2004 Erotic Awards Finals at The Night of the Senses

The 2004 Erotic Awards finalists was a non-stop visual delight of strippers, performers and fashion shows, punctuated by the presentation of Flying Penis Trophies to the winners in each category by our other MC, Rosie Lugosi, a previous winner herself.

The stage was set for an unforgettable night. In front of a packed audience of fabulously dressed-up revellers, MC Mat Fraser sprang into the spotlight, introduced the show and reminded us of the evening's most important purpose - to raise money for Outsiders.

Susie Bright, the world's most influential sex writer, had planned to fly over from California, hoping to win Writer Of The Year, but in the event she was unable to make it. She sent us this message:

When you present the awards this weekend, please get ALL CHOKED UP on my behalf and say, Susie Bright regrets that a serious illness in her family has kept her away this weekend, because she would like nothing better than to be with all of you tonight. I'm honored to be recognized by your judges, and I'm inspired by everything Leydig Trust has done in all the decades I've been writing and learning about sex. You are all an inspiration to me!

We were also sad not to have Dr Petra Boynton (Campaigner winner), Kristen Bjorn (Film Maker winner) and Tomi Ungerer (Lifetime Achievement Award) with us on the night.

The spirit of the performers was stupendous and the fashion shows marvellously inventive and full of energy. Amazing that with no rehearsals at the venue, and Talana Gamah and Ieish's beautiful leather gowns being modelled by volunteers who the designers had never met before, each show was performed with great charm and aplomb.

The team of judges battled hard to decide between the charming amateur stripper, Painted Lady, and the totally professional hard-core duo Teela and Billie. Painted Lady made it, much to her delight. Then she, Strawberry Seductress, Hussy and Jane of Stunners were seen leaping around with their Flying Penis Trophies between rushing outside to call their friends and relatives to tell them they had won.

One of the evening's unique aspects was the film show in the Exhibition Hall. The three finalists in this category could not have been more different: antique French porn from the 1920's, Japanese porn featuring sweet ballerinas, and beautifully shot, spontaneous no-hands come shots in all-male orgies. Side-by-side simultaneous screening brought us Contraposition Porn Art.

The publishers of the winning book, Laughing Not Laughing, achieved international publicity from their award. They wrote, I am glad to say that we have had lots of interest in Laughing as a result of the award and found the Night of the Senses an eye-opening experience! Honno Welsh Women's Press. Gay Men Fighting AIDS were reported as finalists in The Pink Paper.

Reviewing the Awards, Eros said: Each event has resulted in an avalanche of press: praise among the erotic world and shock among the mainstream. The bash has been called The most famous erotic event in the world.

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