Jan
30
7:00 PM19:00

SEX SELLS !

Mad Jacks Theatre present their hot and horny new scratch-night fundraiser: SEX SELLS!

Themed around kink, intimacy, sex and relationships, you're in for a jaw-droppingly raunchy and sensually multidisciplinary evening of stand-up, new writing, poetry and dance. 

Featuring performances from: Hanna Hirst, TJ Roderick, Aimée Ruhinda, Frank Bertoletti, Jazzy Green, Ellis Foster, Matisse Ciel and Nancy the Seven Foot Slut.

That's right. 8 performances for £12. That's £1.50 an act. Clock that tea.

This event is fundraising for Mad Jacks Theatre's upcoming production of ACNE ROMEO, premiering at The Place's Resolution Festival this Valentine's Day.

Doors at 7pm. Event starts at 7:30pm.

Lubricants recommended xx

View Event →
Jan
31
to Feb 1

Vanuatu Fundraiser

On the 17th of December 2024, The People of Vanuatu endured an earthquake reaching a magnitude of 7.4; and not even a day later, in the early hours of the day, they experienced another earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5. As a result, the earthquake has caused severe damages to key infrastructure and buildings in Port Vila, including schools and hospitals. In terms of casualties, 14 people have been confirmed dead, hundreds injured and approximately 23,000 vulnerable individuals are in urgent need. 

Like most small islands of the Pacific, Vanuatu sits in a seismically active area, and is susceptible to frequent large earthquakes and other natural disasters. They are still recovering from a number of devastating tropical cyclones in recent years,  including twin-Category Four Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin which struck in March 2023, which directly impacted more than 80% of the country’s population of about 320,000 people.

In the Pacific, we are all one, family of the Pasifika; and it is in our duty and care to show support to our sibling island when in need. So on the 31st of January 2025, we would like to invite you to our fundraiser, to extend our support, to help the families and communities of Vanuatu. For a night of art, performance and boogie, bring your love and generosity to VFDalston. We hope to see you there!

Even when we’re oceans apart, we stay connected!

All proceeds will be going to Co-Ground. Co-Ground is a registered Australian charity that launched in 2015 in response to Cyclone Pam, a category 5 cyclone that devastated Vanuatu. 

For almost 10 years since, Co-Ground has been supporting grassroots community-led programs in Vanuatu and the Philippines, and more recently First Nations young people in Australia. Their work includes disaster relief & recovery, water access, education, local infrastructure, health and sanitation, small business development, women's empowerment, child rights and local training, leadership and capacity building.

View Event →
Feb
5
7:00 PM19:00

Pride and Protest: Discussion on resistance and pride movements

This LGBTQ+ History Month, The Common Press is hosting a free evening of Pride and Protest on 5th February, from 7 PM - 9 PM, at VFD Dalston / Outsiders Gallery.

Join us to explore stories of pride, resilience, and revolution as we bring together brilliant queer authors and activists for thought-provoking discussions on the movements that have shaped our pride and history of resistance.

We are excited to feature some of the talented authors stocked at The Common Press. The session will be hosted by Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir (Director at The Common Press). 

   'Queer' not as being about who you're having sex with (that can be a dimension of it); but 'queer' as being about the self that is at odds with everything around it and that has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live.”― bell hooks

View Event →
Feb
6
6:00 PM18:00

Fruit Machine: Andrew Lumsden Art & Activism PV

Private View - Andrew Lumsden Art & Activism Thur Feb 6 from 6pm

Andrew Lumsden was a London based pioneer of the Gay Liberation Front, a pioneering openly queer journalist and also an incredibly talented artist working across a variety of mediums.

Throughout February The Outsiders gallery will be showing a retrospective covering Andrews artwork from the early 1970's through to the 2020's. 

A contemporary of Derek Jarman and David Hockney, Andrew Lumsden created a steady flow of artworks reflecting his life as an activist, traveller and lover. His work ranged from abstract and impressionist works in the 70's through to highly detailed photo realistic works reflecting the landscapes, beaches and interiors as he travelled around the UK, across Spain and Goa, to personal sketches and paintings of friends and lovers, and then back to his first love of abstraction during the lockdown period in 2020.

Join us for the opening night PV on Thursday February 6th from 6pm to 9pm

Throughout the month we will be hosting talks and also a walking tour of Dalston/Stoke Newington.

Check our other VFD events for more details

View Event →
Feb
6
7:15 PM19:15

t'ARTopia

Join us in t'ARTopia for a queer-curated cabaret night of drag, music, poetry and more from some of our most delicious t'ARTs. We have invited some of our favourite performers to entertain you all, at a night that will be nothing short of t'ARTopian. 

