Hi there, lifers! If you’ll indulge me for a few moments, I want to help direct some good vibes towards a convention that, while I’m not attending, I would dearly like to help save.
Back in 2007, Liz and I were invited to Tokonatsu, an anime convention in Milton Keynes in the United Kingdom. This was my first time ever visiting across the pond, and I went into it not quite sure what to expect. See, this wasn’t just any anime convention. This was an anime convention…. at a scout’s campground. Yes, in a field, essentially. We camped out (literally… there’s no hotel – you bring a tent and sleep there), we crowded around a bonfire at night, there was a cosplay competition in the open air on a grassy field… it was unconventional, to say the least.
And it was also one of the most enjoyable conventions I have ever had the pleasure to attend. We played a game of “battle royale” using water weapons (and yes, someone had a pot lid), we ate communal meals, we wore traffic cones on our head, (For Glasgow!) and we got drunk enough to actually UNDERSTAND the resident Scotsman. I cannot recall a time I’ve had that much fun.
That said, Tokonatsu is in some trouble. The Ampthill and Woburn Scout Camp has lost their license to have campers on their camp site, and the new camp site is quite a bit more expensive than the old one. They’re trying to find an additional £3,500 to make up the difference, but they need some help. If you could head over to www.tokonatsu.org.uk/savetoko and have a look, and possibly throw them a few bucks (or pounds) to help them reach their goal, that would be awesome. As of this writing, they’re 90% of the way there, they just need a little extra push. And while you’re at it – if you’re anywhere in the Milton Keynes area and are looking for one of the most enjoyable con experiences ever – go to www.tokonatsu.org.uk and have a look. Thank you!
UPDATE: Within 24 hours of originally posting the Save Tokonatsu page, they have recieved £4,832, bringing them 38% OVER what they needed to save the con! Thank you to everyone who donated – you couldn’t have sent it to a better con. Thank you!