Touted as the world’s most famous celebration of fetish, Tim Woodward’s Skin Two Rubber Ball 2008 bounced off on the 6th of September with salacious promise of a jam-packed night of music, mischief and mayhem. RedHotPie was excited and proud to be the major sponsor of this iconic international event and we got along to be part of the ride.

Suitably attired in our newly acquired fetish finery we arrived at London Bridge superclub SE-One as it opened its doors at 10pm to a crowd keen to get their fetish groove on. High Street fashion was quickly discarded for cheeky rubber frocks and tighter-than-tight leather pants. This was the night when corporate lawyers transformed magically into latex clad drag queens with a mere wave of a talcum powder bottle.

A strict dress code of rubber, pvc, leather guaranteed that this ball would not be a taffeta and bow-tie affair. Indeed, punters were well advised that lack of appropriate dress would result in a sorry ride back home on the Tube. It certainly gave new meaning to the adage of ‘no rubber, no entry’.

Those who passed the fetish fashionistas’ scrutiny gained access to the inner sanctum where a jazz band welcomed guests in. A quick circumnavigation of the venue revealed many areas playing host to the various acts and attractions that made up the Rubber Ball’s schedule of festivities. Most notably, the Temple of Sin boasted a spectacular repertoire of acts (including acrobatics, burlesque, dance theatre, BDSM and comedy) which took centre stage throughout the night.

Other areas of the venue catered to the various whims of patrons. The F Club provided an exclusive play space for couples who wished to get to know each other more intimately. Sweet Torment’s Dungeon also proved popular with those keen to try their high quality BDSM equipment. The less game were welcome to watch from behind the barriers.

Finally, a ball just wouldn’t be complete without a dance floor and no one was disappointed with the Dance Space where a formidable line-up of local DJs held court. A heady blend of house, trance and electro got the crowd moving well into the wee small hours.

Around 1500 both local and international party goers dressed in all manner of kinky couture made the 08 Rubber Ball a spectacular spectacle of colour and flesh and a nonstop night of intrigue.

Skin Two owner Tim Woodward and his event organizing partner Max W certainly made RHP very welcome with some downright indulgent Rubber Ball hospitality. We also got the opportunity to meet many RHP UK members and made a few new very sexy and very naughty friends throughout the night.

Verdict? The Rubber Ball is simply unmissable, regardless of your level of interest in the fetish world. It’s simply a veritable feast for the eyes and senses. Nothing is OTT at the Rubber Ball and the uninitiated will soon discover that their novice foray into alternative dress-ups is decidedly mainstream.

Just as well you’ve got another year to up the costume ante!