We will be raising money for gender affirming surgery funds with this evening's raffle, so come with a couple of quid, win art and raise money for good causes.

Let’s get mouth-watering!

 

P.S. Our new mini-journal Trans Tongues is coming out soon. You can prep-order a copy to pick up at the event by selecting one of the ticket options with ‘Trans Tongues vol. 2’ in the description!

View Event →
Feb
11
7:00 PM19:00

Fruit Machine Talk - Andrew Lumsden GLF Activist

As part of the gallery show Fruit Machine Andrew Lumsden Art & Activism we will be hosting two talks, the first of which is:

ANDREW THE ACTIVIST

GLF activist and artist Stuart feather will be talking to Dan de la Motte about his friend Andrew, and the protests, campaigns, actions and goals of the Gay Liberation Front in the early 1970's.

Expect radical drag as (and in) the face of Mary Whitehouse, dropping acid in queer communes, farcical court cases and the inside goss on the first ever Pride march in London.

This event is free, please register your place (s) so we can keep an eye on numbers, and if you cant attend please let us know so we can reallocate the seats.

The gallery show and events are supported Hackney Council and Hackney Pride 365

View Event →
Feb
15
11:30 AM11:30

Fruit Machine - Queer Hackney History Walk with Dan de la Motte

Fruit Machine - Queer Hackney History Walk with Dan de la Motte

Learn the significance of Stoke Newington Town Hall in relation to the ‘Pits and Perverts Support the Miners’ campaign in the 1980s, Queer 'Molly' subculture in the 1700s, and the legendary residents of Abney Park Cemetery (location for Amy Winehouse's Back to Black video), including pioneering drag kings and the doyennes of Music Hall, and the all-important difference between cottaging and cruising. We'll end the tour at The Outsiders Gallery to take in their current exhibition FRUIT MACHINE, the artworks of 1970s GLF activist Andrew Lumsden. 

Meeting Point: Stoke Newington Town Hall 11.30am

End Point: The Outsiders Gallery (66 Stoke Newington High Street) 1pm ish

This tour will be step free, but please be aware that the ground in Abney Park Cemetery may be uneven (and very muddy if it's been/is raining!) 

If you cant make it on the day please let us know so we can reallocate your ticket to the waiting list.

View Event →
Feb
18
7:00 PM19:00

Fruit Machine Talk Andrew Lumsden Queer Journalist

Fruit Machine Talk Andrew Lumsden Queer Journalist

As part of the gallery show Fruit Machine Andrew Lumsden Art & Activism we will be hosting two talks, the second of which is:

ANDREW THE  JOURNALIST

Journalist and sculptor Graham McKerrow will be in conversation with Dan de la Motte about Grahams best friend Andrew.

Graham and Andrew became friends while working on rival newspapers in the 1980's - Andrew was founder and editor of gay News and Graham of Capital Gay.

There was the excitement of gay liberation mixed with the onslaught of rampant media, state and religious homophobia, framed by the AIDS pandemic. Expect stories of police raids, censorship, protests, community responses and campaigning journalism.

Graham McKerrow worked at Gay News in 1980/81 and then launched the weekly newspaper Capital Gay. He developed a first response to Aids and exposed the ‘pretty police’. In 1986 Graham ran the campaign to defend Gay’s The Word bookshop after it was raided by Customs officers. In the 1990s, he edited Positive Nation, a magazine for people with HIV.

The gallery show and events are supported by Hackney Council and Hackney Pride 365

View Event →
Mar
15
2:00 PM14:00

One More Daytime 2002

One More DAYTime 2002

We're taking 2002 to the daytime! Pop Idol was all over the charts - from Will Young, Gareth Gates and Darius to Jessica Garlick, Rosie Ribbons, Sarah Whatmore and, err Rik Waller. Liberty X resurged and and Girls Aloud and The Cheeky Girls emerged.

Shakira launched as did S Club Juniors, Christina Milian and Ashanti and Las Ketchup whilst Enrique Inglesias, Pink, Sugababes, A1 and Atomic Kitten all returned. Meanwhile Clubland ruled with with dance music from Kelly Llorenna, Flip & Fill and Scooter and Belgian eurotrance from Lasgo, Milk Inc and Ian Van Dahl.

We’ll be playing the A list popstars from 2002 along with B listers like H & Claire, Romeo and Anastasia along with loads of other pop and dance hits from 2002. Expect loads of forgotten gems that don't get played anywhere else (from Ladies First to Mad'House and MadDonna). Our Bargain Bin first hour of 2002’s pop flops (from Soraya to Haifa and the year's biggest flop Angelle) kicks off from 2pm.

