When we get an invite (or is that a proposition?) at LeatherWest, we’re more than excited!

We are not used to getting invites to attend things. So when the opportunity arose to go to Leather Pride Belgium 2014 in Antwerp we jumped at the chance.

Now, not so local, you might think. However, we soon realised that the opportunity to have a peek behind the scenes would help us in developing the leather community here in the west.

So we’ll be hitting to road to Antwerp on a “fact finding mission”. Of course, we also hope to ‘engage’ with leathermen from across Europe to see their take on the event and to build connections and lasting friendships.

Belgian Leather Pride started just five years ago and has grown from a hub of events around a few bars to a much bigger, broader and more inclusive event. The day time events all take place in a hanger style environment in the docklands of the City, named “Darklands” - a first for this kind of event. Image the buzz when everything is under one roof from workshops, socials, bars to vendor and second-hand markets. All topped off with the Mr Belgian leather title contest.

Some of these things LeatherWest has already done (our Leather Market for example) but we are always keen to learn from others, so we’ll be seeking out tips for improvement. Other events we’re interested in doing ourselves in the future. We’ve got plenty of work to do - so it won’t all be fun!

We also hear two BLUF members from Bristol will be hosting the BLUF meet and social in Antwerp on the Saturday afternoon. They have the BLUF flag and ready to hoist it high! Well done men! Do Bristol proud.

Of course, we’ll be meeting lots of people, going behind the scenes and finding out the news you won’t find elsewhere. So make sure you catch up with us on Twitter and also search for #LeatherPrideBelgium. We’ll also post on Facebook and give you guys a special full report after we get back.

For more on Leatherpride, check out the festival’s online magazine, website, Facebook page and promo video.

For more on Darklands, check the event’s online magazine and website.