From festivals to community hubs, the Irish-born founder of Body Movements Festival shares her favorite spaces in the capital.
Irish-born DJ, producer, and Body Movements Festival founder Saoirse is a force to be reckoned with in the world of dance music. From free parties in inner-city Dublin to Ibiza hotspots and some of the UK’s most exciting festivals, her devotion to cutting-edge music has taken her to an eclectic range of party spaces. Her Body Movements Festival is described as a space for “queer and trans art to be discovered, queer exploration to be encouraged, and queer expression to flourish,” and is touted as the city’s first outdoor queer arts and music celebration. Michelle Manetti, COBRAH, and Lewis G. Burton are among the artists performing alongside Saoirse when the event returns to Southwark Park in August.
We caught up with Saoirse to discuss what makes London’s LGBTQ+ scene so special, her most memorable night out, and the queer spaces she returns to time and time again.
What Makes the London LGBTQ+ Scene Stand Out?
The London queer scene is hugely diverse; therefore, you can probably find whatever you are into musically or culturally within the queer community of London. You can find your community… One aspect we highlight with Body Movements is the variety of subcultures and music styles present within the queer clubbing scene.
Most Memorable Night Out in London
Undoubtedly, Body Movements is among the best times I’ve ever had in London. Witnessing an entire pocket of London embraced in queer joy and expression is incredibly beautiful. Furthermore, regardless of your musical flavor, the opportunity to explore various stages and find something that resonates with you is magnificent.
Getting Into DJing
I actually started DJing when I was 14, marking a significant duration of my life dedicated to this passion. This journey has become an integral part of who I am, and I plan to continue until I can no longer carry my records.
Challenges Facing London’s Nightlife Scene
Nightlife is still recovering from the impacts of Covid and is now challenged by a cost-of-living crisis. As a consequence, people are spending less and showing different interests in nightlife. Younger generations appear less inclined to stay out all night, impacting the dynamic of clubs. Consequently, day festivals and events are crucial to catering to those who prefer not to stay out until dawn.
DJ Saoirse’s Guide to London’s Queer Spaces
The Common Press
A true gem on Bethnal Green Road, The Common Press serves as a multidisciplinary queer arts venue and community hub. This cherished café is an excellent place to engage with poetry and education. The venue includes three main parts: The Common Counter, a local bar for queer patrons; The Common Press, celebrating writing by queer individuals and people of color; and the Commons, a versatile events space for performances, workshops, and celebrations.
Address: The Common Press, 118 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG
La Camionera
Situated in the heart of Hackney on Well Street, La Camionera is East London’s new lesbian bar quickly becoming integral to the queer East London social landscape. Offering some of the finest wines, tapas, and vermouth, this venue prioritizes a space for the FLINTA+ community—a much-needed and refreshing addition to the queer scene. My top tip is to ensure you visit early, as this place always attracts a crowd.
Address: La Camionera, 243 Well Street, London E9 6RG
Studio Studios
Located in Sunbury Workshops, Unit 30 on Swanfield Street, Studio Studios is a queer hair salon specializing in unique hairstyles where everyone is welcome. Services include tinting, bleaching, alongside traditional cutting and styling. Having queer-owned and operated hairdressers is essential as they understand how to support our community in looking and feeling their best.
Address: Sunbury Workshops, 30 Swanfield Street, London E2 7LF
Vogue Fabrics
In an area favored by the queer community, Vogue Fabrics stands out. Known as the UK’s leading Nigerian fashion retail and wholesale store for African fabrics for over 40 years, it offers a fabulous selection of African fabric, wax prints, textiles, and lace. This store is a staple for the queer fashion community and beyond.
Address: Vogue Fabrics, 89 Middlesex Street, London E1 7DA