View Event →

Jan
25
6:00 PM18:00

Bodysongs Film Screening and Q&A

Short Film Screening and Q&A with Filmmakers

25th January, 19:00-21:00

19:00 - Introduction by Charlie Jimenez

  1. Bloodclot (2022) blood tainted film converted to Digital - 30s by Autojektor autojektorx

  2. Mass Hysteria - Over You! (2024) 8mm film converted to digital & thermal vision - 5 minutes by Alistair Hendry alihendrys

  3. ASMR – This Should be Okay 8mm film converted to Digital – 4m by Autojektor autojektorx

  4. Seae within Yourself (2024) 8mm film converted to Digital - 4 minutes by Polina Kuzminska Polinakzmnska

  5. Three Moons (2024) Digital - 5 minutes by Gregory Gangemi greggangemi

  6. The Little Soul (2019) Digital Animation - Stop-motion - 9 minutes by Barbara Rupik @barbara_rupik

    20:10-20:20 - Break

    Introduction to Macabre and second section of Films

  7. Macabre (2024) 8mm film converted to Digital - 7 minutes by Brodie Rake brodie_rake

  8. (Secret Film)

  9. Doll's Don't Cry (2019) Digital Animation - Stop-motion - 20 minutes by Frédérick Tremblay

In-conversation Q&A with Filmmakers - Charlie Jimenez, AutoJektor, Alistair Hendry, & Polina Kuzminska

21:00 - 21:30

View Event →
Jan
24
5:00 PM17:00

Bodysongs Exhibition & Performance Evening

We are excited to announce Bodysongs, a group sculpture exhibition curated by Charlie Jimenez which navigates the transformative nature of the human form within works that intertwine the grotesque with the fragile, beautiful, bizarre, and mythological. 

Bodysongs invites viewers into an otherworldly vision of bodily transformation, where the body becomes a gender-fluid language of the corporeal, emotional, and absurd. 

Each piece offers a spectral display of bodily realities which arouse and challenge conventions of identity, while also inviting contemplative rethinking of the body as an emotional entity - a fluid and mutable reality where identities and mythology assimilate. 

A place where the body is both vessel and narrative for transformation.
19:15 - 19:30


Tomb - Live Art, 15 minutes - by Electric Adam
 19:45-20:00

Doppelganger - Live Performance, 15 minutes - by Charlie Jimenez and Melanie Ashton

 Live musician: Emily Buckley Bunn
 

View Event →
Jan
18
2:00 PM14:00

One More DAYtime: 1995

One More Time is back with another daytime party! It's 1995 and grunge was out and pop was back in. A new wave of pop acts shared 1995's charts with stalwarts Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Cher, Madonna, Mariah Carey, M People Annie Lennox and Eternal. Boybands ruled with Take That, East 17, Boyzone, Let Loose and PJ & Duncan all over the charts. And Whigfield proved she was more than Saturday Night!

But the big story of 1995 wasn't Britpop (despite what the history books said)… it was the year of the dance banger. The Top 10 was filled with dance hits including Set You Free, Missing, Boom Boom Boom, Don't Give Me Your Life, Dreamer, Two Can Play That Game, Cotton Eye Joe, U Sure Do, Total Eclipse Of The Heart, The Sunshine After The Rain, Not Over Yet, Scatman, I Luv U Baby, Baby Baby, Your Loving Arms, Hideaway, Try Me Out, Runaway, Axel F, Push The Feeling On, Reach Up, These Sounds Fall Into My Mind, Son Of A Gun, Don't You Want Me, Keep Warm, Short Dick Man and Right In The Night. Whew - what a list!

We’ll be playing the A list popstars from 1995 along with B listers like Deuce, MN8 and the Human League along with loads of other pop and dance hits from 1995. Expect loads of forgotten gems you're unlikely to hear anywhere else (from Zig & Zag and Sean Maguire to the Childliners and Michelle Gayle). Our Bargain Bin first hour of 1995’s pop flops (from Mary Kiani and Diva to Motiv8) kicks things off from 2pm!

View Event →
Jan
17
6:00 PM18:00

Hidden Bodies: Queer Life Drawing

Hidden Bodies is a life drawing class that celebrates the beauty & diversity of Queer/Trans+ people; challenging norms of mainstream art spaces. In a world where traditional life drawing often perpetuates narrow & heteronormative beauty standards, Hidden Bodies provides a platform & opportunity to immortalise marginalised bodies in art.
 

This class invites artists of all levels to explore and appreciate the human form; destigmatising & normalising Queer/Trans+ bodies.
 

Whether you are a seasoned artist or picking up a pencil for the first time, Hidden Bodies offers a supportive, inclusive, and affirming environment. Come draw with us as we embrace the complexity of human form and elevate the bodies and experiences that so often go unseen.

The class will be lead, but not tutored.

