Clutching our pillows as we left Central station, my friend and I were stoked with anticipation as we strode towards Chater Garden. We were about to participate in our first ever large-scale pillow fight! Surrounding us were groups, families and single warriors, some in fancy dress or pyjamas, equipped with an assortment of pillows big and small.
We arrived just in time for as we joined the crowd in the centre of the garden pillows were raised and the countdown started “…4,3,2,1!” WHAM!
I was immediately hit on the head by a large pillow. Turning to see who attacked me I saw a man grinning at me, and quickly took my revenge whacking him with my pillow.
It was quickly apparent that my tiny pillow was not totally effective as either a shield from my attackers or to swat at others. Enveloped in mob of pillow-fighters though speed and nimbleness are key and my $14.90 IKEA special was perfect.
The central melee was surrounded by photographers looking for that perfect shot as anyone in range from costumed superheroes to super enthusiastic nobodies were pummeled with our cushiony weapons.
Impromptu arenas formed as rings of resting fighters and photographers focused on individual pillow contests where dancing children put the moves on and defeated adults, friend battled friend and lovers swatted each to the accompaniment of cheers and whirring motor drives.
Bits of fluff and stuffing were soon flying as pillows succumbed to the battering. Time flies when you’re having this much fun and the hour passed quickly, leaving exhausted and grinning participants comparing their best swings and taking selfies with new friends.
After helping clean up we exited stage left with large smiles and dancing fingers as we shared our enjoyment “You missed out, it was soo much fun”. To whoever started International Pillow Fight Day – what a wonderful idea! We’ll be back with bigger pillows, more friends… but what to wear?