Bournemouth | Posted on December 2nd, 2024 | return to news
American Bobcats join vibrant Foxstrut parade through Bournemouth
Foxstrut 2024 attracted nearly 200 strutters, including representatives of the Bobcats American Football Team, who took part in the parade.
The streets of Bournemouth came alive on 29 November as nearly 200 strutters dressed in radiant orange and wearing fox-inspired costumes lit up the town centre for Foxstrut 2024. Among the spirited participants were representatives of the Bobcats American Football Team, complete with their mascot, along with organisations such as Dorset Mind and Bourne-Free.
Co-created by Jayne Jackson and Lorna Rees, Foxstrut is a bold call for safer, more inclusive streets for women, girls, allies, and the LGBTQIA+ community. The event blended activism, art, and celebration into a vibrant spectacle.
Starting and finishing at Horseshoe Common, Foxstrut 2024, stopped at The Branksome in Bournemouth Triangle where the owner, Kris Gumbrell, provided complimentary mince pies and mulled wine.
The event showcased the community’s resilience, solidarity and creativity with the parade delighting onlookers and receiving cheers from the public, including an impromptu shout out from The Rock Choir in the Square.
Key supporters included Arts University Bournemouth, Bournemouth University, Julie Johns MBE and Nicky Robinson, creator of the Footbus app, which empowers people to safely coordinate group travel by foot, bike, or public transport.
Jackson said: “We were overwhelmed by the sheer enthusiasm and support from both strutters and passersby. People stopped, asked questions, and once they understood our mission, every single one of them offered encouragement, thumbs up, cheers, and smiles. It’s proof that Bournemouth stands with us.”
Rees added: “This year was not only bigger, brighter, and bolder but also deeply personal for me as a tribute to my brilliant nan, Maureen, one of the original participants in the Urban Fox photography project that inspired Foxstrut. The atmosphere was joyous, and it’s clear that this town truly embraces what we’re doing.
“Foxstrut is not just an event; it’s a movement. Originating in Bournemouth, it now inspires similar events across the UK. With its message of reclaiming public spaces and rejecting victim-blaming, Foxstrut is a powerful force for change.
“This is just the beginning. We’re seeing interest from other towns and cities wanting to join the Foxstrut family. Together, we can create safer, more inclusive streets nationwide.”
Jackson and Rees expressed thanks to all who supported Foxstrut 2024 and contributed to its success.
“Reclaiming the streets is about more than safety; it’s about visibility, community, and joy,” Jackson concluded. “We’re deeply moved by everyone who joined us in making this year’s Foxstrut truly unforgettable.”
For information on upcoming events or how to bring Foxstrut to your community, visit the Instagram account @foxstrutUK
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