Class structure will include a warm up of 10 short poses (1-3 mins), some 2 min drawing exercises that include movement, animation, stylised drawing, art swapping, technical exercises & audience participation. Longer, more traditional life drawing poses include 5 min, 10 min, 15 min & 20 min poses.

Artists are invited to bring their own materials; if you don't have your own, not to worry!

Drawing materials, boards & paper will be provided for a small donation of £2.

All are welcome—bring your curiosity, creativity, and openness. Let’s redraw the lines of life drawing, together.

The event is in the basement space of No64 The Outsiders Gallery, it has a set of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

Our model for this session will be Zee

 Zee (they/them) is a writer and speaker exploring the intersections of Blackness, queer and trans identities. Find their work on https://substack.com/@souldeep 
 

View Event →
Dec
14
12:00 AM00:00

Corn Dolly Workshop

As seen in our recent amazing window display, DaddyStreetFox will be leading a Corn Dolly Workshop.

Learn how to make a traditional corn dolly using soaked husks.. Corn dollies were created at the end of harvest with the belief that they kept the spirit of the grain alive throughout the winter months until the following spring sowing season, when they were returned to the earth by burying or burning.

Spaces are limited to 15 people (over 16 yrs), materials provided.

You will be working with wheat, barley, sweet rye and lavender which are dried and may be dusty (in case of allergies).

The event will be in The Outsiders Gallery space at VFD, and is fully accessible with a wheel chair user designed bathroom.

View Event →
Dec
7
to Dec 8

Private Event

VFD closed for a private event, however our other spaces at No64 are available.

If you want to hire VFD for a party, birthday, launch, performance, poetry, craft, meeting etc email us info@vfdalston.com

View Event →
Dec
5
7:00 PM19:00

Sascha Lo & Rachel Baker Double Bill (2 shows in 1 ticket)

One ticket to see both Sascha Lo: Rotten (WIP) and Gwen: This is NOT A Pyramid Scheme (WIP) at VFDalston on Thursday 5th December!

NB: tickets are available for both shows separately

SASCHA LO: ROTTEN (WORK-IN-PROGRESS)

Sascha LO is just a (rotten) girl. Through the medium of performance art (comedy), she will be exploring important issues like whether babies should be allowed to get their ears pierced, and why girls who used to shop at lush, vape now?

At the insanely young age of only 23, Sascha has already been a Funny Women Finalist 2023, two-time BBC Comedy Awards Nominee and nominated as ‘Best Writer’ by the BFI. She has been described as ‘desperate for attention’ and a ‘brat’ by a reviewer who definitely has a crush on her (CHORTLE).

With support from Alice Markey.

GWEN: THIS IS NOT A PYRAMID SCHEME (WORK-IN-PROGRESS)

“Gwen here, I've recently been banned from Zumba instructing because I was putting subliminal messages into the songs in an attempt to sell my Avon body lotion. Anyway, onwards and upwards. This is my next venture, I will teach you how to become resilient, gorgeous and gregarious through storytelling, '90s dance music, and interaction.”

"I forced my neighbour Mary to see a run-through of this show, she fainted and shat herself but that was because we were in my downstairs cupboard and it was July. My lawyer John said to mention that this is NOT a Pyramid Scheme and that he is NOT legally my lawyer."

'Amazing woman, an inspiration to us all' - A woman who had taken ketamine.

Rachel Baker (Gwen) is a Funny Women Finalist, BBC New Creative, and former Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award nominee. As heard on BBC Radio 4.

View Event →
Nov
30
to Dec 1

Private Event

VFD closed for a private event, however our other spaces at No64 are available.

If you want to hire VFD for a party, birthday, launch, performance, poetry, craft, meeting etc email us info@vfdalston.com

View Event →
Nov
29
to Nov 30

Red Eye

  • Google Calendar ICS

RED EYE - PROGRESSIVE–MELODIC–HOUSE-TECHNO

Red Eye is the London Progressive and melodic House party dedicated to the LGBTQA+ community. It offers an inclusive space where rhythm and identity meet, celebrating diversity on the dancefloor. Red Eye fuses uplifting, hypnotic, high-energy beats with a welcoming atmosphere. It is a night where self-expression, unity, and cutting-edge house music blend into one unforgettable experience. Come and live our 2nd Anniversary experience with us.

