Speaking from first hand experience, as a queer Londoner, there is no festival that is more worth your money or time this summer. If you’ve never experienced the unparalleled world of Body Movements, we fear you risk your brain chemistry becoming indefinitely changed (for the better). There is NOTHING like the initial moments of walking into this entirely queer, electronic-music-fueled utopia. It is not always that LGBTQ+ people get to operate so freely, unbridled and able to arrive – entirely themselves in a festival environment. Unearthed out of sweaty dark basements and reimagined warehouses, Body Movements is not merely an escape – but a day long oasis of queer euphoria and community. It’s impossible not to feel entirely electric as you step into the blazing sunshine surrounded by innumerable glittery, latex, and leather clad queers gallivanting to the tune of iconic musicians and DJs like COBRAH, Honey Dijon, and LSDXOXO.
Throughout the electric environment of the festival, whole audiences were invited into dance-alongs – DJs teaching choreography from stage to field, mid-set. The atmosphere was as invigorating as it was silly. Where looks were serious(ly c**nty), the energy remained playful, open and lighthearted. In this queer and trans joy-filled environment, guests could be seen expressing themselves freely with the hottest makeup and dress on full display (both in the temperature and the aesthetic sense). Drama was seeping from the sweat laden pores of dancers, to performers, to festival goers all the same. Runway-adjacent ensembles were served at the ready, whilst friends, lovers, and enemies converged under the same sunny sky. Body Movements presents festival goers with a queer dream for the day – community and allies coming together seamlessly.
The festival began as a totally independent DIY project by founders, Saoirse Ryan, Clayton Wright, and Simon Denby. The original concept spanned across 15 different venues in Hackney Wick. Though from last season in August, the event found its new home in Southwark Park, where it will return this summer. The concept was born as a result of general exhaustion which accompanied watching queer musicians get limited chances to perform at singular stage takeovers. Uncommonly present at larger scale festivals except in limited capacity appearances. Seeking a better, more well-rounded experience for the queers of the summer festival scene, Body Movements arose. The project grew so swiftly that the organisers were able to expand their efforts from DIY venues to a full blown festival, outfitted with the most technologically advanced audio/ visual equipment.
The lineup this year is mind-numbingly good. Featuring performances from industry heavyweights and London royalty alike, Mura Masa, HAAi, Peach, and FAFF, all will take the stage this August. The excitement doesn’t end there, dedicating the dancefloor to some of London’s most exciting parties, the lineup includes stage takeovers from routinely sold out event series’ like 2CPERREA, Pxssy Palace, Riposte and many others. The festival is going international, also welcoming the NYC-based party – Function, as well as Power Dance Club from Berlin. The festival is not music exclusive though. Attendees can expect exciting stalls from some of the city’s most talented creatives, presenting myriad fashion and goods in the market section of the festival. HOWL will be presenting conscious-shifting sex education via speed dating exercises and if the food vendors are anything like last year, you won’t want to miss all the fun.
We had the privilege of speaking with one of the founders of this iconic day festival, Saorise, an unmistakable game changer in electronic dance music, queer scenes and beyond. Hailing from inner-city Dublin, she tailed her mother to free parties which led her to develop her affinity for Leftfield, Prodigy, and Orbital which undoubtedly impacted her genre-fluidity and affinity for wave-making in the scene. In her personal musician practice she is a risk taker and brings you one of the most standalone music festivals that London has to offer. The DJ, record label boss (trUst), and Body Movements Founder is passionate about connecting people through dance. Not only this, but she is dedicated to carving out pathways for successful creative development amongst queer and trans people across disciplines. Read below to learn more about finding yourself through your creative pursuits, the best queer parties in London, and what Saoirse gets up to when she’s (rarely) not engulfed in electronic music.
Lastly, make sure you don’t miss all the excitement and grab some of the remaining tickets here.
For anyone who’s never been to Body Movements before, how would you describe it in one sentence?
Body Movements is a day into night celebration of queer club culture, where community pulses through the dancefloor. It’s a platform to uplift queer art.
When it comes to your personal creative practice, do you find it’s often conceptual and then technical, or vice versa?
It usually starts from a very instinctual, emotional place — the concept comes from a feeling, and then the technical side follows to help me translate that into something that can be shared.
What is your favorite element about performing live?
It’s that unspoken connection — it’s the same everywhere around the world, like you all know each other.
How did your label, trUst Recordings, come to be?
trUst was born out of a want for creative freedom, being able to do as I want and not under the gaze of what other labels want.
Can you tell me a bit about the wider value that comes from platforming queer artists (beyond giving the LGBTQIA+ community space to be seen)?
Platforming queer artists enriches the entire music landscape; it opens up new perspectives and keeps dance culture rooted in its origins where everyone belongs and are included.
As an artist who’s known for pushing past boundaries, can you tell us a bit more about your journey flexing between genres?
I’m just greedy, I love it all.
In what ways can remaining “niche-less” be a superpower?
Being niche-less means you can reach wider emotional palettes and diverse audiences; it keeps you free to evolve and surprise both yourself and the dancefloor.
Best queer night out / party in London?
Honestly, I’m biased, but Body Movements obviously, there’s not really anything like it. Adonis, Pxssy Palace, technom8, Club Are are also very worth checking.
In an ideal world, how would you imagine attendees at your set to feel if it were their first time experiencing your music?
I’d want them to feel more connected to themselves and the people around them.
When electronic dance music isn’t a focal point, what would your ideal “out of office” weekend activities entail?
A big meal with friends — doing something “cultural” then ending in a nice really good restaurant with all your pals.
If you could go back in time to a younger version of yourself before you knew what was coming, what advice would you give?
Stop looking at what makes others unique – try to find that in yourself.
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Words: Lauren Bulla