Things to do on a Thursday night before Christmas: Catch a film at the local cinema... have a quiet night in and watch some telly... read a book... or pop along to SMGays at the Hoist for their Christmas Party!

Obviously the better photos were to be had at the Hoist, so I went for that option...

SM Gays is a not-for-profit group who run a monthly 'discovery' night at one of London's most infamous fetish venues. Each month they have demonstrations on different SM (sadomasochism) practices... usually the nights are themed - so you're pretty much guaranteed to find a night that covers your fetish! The events have a strong social angle - with people turning up in whatever they're comfortable in. Tonight's Christmas Party had a good handful in fetish gear of various kinds, but equally - plenty of people in jeans and t-shirts just here to catch up with friends or perhaps for a spanking in Santa's grotto!

There were cheque presentations, speeches, a Christmas cake and the launch of a new really well thought through printed guide on how to play rough and stay safe. It was a great, social, informative evening - with plenty of interesting, friendly people of all shapes, sizes and ages!

There's lots more about the SMGays group at their website www.smgays.org.

Please note: Given that this is a photo story about a fetish night you should expect a few bits of nakedity (is that a word?) - if you're easily shocked then click no further! Having said that, I have removed the photos of someone having his nether regions tortured with stinging nettles and thorns because it was making my eyes water just looking at the pictures...