Right now, London could do with the heroics of Rick Grimes from TV’s The Walking Dead – because we’ve got a bit of a zombie problem.
Pale-faced and caked in blood, they’ve been spotted eating entrails outside Mornington Crescent Tube station and bus stops around the capital, and generally shuffling around looking scary.
But fortunately for civilisation, it’s not the beginning of the end. It’s actually all for a good cause.
Hundreds of ‘undead’ members of the public are participating in a ‘Zombie Walk’ as part of World Zombie Day.
Undead on the Underground: They may look how most commuters feel every rush-hour – but this is one zombie apocalypse that’s actually for a good cause. Above, the unusual scene at Mornington Crescent, North London this afternoon
Does this bus go to Fiend-sbury Park? Hundreds of gorily attired members of the public are participating in a ‘Zombie Walk’ as part of World Zombie Day
Face off: Wearing costumes and make-up, participants have been marching through central London’s streets and congregating in Harrington Square Gardens, down the road from Mornington Crescent, near Regent’s Park
Now, now – we’ll have ‘nun’ of that: Two peckish revellers indulge in a spot of faux cannibalism
Wearing costumes and make-up, they have been marching through central London’s streets and congregating in Harrington Square Gardens, down the road from Mornington Crescent in North London.
World Zombie Day is an annual charity walk where fans of zombie culture join together in an international effort to alleviate world hunger and homelessness.
The event began in Pittsburgh’s Monroeville Mall in 2006, the location of George Romero’s film Dawn of the Dead.
Now, more than 50 cities worldwide participate in WZD including New York, Pittsburgh, Paris, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle and Tokyo.
Oh no, my battery’s dead too! World Zombie Day is an annual charity walk where fans of zombie culture join together in an international effort to alleviate world hunger and homelessness
No flesh photography please: Active since 2007, the London branch is fundraising for the charity St Mungo’s, which helps to rebuild lives and prevent homelessness
Odd one out: The event began in Pittsburgh’s Monroeville Mall in 2006, the location of George Romero’s film Dawn of the Dead. Above, in central London today
Active since 2007, the London branch is fundraising for the charity St Mungo’s Broadway, which helps to rebuild lives and prevent homelessness.
Over the years, the capital’s zombie group has built up a good relationship with the Metropolitan Police – especially important in light of the recent spate of terrorist attacks in the capital.
The World Zombie Day Facebook posts reads: ‘We have built a relationship with the police and the city. This relationship and reputation will provide us with security.
‘This is because we’re collected, we’re cooperative, we’re polite, we’re fun, and we’re the best damnable zombies you could ever hope to encounter.
‘Every year we advise participants not to bring weapons: no fake weapons, no fantasy weapons, and DEFINITELY no real weapons.’
Dead funny: Revellers must abide by the zombie rules of conduct, including: Do not attempt to scare anyone who is not a willing participant
![The World Zombie Day Facebook posts reads: 'We have built a relationship with the police and the city [of London]. This relationship and reputation will provide us with security'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/10/07/18/451F021900000578-4958656-image-a-43_1507396975126.jpg)
The World Zombie Day Facebook posts reads: ‘We have built a relationship with the police and the city [of London]. This relationship and reputation will provide us with security’
Do not smear fake blood or bang on windows: Zombie rules of conduct
Put on a good show! Stay in character but don’t get carried away. You are responsible for your own safety and good conduct.
1. Use the ‘haunted house’ rule in that you are not to touch anyone.
2. Use your best judgement when it comes to planning your outfit. Please do not bring weapons (fake, fantasy, and definitely not real). As you’ll be on your feet and outdoors for most of the day, take this into consideration. And be creative!
3. Do not attempt to scare anyone who is not a willing participant. If anyone is freaking out, turn and shamble in the opposite direction. Avoid confrontations!
4. If your walk is anywhere near streets or roadways, stay on the pavement unless crossing the street. When crossing, it’s OK to ‘break character’ and cross quickly. Think fast ‘New Dawn of the Dead’ zombies verses the slower ‘Old Dawn of the Dead’ zombies when crossing the street. Blocking traffic is a crime and anyone doing so could be arrested.
5. STRICTLY NO ILLEGAL DRUGS are permitted and no alcohol for under 18s. Police will be called if this rule is broken.
6. No littering, destruction of property, or any other illegal activity. This includes smearing fake blood, banging on windows, etc. The organisers will not be held responsible for any damaged property. Pretend the location of the walk is your own neighbourhood and show the utmost respect. This event is a tradition, so we don’t want to ruin it. Remember, the press will be watching (along with the police) and this event could get worldwide news coverage. Let’s put on a good show.
7. Keep in mind you might be asked for a picture ID at the pubs and your zombie face might not match your picture ID. If you are refused entry, please understand the doorman is only doing his job.
8. Please do not attempt to push your way into any business if you are not welcome.
Source: World Zombie Day
Over the years, the London branch has built up a good relationship with the Metropolitan Police – especially important in the light of the recent spate of terrorist attacks in the capital