View Event →
Nov
28
7:00 PM19:00

Chocked Up! Round Two

Choked Up! is back and better than ever for round two, for all your scratch night itches, if you’re into that kind of thing

With stunning performances from Grace Quigley and their biting poetry, you can hear the dulcet post punk tones of TJ Padfield, Marina Scott will be breaking hearts with their words and Sam Smith will debut a brand new play that is sure to go down kicking and screaming

Our host Daze Hingorani will even be giving a look at their brand spanking new show, made in partnership with the Roundhouse

We’re committed to platforming new works by outstanding performers, and in the spirit of this, round two is a fundraiser! Bring your friends and families and lovers and support the making of Mad Jacks Theatre company’s new project

Doors will open at 7pm for a swift start of 7:30pm for performances, there’ll be plenty of breaks for drinks and kisses, we can’t wait to see you there xoxo

View Event →
Nov
28
7:00 PM19:00

SONGS: An Anthology by Leo Fox - Book Launch and Readings

Please join us for the launch of SONGS, a new book of comics and writing by Leo Fox published by Zgriptor Press, and an evening of readings and performance.

SONGS is a new anthology of poems and comics by Leo Fox, brashly and tenderly exploring ideas of intimacy and sex. Over the course of six comics and several poems, SONGS rolls, dives and resurfaces through personal anxieties, odes of appreciations and epic fabulations.

Leo Fox is a UK-based cartoonist and painter. He is transmasculine and makes work about it sometimes. His previous work includes Prokaryote Season, My Body Unspooling, and Boy Island.

Zgriptor Press is an independent publisher that supports work which unpicks the em(body)ment(s) hidden at the intersections of overlapping disciplines. It is dedicated to supporting the work of emerging writers and artists, hoping to offer a space for experimental communicative practices. 

This event will be held at The Outsiders Gallery at 64 Stoke Newington Road. Since its inception in 2023, The Outsiders Gallery has been host to many incredible exhibitions and also has been a community space for queer arts, poetry and other endeavours used to foster joy and an appreciation for creation.

View Event →
Nov
23
to Nov 24

Private Event

VFD closed for a private event, however our other spaces at No64 are available.

If you want to hire VFD for a party, birthday, launch, performance, poetry, craft, meeting etc email us info@vfdalston.com

View Event →
Nov
20
7:00 PM19:00

No Drama! - Reading Trans representation on screen and other film making crimes

On Wednesday Nov 20 VFDalston will be hosting a shadey look at the history of Trans representation on the big screen, how Hollywood and indie film makers have portrayed trans characters, and our fabulous panel of industry experts will discuss the good and the (often) bad examples.

The talk will be proceeded by a 45 minute montage of clips from films highlighting the ground breakingly great, the jaw droppingly awful and the downright offensive.

We will task our panel with creating a Manifesto of demands for future film makers to consult.

Then we will open up for questions and statements from the audience.

As well as in person tickets, we will be hosting the evening online, so you can sign up for an IRL ticket or a streaming link.

The venue will be The Outsiders Gallery at VFDalston, No64 Stoke Newington Road.

The space is fully accessible with a small ramp at the front door from the high street, and a newly installed wheelchair user designed bathroom.

Our panelists include Jaye Hudson (she/her) (TGirls on Film), Rue Lumbroso (she/her) Transmissions, Tara Brown (they/them) Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Festival, Molly Miles (they/them) Catagory H horror club and Trans Buffet, plus more TBC

Tickets are FREE, but we do ask if you cannot attend please let us know so we can reallocate your ticket.

Supported by Hackney365, as part of Hackney Pride 365 - Transgender Awareness Week

View Event →
Nov
16
to Nov 17

One More Time: 2004

Get set for a year of Girls Aloud, Britney, Rachel Stevens, Kylie, Jamelia, Sugababes and Busted were flying the flag for pop.

It was also the year that saw the launch of McFly, The 411 and V along with Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo, Scissor Sisters and Pop! Gwen Stefani went solo, Kelis returned big time and a star from 1996 returned in the shape of Peter Andre! In the clubs Eric Prydz, LMC (vs U2), Shapeshifters and Stonebridge ruled the dancefloors. And at the very start of the year we had Queen VB herself with Let Your Head Go (and This Groove).

We’ll be playing the A list popstars from 2004 along with B listers like Angel City, VS and 2 Play along with loads of other pop and dance hits from 2004. Expect loads of forgotten gems you're unlikely to hear anywhere else (from the final days of Blue and Atomic Kitten to Phixx). Our Bargain Bin first hour of 2004’s pop flops (from the Cheeky Girls and Bellefire to Nadia) kicks things off from 9pm.

View Event →
Nov
10
6:00 PM18:00

t'ART Exhibition: Queer Time - t'ARTopia & Final Night

Join us for the final night of t’ART Exhibition: Queer Time. This is your last chance to see this group exhibition of work by queer and trans artists, exploring queer time across a range of disciplines from painting to photography, film to sculpture.

And to celebrate the end of the exhibition, we are bringing an acoustic version of our queer-curated cabaret night t’ARTopia to The Outsider Gallery. We have invited some of our most delicious t’ARTs to perform spoken word, music and dance, at a night that will be nothing short of t'ARTopian. 

