Floozy Part 2: Art, Techno, and Queer Expression Collide at East London’s Latest Immersive Rave

Words by Sibyl Cooper

Nestled in the Smeed Road warehouses, Floozy is setting up shop on 31/01/2025 for its second rave.

A fresh addition to the London queer rave scene, attendees should expect an immersive night of performance art and techno curated by a dynamic collective of artists, specialising in textiles to turntables.

Who are Floozy?:

The Floozy team is composed of Riposte resident DJ Himboy, fine artists Charlotte Simpson and Will Stockford, and Stylist Immie Ford. For Floozy part 2, the team is collaborating with illustrators and painters to exhibit art at the venue.

Photo by Charlotte Simpson, Will Stockford and Aaron Burke.

After winning a competition to host an event at Love Shack in Bethnal Green, the Floozy team hosted their first event during September 2024, attracting both seasoned queer ravers and new faces to the scene:

“A friend of mine came to Floozy part 1 and this was the first time they’d been to a queer rave. They said it was the most welcoming environment they felt coming into. That is the only thing I want people to feel.” – Charlotte

Accessing raves and connecting at events like Riposte has been a transformative experience for the Floozy collective, and allowed the team to connect deeply over a shared passion for self expression and art. The power of rave spaces to encourage self exploration is undeniable.

Being floozy is usually something taboo, but not at Floozy.

A Floozy at Floozy means being sexy and hot and fun. It’s having a light hearted approach to life, carefree, not stressing about anything, tapping into the ferocity of cabaret performers of Weimar Berlin.

Himboy at Floozy part 1. Photo by Mia Evans

The choice to move from Love Shack to the Smeed Road warehouses in E8 came from a desire to transform a space in East, to connect to London rave scene roots. With the venue provided by events organiser and creative, Riya Maria, Floozy are able to display a wider variety of art and produce a more dynamic atmosphere:

“It’s hard to imagine Floozy anywhere else [outside of London]. So much of it is integral to the community we’re established in. The people really make the event. When your friends are so great, and their friends of friends are so great, it all comes together so nicely.” – Immie

What to expect at Floozy Part 2:

Arts. Techno. Groove. This is the Floozy mantra. It embodies visuals, sound, and energy.

Kicking off the night at 21:00 is a fine art life drawing class hosted by Charlotte. A lifelong painter and final year CSM student, their work explores their queer identity and body movement within queer rave spaces. This will be a beginners art class and accessible for everyone, but “Floozified”. Combining their practice with their co-curator role at Floozy, she will host the class as an alternative dragesque persona, settle your pre-rave jitters, and allow attendees to create a gorgeous piece of Floozy art.

Charlotte Simpson’s Floozy part 1 art class. Photo by Mia Evans

Following Charlotte’s class is a live fine art performance by Willshake from 22:00 – 22:30. They will be live airbrushing a model in choreographed positions in front of a painted canvas. Body and art will become one, underscored by ambient techno soundscapes from Himboy.

Following the performances, Himboy has curated a bill of DJs performing deep and dark techno, increasing in vibe and intensity throughout the night. Himboy will open the bill, transitioning from ambient into dark techno. They are followed by Dream, Wvrm Pool, Desireé, with Olesia closing the show. The DJs are bringing a wider diversity of sound at Floozy part 2 that will hit the crowd deep in their chests.

Code of Conduct:

Floozy is an event run by queer people for queer people. Everyone is welcome, but attendees must have an accepting and open attitude towards those of all gender expressions and sexualities. Self awareness, a willingness to explore and learn more about yourself and communities around you is a top priority.

Everyone is equal at Floozy. Cliqueness is highly discouraged.