The furry fandom is a subculture interested in fictional anthropomorphic animal characters in works of popular culture. Although the tradition of endowing fictional animals with human characteristics and personalities is not new, the furry subculture in its modern form began to emerge in the late 20th century. The concept of furry is said to have originated at a sci-fi convention in 1980. The first standalone furry convention took place in the United States in 1989.
British furry fans began planning for ConFuzzled in 2005, after several people from the UK furry fandom grew frustrated with a lack of organization and decided to create a full-fledged furry convention, based upon their experience with smaller gatherings called furmeets. They received advice and help from experienced furry convention organizers who had been involved with organizing Confurence and other conventions.
ConFuzzled was officially announced in early 2007. The first convention has held from June 20–23, 2008 in Manchester. It attracted 136 attendees and had a very high percentage of fursuiters for its attendance level. Today, ConFuzzled takes place in Birmingham and draws almost 1,500 furry fans from all over the UK and abroad.
Since its very first edition, the convention has been hosting a traditional charity auction. At ConFuzzled 2008, over £1,500 was raised for The Badger Trust. By the way, the convention’s mascot is a black and white badger named Brok. He wears a top hat and has an affinity for cookies.
The program of ConFuzzled features many events common to most furry conventions such as fursuit games and parade, a dance competition, workshops, Artists Alley, Dealers Den, panels with Guests of Honor, etc. The convention also runs unique events including Pub Quiz, Frankensuits, MotorFurs, Jym’s Gameshow, The Pawpets UK show, and a yard sale.
Each edition of the convention has a theme. Past themes include Victorian Era England, Science, The Middle Ages: A Mediaeval Fayre, Mafia (The Roaring Twenties), Hollywood: The Glitz & The Glamour, The World of Tomorrow, Wonderland, Carnival of the Night, Most Excellent Adventure.
In 2020 and 2021, the event was held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Photo: confuzzled.org.uk