Performances will run from 7pm-8pm.

We will be raising money for gender affirming surgery funds with this evening's raffle, so come with a couple of quid, win art and raise money for good causes! The raffle winner will be announced at the end of the evening.

View Event →
Nov
9
3:00 PM15:00

t’ART Exhibition: Queer Time - Queer Life Drawing with Lucie Arnoux

t’ART’s resident illustrator Lucie Arnoux is going to be leading a queer life drawing session as part of the t’ART Exhibition: Queer Time programming.

Lucie will lead you through a series of quick poses and warm up exercises and then you’ll have the opportunity to spend time on some longer poses, with guidance from Lucie.

Paper, pencils and charcoal will be provided, but you’re also welcome to bring along your own materials. 

View Event →
Nov
8
6:00 PM18:00

Hidden Bodies | Queer Life Drawing at VFDalston ft. Eccy

Hidden Bodies is a life drawing class that celebrates the beauty & diversity of Queer/Trans+ people; challenging norms of mainstream art spaces. In a world where traditional life drawing often perpetuates narrow & heteronormative beauty standards, Hidden Bodies provides a platform & opportunity to immortalise marginalised bodies in art.

This class invites artists of all levels to explore and appreciate the human form; destigmatising & normalising Queer/Trans+ bodies.

Whether you are a seasoned artist or picking up a pencil for the first time, Hidden Bodies offers a supportive, inclusive, and affirming environment. Come draw with us as we embrace the complexity of human form and elevate the bodies and experiences that so often go unseen.

The class will be lead, but not tutored.

Class structure will include a warm up of 10 short poses (1-3 mins), some 2 min drawing exercises that include movement, animation, stylised drawing, art swapping, technical exercises & audience participation. Longer, more traditional life drawing poses include 5 min, 10 min, 15 min & 20 min poses.

Artists are invited to bring their own materials; if you don't have your own, not to worry!

Drawing materials, boards & paper will be provided for a small donation of £2.

All are welcome—bring your curiosity, creativity, and openness. Let’s redraw the lines of life drawing, together.

The event is in the basement space of No64 The Outsiders Gallery, it has a set of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

View Event →
Nov
5
2:30 PM14:30

Chocked Up! Round 2

Choked Up! is back and better than ever for round two, for all your scratch night itches, if you’re into that kind of thing

With stunning performances from Grace Quigley and their biting poetry, you can hear the dulcet post punk tones of TJ Padfield, Marina Scott will be breaking hearts with their words and Sam Smith will debut a brand new play that is sure to go down kicking and screaming

Our host Daze Hingorani will even be giving a look at their brand spanking new show, made in partnership with the Roundhouse

We’re committed to platforming new works by outstanding performers, and in the spirit of this, round two is a fundraiser! Bring your friends and families and lovers and support the making of Mad Jacks Theatre company’s new project

Doors will open at 7pm for a swift start of 7:30pm for performances, there’ll be plenty of breaks for drinks and kisses, we can’t wait to see you there xoxo

View Event →
Nov
2
7:00 PM19:00

t'ART Exhibition: Queer Time - Private View

We are really excited to be bringing together queer and trans artists and makers for a new exhibition at The Outsiders Gallery, responding to the theme of 'queer time'. 

Time is different for us. The markers of a life have not always been accessible to queer people: marriage, children, their children and so on. And then there’s coming out, again and again. Transitioning, changing our bodies, changing our pronouns. Many of us explore as our true selves late. 

We have gathered work from both emerging and established queer and trans artists, working across a variety of disciplines from painting to photography, film to sculpture. And we can’t wait to share it with you.

We’d love for you to join us to celebrate the exhibition’s opening at our Private View on 2nd November. Tickets are available for a suggested donation of £3 and all proceeds go towards the exhibition’s costs, or you can purchase one of our most recent publications to pick up at the event! Drinks will be available to purchase at the bar.

View Event →
Oct
19
2:00 PM14:00

One More DAYtime: 1998

One More Time goes daytime! Re-live your youth and enjoy the hits, forgotten gems and flops from 1998! And get home at a reasonable hour!! 

It was the year pure pop really hit the big time with B*Witched and Billie making their chart debuts, Steps, Five and Aqua hitting the big time and Cher making THAT comeback.

It was also the year Celine‘s heart went on, Des’ree had some toast, Cleopatra came 'atcha, the Spice Girls Stop-ped as a five piece (and said GET WELL SOON/ Goodbye to Geri) and The Honeyz and The Corrs hit big. We were also Horny having Sex On The Beach whilst wondering what she would look like with a chimney on her. 70's covers were all over and epic ballads ruled the charts. Imaani and Dana International tussled it out for Eurovision success whilst Brandy and Monica fought it out over a boy.

