London’s queer electronic music community came alive once again as Body Movements stormed through Hackney Wick for its triumphant third edition. Started as an event to embrace the vibrant queer identities that fuel the city’s artistic spirit, Body Movements has grown into an unmissable festival that brings together LGBTQI+ and allies from all walks of life.
This year, 5,000 bodies connected across 14 venues, proving that love, music, and solidarity know no bounds. Founded by producer and DJ Saoirse Ryan and Clayton Wright of Little Gay Brother, Body Movements is more than just a festival; it’s a movement that unites queer club culture, electronic music, and art under one electrifying roof. With each passing year, the festival’s spirit grows stronger, embracing a diverse tapestry of LGBTQI+ collectives from across the UK and beyond.
As the sun rose over Hackney Wick, festival-goers eagerly gathered at Unit C, a stripped-back warehouse experience that set the perfect stage for the day’s electrifying journey. The day kicked off with a bang as queer dance party Chapter 10 took the reins, led by founders Dan Beaumont & Charlie Porter, who effortlessly weaved through genres within the queer spectrum, setting the tone for an unforgettable day of music.
At Number 90, Little Gay Brother’s Jaye Ward lit up the atmosphere with a set that melded thumping house beats with enchanting melodies. Meanwhile, Studio 94 became the epicentre of antics, where Jay Jay Revlon summoned the dancer in everyone, inspiring an hour of voguing that left spirits soaring. Later in the day, the legendary Octo Octa took to the decks, going b2b with their special guest and partner Eris Drew, delivering an awe-inspiring vinyl exploration of the finest house and techno.
The festival showcased sounds that spanned continents and cultures, as Sippin’ T x Cousins curated All My Friends, immersing attendees in the diverse rhythms of R&B, Hip-Hop, Bashment, and dancehall. Across the yard, Femmme Fraiche unleashed a sonic storm as the sun dipped below the horizon, with Michelle Manetti firing up the crowd with a mesmerizing set of hard house and trance anthems, flawlessly building the momentum for Desire to carry the energy into the night.
With an array of sensational closing sets, Body Movements demonstrated its commitment to diversity and inclusion. TAALIAH delivered a turbocharged spectacle of high-energy techno at Colour Factory, while just outside in the garden, Roza Terenzi went b2b with MARICAS founder ISAbella, igniting the dancefloor with chunky, bouncy house and garage beats.
Finally, Body Movements founder Saoirse closed out the warehouse space at Unit C, guiding ravers through an unforgettable journey of house, techno, and beyond, accompanied by a mesmerizing laser show.
As the festival drew to a close, Saoirse took a moment to express gratitude for the celebration of queerness and individuality, acknowledging the significance of the space they all created together. With enthusiasm, she announced that Body Movements would return, bigger and stronger, for an even more incredible 2024 edition.
Images by Courteney Frisby and Gemma Bell