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//REWORK THIS
event
Activity: Takes place with a fixed time and schedule
lock Restricted Content
14th November
to 7th December
300 You will earn 300 gold points for completing this activity.
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Homobloc x RISE: RunwayXBanksie Showcase Designer Call-Out

14th November to 7th December
A unique opportunity for fashion and costume design students or graduates to showcase their work at Homobloc 2025, with the chance to collaborate directly with Banksie (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) on a bespoke performance piece.

Background and Concept.

Homobloc x RISE: RunwayXBanksie Showcase Call-Out

Homobloc, Manchester’s iconic queer block party, celebrates underground club culture, radical self-expression, and queer joy. In collaboration with RISE, Homobloc invites current fashion students and recent graduates to showcase bold, performance-ready designs on the Homobloc stage at Depot Mayfield on 6th December 2025. The project will be guided by Guided by Sophie Bee, Creative Director for The Warehouse Project, Homobloc, Block 9 at Glastonbury, and La Discothèque. Sophie also serves on the Board of Trustees at Islington Mill.

Opportunity Details:

Participants will collaborate with the Homobloc creative team and Banksie, a non-binary drag performer, fashion artist, and Manchester School of Art alum, known for blending burlesque, 1930s glamour, and modern queer artistry.

Designers will prepare and present looks for a live runway event on the Main Stage of Mayfield Depot during the transition between performances by Ana Matronic and Slayyter.

Over the 15-minute changeover, design contributors will be showcasing amongst other northern fashion creators. This opportunity allows participants to showcase their creative work to a large, prominently queer, audience, gain experience in live event presentation, and collaborate with industry professionals.

What You’ll Gain

  •  Creative Collaboration – working alongside the Homobloc team and special guests including Banksie from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

  • Exposure to a large, queer-focused audience.

  • Experience in live event presentation.

Who We’re Looking For:

  • Fashion design students with existing pieces or ready to create one new show-ready garment.

  • Must be available for fittings, rehearsals, and coordination with models and production team.

  • Final garments must be ready by 5th December.

 

Application Requirements

  • Student name and contact details, fashion course and level.

  • A short expression of interest outlining motivation and relevant experience, we advise students to provide any links to CV, portfolio links, or social channel links that showcase their work.

  • if you are proposing t make a bespoke piece you need to present a portfolio work of existing pieces, a sketch, or concept imagery of a proposed bespoke piece along with fabrication and finishing ideas.

  • Selected participants will meet Banksie for a design briefing. Final involvement depends on commitment and readines

Due to the high volume of applications and the nature of this opportunity, applicants who do not provide images, sketches, visuals, or detailed information about their garments/outfits will not be selected for an interview.

DISCLAIMER- PLEASE READ!

This event celebrates Manchester’s vibrant LGBTQI+ community. Homobloc is unapologetically queer — a celebration of self-expression, sexuality, and positivity. It provides a space that champions activism, inclusivity, and diversity.

Applicants are encouraged to research the event before applying. The event is open to everyone — whether you identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community or as an ally.

Creative Team on the project:

Sophie Bee/ Creative Director Homobloc and Warehouse project.

Banksie/Founder of Runway,Drag Artist and Lead Perfomer: Instagram

Homobloc: Instagram

Academic Team : Aisling griffin: aisling.griffin@mmu.ac.uk and Nathan Roberts: n.roberts@mmu.ac.uk

Associated Badges:

In A Nutshell...

  • Creative Showcase...Present your work on the Homobloc stage, one of the UK’s most iconic queer-led cultural events.
  • Design Collaboration...Work directly with Homobloc creative team to showcase current work or co-create a bespoke garment for live performance.
  • Portfolio Development...Gain exposure and build portfolio-ready content through a high-profile creative opportunity.
  • Industry Insight...Experience the creative process behind queer fashion and performance design.
  • