50 Pics From the Biggest Fetish Street Fair In Europe

Folsom Europe was established in 2003 in order to bring the non-profit leather festival concept pioneered by the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco to Europe. In 2005 Berlin called the young event a "difficult case" worrying about issues of decency. Despite all obstacles the organisers held on to the concept and succeded. The infamous then mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, saluted the festival in 2006 with the words: "An event such as Folsom Europe is just right for Berlin: As a meeting point for people from across the world, who visit a tolerant and cosmopolitan city to party and meet with likeminded folks and to raise funds for charitable causes and hence help to overcome prejudices." Today Folsom Europe is supported by the Berlin tourism board and is regarded as the most important leather / fetish street fair in Europe. Since its first year in 2004, Folsom Europe has become a world-famous fetish event with a huge street fair and lots of parties. This year, Europe's largest gay fetish event will take place on the weekend of September 11th-15th at various venues across Berlin. Thousands of guys in leather and fetish gear walk the streets in the Berlin-Schoneberg district. It's a long weekend of fun, freedom, and sleaze in one of the world's most vibrant capitals.

For almost two decades photographer John O'Brien has been heavily involved in the Irish Fetish Community and has been active in the scene there at some of the oldest Clubs. Helping to welcome new and existing members to events in Dublin and organizing sales of second hand gear to help charities and to make fetish gear available at affordable prices.

John was the European Judge at International Mister Leather 2016, Judge at Mr Leather Wales 2017, Mr Leather Europe 2017, Mr Leather Belgium 2018, Tally Master at Mr Leather Belgium 2016 & 2017, and at Mr Puppy Europe 2018. John has also been the head Judge for Mr Bear Ireland in 2018 and 2019.

Well known for attending many Fetish events in Europe and the US with his ever-present camera. John has been a long time goodwill ambassador for the Irish Fetish Community.

Connect with John on Facebook.