a spectator but partake in the 'bondage'?
Ha ha, I admit, I am new to this stuff!
Great to hear we have someone attending here on the forum! I hope you give us feedback!