Leipzig welcomes 20,000 t***s in the same colour clothes

Gilps · May 31, 2006

No, not the Dutch fans for their game against the Serbs.

First up its these clowns: Dai Young & his overweight girlfriend

Any World Cup fans who arrive early in Leipzig could be in for a big surprise.

Instead of the beer and bratwurst they may be expecting, the streets will be awash with mead, medieval markets, music - and extravagantly dressed Goths.

For Leipzig, the only city in the former East Germany chosen to host World Cup matches, is also home to the self-proclaimed world's biggest Goth festival.

Some 20,000 enthusiasts will gather from as far afield as Japan, Australia and the US for the Wave-Gotik-Treffen festival from 2 to 5 June.

Six days later, the city's Zentralstadion will be the stage for the first World Cup game for Serbia and Montenegro and the Netherlands.

Festival spokesman Cornelius Brach said he was confident Leipzig's residents would have little trouble with the transition from Goth-magnet to a city bustling with soccer fans.

"The people have got used to the Gothic audience - they know they look a little bit strange but they aren't 'dangerous'," he said.

"[The townspeople] are very friendly and welcoming. Sometimes you see elderly people talking to the Goths and asking them why they look like this - and there's no problem."

Aside from the ubiquitous black, PVC and piercings, festival-goers will also be dressed in styles last seen in the Middle Ages.

The festival, now in its 15th year, prides itself on its diversity and has created a medieval village and pagan market to keep guests entertained.

Some idiots who will no doubt be in attendance

Ostrich Man · May 31, 2006

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