The Laird invites you to AWOL — a week of leather and fetish, Laird style. AWOL is about providing an array of events which appeal to the leather and fetish enthusiast, as well as those interested in this lifestyle.
In 2011, the Laird & VAC/GMHC were proud to open A.W.O.L. with the Northside Bizarre, which was such a huge success there's no way couldn't make it an ongoing part of A.W.O.L.
Other A.W.O.L. 2011 events included: Get Knotted, an intimate bondage session hosted by Laurie Lane; High Shine, where we presented Spit N Polish with a twist; Laird Leatherman 2011, where we crowned Luke Moon as the winner; and Code Black, the party to end it all. AWOL 2012 will run from Sunday 5—Saturday 11 August, and promises to be a great way for all leather and fetish men to come together. Our aim is to ensure all AWOL events are free or by gold coin donation, excluding www.codeblackparty.com.au, which is a fundraiser for our Laird Leatherman travel fund. The remainder of the funds go towards the state of the art laser lighting & unique decor which will ensure the event grows to become a staple part of Melbourne's dance party scene.
If you want to get involved in A.W.O.L, have suggestions or a sponsorship opportunity for AWOL, please email us at contact@lairdhotel.com
Northside Bizarre pics by Steven Edwards/samesame.com.au
Laird Leatherman pics by Carmine Caputo
On Sunday 7th August the Laird was transformed into an auction house & leather market to mark the start of A.W.O.L — our week of leather and fetish.
This exciting new event saw a collaboration between the VAC/GMHC & the Laird for an all—inclusive community event. Northside Bizarre's aim was to raise funds for David Williams Fund and JOY 94.9, and the mission was accomplished, with the final tally getting just over the $15,000 mark.
Some of Melbourne's major players in leather & fetish joined us to provide a charity auction with a twist. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the venue, leather & fetish enthusiasts sold their pre—loved gear to those seeking a bargain entry point to the leather & fetish lifestyle, or enthusiasts looking to add to their collection.
And of course, in the Beer Garden, the JOY 94.9 crew cooked up a storm on the BBQ. Brett & Mark would like to take this chance to thank our staff (you guys rock), the punters, stall holders, guest auctioneers, JOY 94.9 & DWF staff & volunteers, Tex McKenzie, and of course, the man behind the scenes who kept it all together, Gus McDonald.
Northside Bizarre will return in 2012 as the opening event of A.W.O.L. 5-12 August.
Northside Bizarre pics by Steven Edwards/samesame.com.au