FOXSTRUT 2024: Bigger, Brighter, Bolder – And Totally Unforgettable!

WOW, Bournemouth – YOU DID THAT!

FOXSTRUT 2024 was EVERYTHING we dreamed of and more. On Friday night, the streets of Bournemouth were bursting with energy as nearly 200 fabulous foxes—dressed in bold orange and rocking homemade tails and ears—strutted their stuff through the heart of town.

We’re still buzzing from the electric vibe, the incredible support, and the sea of smiling faces. If you were there, you know the magic we’re talking about. If you missed it—don’t worry, FOXSTRUT is here to stay, and we’ve got BIG plans for the future!

THE HIGHLIGHTS

🦊 Famous Fox Friends
We had some fantastic guests join the strut! Shoutout to the BOBcats American Football Team, who brought their mascot along for the fun, and Dorset Mind and Bourne Free, who strutted in solidarity. Plus, the brilliant Julie Johns MBE and Nicky Robinson (creator of the amazing Footbus app) were with us, spreading the word about making our streets safer for everyone.

🦊 A Parade Like No Other
The slightly tweaked route had us weaving through Bournemouth’s iconic spots, with passersby cheering, clapping, and even stopping us to ask, “What’s this all about?” (Spoiler: even before we'd finished explaining, they were ALL IN. Thumbs up and smiles everywhere!) And can we talk about that impromptu shout-out from The Rock Choir? Absolute legends.

🦊 The Warmest of Finishes
Before we ended our strut back at Horseshoe Common - strutters were welcomed into the gardens of The Branksome, where the amazing owner Kris treated everyone to mince pies and mulled wine—ON THE HOUSE. Kris, you’re a hero. Thanks for warming us up after such an exhilarating march!

A MOVEMENT WITH HEART

FOXSTRUT isn’t just a parade; it’s a movement. It’s about reclaiming our streets, standing together, and saying, “These spaces are for EVERYONE.” Co-creators Jayne Jackson and Lorna Rees were blown away by the incredible turnout and the flood of love from the community.

Jayne said it best:
“So many people stopped to ask what we were doing, and every single one of them gave us their support. It’s amazing to see how much Bournemouth has embraced this!”

And for Lorna, this year’s strut was extra special:
“It’s a tribute to my brilliant nan, Maureen, who was one of the stars of the Urban Fox photography project that started this whole thing. Seeing so many people marching in her spirit—and the spirit of inclusivity and safety—was just incredible.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

FOXSTRUT is growing! What started in Bournemouth is inspiring struts across the UK. This isn’t just a one-off; it’s a nationwide movement. If you want FOXSTRUT to come to your town, get in touch—we’d LOVE to hear from you.

THANK YOU, FOXES!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who strutted, cheered, danced, and supported. Whether you walked with us, clapped from the sidelines, or spread the word, you made FOXSTRUT 2024 a night to remember.

Keep your tails up and your orange on—this is just the beginning.

Want to join the next one?

Follow us for updates, get involved, and let’s keep making the streets safer, brighter, and bolder for everyone.

🦊 Reclaim the night. Celebrate individuality. Strut proudly. #FOXSTRUT2024 #ReclaimTheStreets 

NEW Foxstruts: Birmingham,  London - TBC      Updates: Instagram: @foxstrutuk  

Bournemouth, in Dorset, has the highest concentration of Urban Foxes in the UK. These nocturnal creatures effortlessly navigate our urban landscapes, establishing their presence in the night-time realm of our town and city streets. However, the veil of darkness often casts a shadow of unease upon women and LGBTQ+ people, making them feel vulnerable and apprehensive during nocturnal hours. Fuelled by societal norms and personal experiences, women are unfairly scrutinized if they encounter violence or harassment, with blame often misplaced on their activities, clothing, or mere presence on the streets.

To mark the World Health Organization’s global 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence, photographer Jayne Jackson and artist Lorna Rees created a powerful series of portraits of Dorset women defiantly inhabiting public space in the dark. The work, crafted in collaboration with diverse women, sheds light on a spectrum of lived experiences, showcasing their bold reclamation of the night. Culminating in  the creation of a ground-breaking new event, Foxstrut, the project went on to win an Honorable Mention in the Julia Margaret Cameron Awards 2023.  

The 'Foxstrut' itself, is now an annual and rapidly spreading movement, originating on the streets of Bournemouth the vibrant, musical procession, is a joyful and memorable activist event.  Participants proudly don orange costume and clothing, as part of both a visual celebration of the urban fox and a collective stand against gender-based violence.

 

Thank you to everyone who came last year.  We were overwhelmed with the huge turnout and support and feedback about the joyful and empowering nature of the event.  

Thank you also to Dorset Women, Gary Jensen (videographer) and to media including  BBC Radio Solent, Bournemouth Daily Echo, Heart FM, BBC Sounds, Greatest Hits Radio, Dorset Live, Simple Things Magazine and Dorset View for covering the event.   

TO find out more about why Dorset is taking action: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx033w1djgzo

'"I used to go on 'Reclaim the night" marches in the late 70s and 80s. It is shocking that here in 2023 the majority of women are still made to feel uncomfortable being out after dusk. This was a happy care-free 'fox' strut along parts of Bournemouth I would never go near. I would never walk past a street of bars and clubs nor go anywhere near an underpass, but together with such a large group of wonderful people it was quite liberating!" Well done Jayne and Lorna – I had such a great time.'       Jane, Foxstrutter

A group of crafty women created a host of fabulous fox outfits to parade through the dark streets of Bournemouth in a cunning protest of violence against women after dark. As a skulk of foxes, our group felt empowered to brave the streets… hoping that in the future our daughters will feel as safe on their own and our sons will be looking out for them and not threatening them. So wonderful to be part of something so liberating and to demand safe streets for foxcubs, vixens, tods and silver foxes alike.'     Jessica, Foxstrutter

To arrange or find a Foxstrut please contact:

Jayne Jackson:  jaynejacksonphotography@gmail.com

https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/unite/16-days-of-activism

*FOXSTRUT will be launching more struts across the UK from 2024 - 2025.  If you are interested in taking part, collaborating or running a strut - get in touch CONTACT