Viral trend sees (mostly) young people meet to ‘release pent-up energy’ and relieve stress in fun, social setting
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n a cold Monday afternoon in Hyde Park, London, a small group of people gather by the Huntress fountain chatting softly among themselves. Nothing about the group would seem unusual to passing dog walkers and runners – until they huddle together and one starts a countdown.
On three, a collective scream cuts through the park. The outburst lasts only a few seconds before giving way to laughter. They were only meant to do it once, but end up screaming again – louder, the second time.
This is London Scream Club, one of several gatherings across the UK where people meet to scream into the open air as a form of release. A TikTok video of a public group scream in Minneapolis, US, went viral, inspiring offshoots in Chicago and now cities including London and Birmingham. Participants follow a few simple rules: “Hydrate, respect your body’s limits and if you feel dizzy, pause,” explains 23-year-old Shania Barnes.
