One of London's most eccentric annual traditions is set to make a chilly return, promising to turn heads and bare legs across the capital's transport network. The No Trousers Tube Ride is back for 2026, inviting confident Londoners to embark on a uniquely British public spectacle.
The Origins of a Global Phenomenon
The event was originally conceived by the Stiff Upper Lip Society in the 2000s as a playful satire of British reserve. The simple, absurd act of travelling on the Tube without trousers, while acting perfectly normally, sparked a global trend with copycat events appearing in cities worldwide. However, the organisation behind it planned to end the event after 2024.
That was until personal trainer Dave Selkirk, a dedicated member, decided to rescue the tradition from extinction. Taking over the reins, Selkirk has ensured that the trouserless journey will continue to bemuse passengers for years to come.
All You Need to Know for 2026
The gathering point for the 2026 No Trousers Tube Ride is the Old Pagoda in Soho's Chinatown. Participants must assemble at 2.45pm on Sunday, 11 January, for a prompt 3pm departure. Crucially, attendees must arrive wearing trousers. They will then be split into groups led by team leaders who will guide them to nearby Tube stations for the main event.
The core rules are designed to uphold the event's quirky spirit:
- Bring a bag to store your removed trousers during the journey.
- Wear ordinary, discreet underwear—nothing overly flashy or risqué.
- Act completely nonchalant: read a book, listen to music, or stare into space as if you've merely forgotten your trousers.
The event is free, though participants must pay their standard Tube fare. It typically concludes with a social visit to a pub, still in a state of undress from the waist down.
More Than Just a Stunt
Organisers describe the ride as an appeal to "fun lovers, exhibitionists, bucket list tickers and inquisitive introverts alike". It’s presented as a pure, light-hearted activity done simply for the joy of it, breaking social norms and encouraging a moment of shared, harmless silliness in the heart of the city.
The instructions for newcomers are straightforward: "We gather in a big group, head down to the underground, get on the tube, strip our lower half down to our pants (underpants) and travel round for a bit. We then meet up for a drink or two somewhere afterwards, of course in our underpants."
So, for those seeking an unforgettable start to the new year, the invitation is open. Just remember your Oyster card—and forget your trousers.