We’ll be playing the A list popstars from 1998 along with B listers like Lutricia McNeal, Alda and Garbage along with loads of other pop and dance hits from 1998. Expect loads of forgotten gems you're unlikely to hear anywhere else (from Ultra and Lucid to Solid HarmoniE.). Our Bargain Bin first hour of 1998’s pop flops (from Kerri-Ann to E-Male and Christian Fry) kicks things off for the first hour.

Come along on 19th October - the Music Sounds Better With YOU!

View Event →
Oct
17
12:00 PM12:00

No Drama! - Reading Trans representation on screen and other film making crimes

FREE EVENT - No Drama! - Reading Trans representation on screen and other film making crimes, an illustrated panel event.

On Wednesday Nov 20 VFDalston will be hosting a shadey look at the history of Trans representation on the big screen, how Hollywood and indie film makers have portrayed trans characters, and our fabulous panel of industry experts will discuss the good and the (often) bad examples.

The talk will be proceeded by a 45 minute montage of clips from films highlighting the ground breakingly great, the jaw droppingly awful and the downright offensive.

We will task our panel with creating a Manifesto of demands for future film makers to consult.

Then we will open up for questions and statements from the audience.

As well as in person tickets, we will be hosting the evening online, so you can sign up for an IRL ticket or a streaming link.

The venue will be The Outsiders Gallery at VFDalston, No64 Stoke Newington Road.

The space is fully accessible with a small ramp at the front door from the high street, and a newly installed wheelchair user designed bathroom.

Our panelists include Jaye Hudson (she/her) (TGirls on Film), Rue Lumbroso (she/her) Transmissions, Tara Brown (they/them) Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Festival, Molly Miles (they/them) Catagory H horror club and Trans Buffet, plus more TBC

Tickets are FREE, but we do ask if you cannot attend please let us know so we can reallocate your ticket. 

Supported by Hackney Council, as part of Hackney Pride 365 - Transgender Awareness Week

View Event →
Oct
12
to Oct 13

Adire Nights

Our people! We welcome you to Adire Nights, London's Queer Afrobeats Night. Filled with back-to-back Afro-Queer DJs as well as special performances throughout the night. Get ready to take it back to good music and dancing that will make you off your wig!

But don't just take our word for it, we go see you soon!🤫

View Event →
Sep
21
to Sep 22

One More Time 2003

One More Time returns to 2003! Reality TV acts were all over the charts from Popstars' Girls Aloud, Liberty X, Cheeky Girls and err One True Voice to Pop Idol's Will Young, Gareth Gates, Darius, Sarah Whatmore, Zoe Birkett and Rosie Ribbons and Fame Academy's David Sneddon, Sinead Quinn, Lemar, Adele Parks and Ainslie Henderson… not to mention Pop Idol 2's winner waiting in the wings.

It was also a big year for Dannii Minogue, Kylie, Jamelia, Christina, Mis-Teeq and the Sugababes, not to mention Beyonce, Emma Bunton, Delta Goodrem and Lisa Scott-Lee. We said goodbye to S Club (7), hello to newly re-branded S Club 8, Busted took us to the Year 3000 and t.A.T.u. raised eyebrows.

We’ll be playing the A list popstars from 2003 along with B listers like Kym Marsh, Big Brovaz and a whole host of Clubland names along with loads of other pop and dance hits from 2003. Expect loads of forgotten gems you're unlikely to hear anywhere else (from D-Side to Abs and Stacie Orrico). Our Bargain Bin first hour of 2003’s pop flops (from Maria Willson to Nodesha and Alice Martineau) kicks the night off from 9pm.

£10 advance, £12 on the door

View Event →
Sep
21
1:30 PM13:30

Queer Family Cabaret Workshop Afternoon

Queer Family Cabaret

Welcome to a relaxed and fun afternoon for families of all ages and abilities, to learn and explore performance skills, located at the VFD Outsiders Gallery 64 Stoke Newington Rd. The workshop will be led by Arkem and Sally (see their details below).

The workshop will open at 1.30 and will run between 2 and 4.30 with time for feedback

(aim to arrive with at least 15 minutes to settle in).

The workshop begins with warm up games and an easy-to-follow process will then help you to create a character in the moment and to find a costume. Further games enable you to share your character and game in an impromptu co-created cabaret in front of the appreciative and supportive audience of your fellow participants. In cabaret the audience and performers are equally important and so there is no pressure to perform. This workshop will end in a celebration of each other.
With this workshop we hope that you will have laughed and created together as a family in a new and fun way. The workshop is held by experienced and caring performers and will be accessible, inclusive and responsive. Please do not hesitate to get on touch if you have any queries.

