Laura Reynolds

The No Trousers Tube Ride Returns Next Weekend

The No Trousers Tube Ride 2019. Photo: Samantha Rea

If you go down to the tube next week, you're sure of a big surprise.

By 'next week', we specifically mean 12 January, and by 'surprise' we mean dozens of people with no trousers on. That's right, it's that time of year again when the No Trousers Tube Ride comes to town.

It's the 11th time the event has happened in London, deriving from the No Pants Subway Ride in New York. Lest there be any confusion between the American and British names for the event, you may take your trousers off, but are very much required to keep your undergarments on at all times.

The London event is hosted by the Stiff Upper Lip Society, and anyone's welcome to join in. Gather at the meeting place in Chinatown, where the organisers will split the participants into groups. Then, it's into Leicester Square station, whipping your trousers off once you're safely underground —leaving jumpers, coats, hats, scarves, shoes and other garments on. Board a train with your fellow NTTR-ers, and act nonchalant as passers-by gawp or giggle.

Photo: Shutterstock

Here's the thing though; only go along if you're a willing partici-pant, and will take your trousers off when required. This is no time to be shy. Oh, and don't be the person who makes it weird. Make sure you're wearing pants with decent coverage on the day — no thongs, banana hammocks or mankinis.

We went along for the ride in 2019 — here's what it's like to take part, and here are some photos of the event.

The No Trousers Tube Ride 2020 takes place on 12 January. It's free to take part (apart from your tube fare) — join the Facebook event for updates.