Heresy n Heelz Alternative & Burlesque Fair birthday revisit

Slinky Sparkles. Copyright photofairground, used with permission

I mentioned in the Journal’s birthday post that the Alternative & Burlesque Fair was my first official press event, so I thought it fitting that, as they were back in Sheffield so close to the anniversary, I would pay them another visit and I’m ever so glad that I did.

The first time I went to the Alternative & Burlesque Fair in Sheffield, it was held in the Corporation nightclub. The market was separated from the burlesque dancing, so that when a performance was on, everyone trooped out to watch leaving the traders twiddling their thumbs.

Interestingly, it coincides with the 1 year anniversary of the Journal that Heresy & Heelz are using a new venue in Sheffield and this was the first time they tried it out. The Foundry and Fusion is a bar and dance area in the SU building of the University. Situated across the road from Firth Court – the big red brick, castle looking building – and keeping company with the likes of the Octagon centre.

The Fair is packed into one room which makes it a lot more interesting to look at. It’s a lot more cosy yet the traders seem to have more space. It’s darker, which suits the atmosphere perfectly and it’s cooler because of the brand new air conditioning system.

Steampunk stall. Copyright photofairground, used with permission

Regular traders were there as well as a steampunk stand in the shape of Pat Osborne. I also got to meet Simon Bailey and Karen Dore. We all seemed to flock together in between photographing the performances.

Burlesque performances were provided by internationally known and extremely lovely Slinky Sparkles and up and coming Tahlullah Manhattan. Blush dance Studios were also there to show us some pole art and aerial performances.

Cheekington cheeky gifts. Copyright photofairground, used with permission

An interesting trader that was new to me but has been going to a couple of the Fairs is John Cooper from Cheekington. First of all, I adore the name. His stand was adorned with what he calls “beautifully cheeky gifts” such as table mats and coasters. Of course, it’s not them that are cheeky, it’s the content of the design. You see, John will supply them with superb images of burlesque dancers. Alternatively, you can select different images or even supply your own. The photographs he had on display are taken by a photographer that he knows and they are wonderfully shot. If you want to know more about this product, I recommend you visit his website cheekington.co.uk

Cheekington products. Copyright photofairground, used with permission

Music was provided by the ever wonderful Paul DoMaster and compering by the fiendish Kieron O’Toole.

If you’ve not been to the Alternative & Burlesque Fair, then I suggest you give it a go. It’s not all chains and masks, but they’re there if you want. The great thing about events such as these is that no-one judges you. You can go dressed up in liquid latex or jeans and jumper and no-one will bat an eyelid.

You can learn more about the Alternative & Burlesque Fair on their website here:

The Alternative & Burlesque Fair

Or you can follow them on Facebook:

Alternative & Burlesque Fair Facebook

All photography is copyright photofairground, used with permission