 This workshop has been well received by families. We would like this work to develop in a responsive way from the feedback from families and so this will be a low-fee offering with time at the end for feedback.

The ground floor is a fully accessible space with a bathroom designed by wheel chair users.

View Event →
Aug
31
1:00 PM13:00

Carnival Day Party for Black Neurodivergent People

Come celebrate the end of summer with us at a relaxed day party designed especially for Black neurodivergent folks! We know that big, chaotic events like Notting Hill Carnival can be overwhelming, so we’re keeping things low-key and focused on connecting in a safe, supportive space. This is in collaboration with VF Dalston and is also our last fundraiser of the summer, with all proceeds going towards some incredible upcoming events and workshops that we can’t wait to share with you! The venue is beautiful, the DJ’s are amazing (also black and neurodivergent), the vibes will be vibing, and tickets are limited—so secure yours asap. Let’s close out the season together, our way!

View Event →
Aug
16
to Aug 17

FAGGAMUFFIN Bloc Party Hackney Carnival Fundraiser

  • Google Calendar ICS

We are raising money for the FAGGAMUFFIN Hackney Carnival float  

This will be the first ever queer float at Hackney Carnival! VFD are fundraising for FAGGAMUFFIN, we aim to raise £2000 to put the finishing touches to costumes, dancers, and supplies. 
All ticket sales will go directly to support FAGGAMUFFIN Hackney Carnival fund, alongside a GOFUNDME. 

Let's get the first queer float to Hackney!

DJ Line up 

DJ SCARBA

+ others tbc

View Event →
Aug
9
to Aug 10

STEAMED JAMS

Steamed Jams 

Music Policy / Nostalgia pop and throwback dance anthems

Dress Code / Your Simpsons Icon ( yellow body paint unnecessary ) 

A Night Out In Springfield 

A silly, camp, Simpsons-themed party? At this time of year? At this time of day? In this part of Dalston? Localised entirely within VFD?

Eeeh-Ye-e-e-es!

If you’re looking for a dopamine hit of nostalgia, grab your ticket for Steamed Jams - a costumed club night dedicated to our four fingered, future predicting, Flanderific friends… The Simpsons.

MisterrCha is our resident Disco Stu for the night, delivering throwback dance anthems and feel-good tunes from 1990 to now. You might even hear some familiar voices from our neighbourinos in the mix too. Are you couch gagging yet?

You will be rubbing shoulders with all of the Springfield socialites, so we invite you to dress the part of your favourite Simpsons icon. Minus any yellow body paint.

Are you stupid sexy Flanders? What will you reveal under that mangled Chanel dress? Or will you expose the true identity of El Homo?

Filled with absurdity and surprises, Steamed Hams will be unforgettably dumbening. So don that blue beehive. Suck that pacifier. And join us for a Flamin’ Moe’s at a one-of-a-kind night with the whole Party Posse.

So what are you waiting for? Buy that ticket and let your brain release some more endorphins.

Smell ya later!

View Event →
Jul
27
to Jul 28

CAMP UTOPIA: A TRANS+PRIDE AFTERPARTY... AND FUNDRAISER

  • Google Calendar ICS

Camp Utopia - a Trans + Pride After Party and Fundraiser

Calling All Campy Cyborgs, Digital Divas, Artificial
Join us after this year's London Trans+ Pride for the second edition of CAMP at VFDalston! 
Every CAMP party has a theme, and this time we want to see your vision of UTOPIA:

It is time to imagine new and better worlds, so we want to see your best futuristic fantastical looks. Think the androgynous universe of iconic trans allegory The Matrix, the pleasure-seeking queer future of The Fifth Element, or even turn to nonhuman worlds of gender fluid clownfish and binary-bending fungi. Anything goes

Finally, all proceeds made will be going towards London Trans+ Pride (LTP). LTP @londontranspride is a grassroots trans-led community organisation, operating as a collective of volunteers for and with the trans+ community in the UK. They are responsible for organising the annual London Trans+ Pride march since 2018

View Event →
Jul
23
12:00 PM12:00

Island Gyals & Dem

We all know that Notting Hill Carnival is at the end of August, I don’t know about you but we’re getting a little impatient. Lucky for you, GawdX and Scarba have teamed up to bring a QUEER BIPOC CARNIVAL STARTER TO VFD!!

Expect Soca, Bouyon, Baile Funk, Dancehall, Reggaeton and some juicy edits delivering the "wine ya waist" energy. We got heat going all night 😍😍🔥🔥🔥

Bring your gyals, gays, & dem allies! 

We want respect, good vibes, waist wines and nothing else!

View Event →