BELGIUM: ANTWERP: EROTIC FAIR OPENS

(2 Mar 1996) Eng/Flemish/Nat

Fun-loving Belgians have struck a blow against claims their country is boring.

The city of Antwerp has played host to a major erotic fair – including risqu displays which are anything but dull.

Rude chocolates may be hard to swallow – but they went down a treat at the Antwerp erotic fair on Saturday.

The displays of the latest on offer from Europe’s expanding sex industry catered for all tastes.

The sort of sexy outfits for men and women which are usually confined to the bedroom or brothel were openly on show.

Broad minded visitors to the sexy exhibition could also try their hand at erotic photography.

Some of the people who flocked to the exhibition wouldn’t be seen dead in a sex shop.

SOUNDBITE: (Flemish)
In the sex shop it is still that people are shy to meet somebody they know. At this exhibition it is not problem when somebody meets their neighbour or colleague from work. It is allowed now, it is accepted and has become an exhibition and no longer a corner behind a counter.
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop

Despite the winter weather in Antwerp a lot of flesh was on display in the draughty exhibition hall.

The cold certainly didn’t put off the models in their skimpy leather outfits.

There was no room for modesty as almost nothing to do with adult sex was forbidden.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
Sex has always been taboo for me also, for everybody. I think it is in the beginning a bit shocking, but you get use to it. You get already prepared on television so when you come here you are a bit prepared to it.
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop

Some of the people taking part in the exhibits got really tied up in their work showing off bondage gear.

They’ll be hanging around until the erotic fair closes on Sunday.

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