“We thought about the concept of safe spaces, what happens when you take away the policing? The best parties that happened in this country were the free parties of the 80s and 90s, with no production, no police, no DJ riders,” he adds of Stephen and his dream to create a space where queer people could express themselves freely without fear of judgement or violence, if only for five nights of the year.
(Image: Allan Gregorio) (Image: Allan Gregorio) (Image: Allan Gregorio) It’s just a black box inside, we keep it simple – it’s just about the music and energy – but in there, something magical happens,” says Gideön. “Stephen’s idea was to turn it inside out. The imposing bold design being at odds with the stripped-back interior was fully intentional.
The red brick warehouse exterior harkens back to the meat packing district of 1970’s New York: giant carcasses of meat hang by the entrance as drag queens and gogo bears dance outside, teasing the hedonism that awaits. After receiving the blessing of Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, the NYC Downlow was born in 2007. Its formation was driven by the desire to give queer people a space to gather each night when the main stage acts end. Gideön, along with Stephen Gallagher, are the architects behind NYC Downlow at Block9 – the late-night dance music zone in Glastonbury’s South East Corner.
“This year we celebrate 16 years of the NYC Downlow,” exclaims Jonny Woo, the resident Master of Ceremonies of Glastonbury’s notorious queer club.
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