LONDON (AP) — Scores of Londoners descended into the Underground on Sunday afternoon, shedding their trousers to participate in the Official No Trousers Tube Ride. The event, now an annual tradition, serves no greater purpose other than to bring some lightheartedness to the gloomy midwinter season.
Led by ringleader Dave Selkirk, a 40-year-old personal trainer, participants gathered at the entrance to Chinatown before embarking on their journey. Despite the chilly weather, the group of clothing rebels made their way through the icy streets to the Piccadilly Circus Underground station in central London, where they hopped on their first train. However, due to the crowded conditions, some individuals found it challenging to divest themselves of their trousers.
Selfies were snapped, smiles were shared, and tourists looked on in bewilderment as the unconventional scene unfolded. The concept of the No Trousers Tube Ride traces its roots back to a similar stunt initiated by New York-based comedian Charlie Todd in 2002. Todd’s idea was to introduce an element of surprise by having individuals board the subway in the dead of winter, fully clothed except for their pants, or trousers as they are known in London.
The humorous notion quickly gained traction, spreading to various cities worldwide, including Berlin, Prague, Jerusalem, Warsaw, and Washington, D.C. London joined the ranks in 2009 with its inaugural event. Basil Long, a lawyer, exemplified the spirit of the occasion by shedding layers of warm clothing for a more revealing ensemble consisting of a white shirt with vibrant rainbow stripes, pink underwear, and themed Underground socks.
For some participants like Miriam Correa, a 43-year-old chef, the event held a deeper significance. Correa expressed her motivation for joining the ride, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s body irrespective of societal norms. “I am a real woman,” she asserted, underscoring the message of body positivity and self-acceptance amidst a culture that often promotes unrealistic standards.
As the No Trousers Tube Ride continues to draw participants seeking a brief respite from the seriousness of daily life, its founder, Charlie Todd, emphasizes the event’s fundamental purpose of spreading joy and amusement rather than provocation. In a world embroiled in divisive cultural clashes, Todd stresses the importance of fostering a spirit of camaraderie and laughter through lighthearted initiatives like the pantless subway jaunt.
Reflecting on the whimsical nature of the event, participants like Basil Long invoke a sense of spontaneity and adventure, likening their impulsive decision to strip down to the simple question of “why not?” In a world often fraught with constraints and expectations, the No Trousers Tube Ride stands as a testament to the liberating power of embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the absurd.
And so, as the laughter and camaraderie of the trouserless travelers echo through the tunnels of the London Underground
