A controversial naked walk is set to take place in Birmingham this weekend, despite concerns from local residents. West Midlands Police and the city council have confirmed they are aware of the planned naturist event, which is due to start on Harborne’s Queen’s Park Road, near a children’s play area, on Saturday, September 6.
The council has clarified that it has not endorsed the gathering following concerns expressed by a councillor reflecting community worries. The ‘West Midlands Naturist Association’ is organising the walk, which is scheduled to begin at 11.30am.
The group previously claimed it had received council approval for the event – a claim the authority has now denied. Posters advertising the event, shared online by the group, falsely claimed it was ‘council approved’.
Councillor Sam Forsyth expressed her hope that the event was a “joke”, a “hoax” or a “very early April Fool’s”. She said: “It’s causing quite a big concern. I walk my dog there.”
A petition to ‘keep Birmingham streets family-friendly’ has been launched in response to the event, but so far has fewer than ten signatures, reports Birmingham Live.
City environment boss Coun Majid Mahmood confirmed today that the council had no involvement with the gathering other than being aware it was happening.
He stated: “While we are aware of the walk, and have liaised with West Midlands Police about it, the council has not approved or endorsed the gathering. We have advised organisers that this is not an ‘event’ with council-backing and they have now agreed to remove our logo from any material.”
West Midlands Police confirmed they had been informed about the event but clarified they had no authority to either deny or grant permission. A spokesperson for the force said: “Events of this type do not require police approval and police have no powers to either deny or grant permission.”
However, the West Midlands Naturist Association contradicted this in an email sent to us yesterday, claiming the event had been “fully approved by the council”.
They said: “The walk is taking place to raise awareness about naturism and to promote body positivity. It’s the most rewarding gift we can give to ourselves.
“Basically, we are all born a naturist and along the way the social conditions begin to affect our lives. Naturism is rediscovering yourself and connecting to nature.
“We are part of nature just like the birds and the trees. We need to take care of each other and thrive. Public nudity is legal in UK and it’s only illegal if it’s intended to cause harm to others.
“Naturism is simply living without artificial additives such as clothes. The only thing offensive about nudity are the uneducated who oppose the most natural human state as something obscene.
“Through the years insecurities and mixed media as well as fashion didn’t help. It’s time we reclaim who we are.”
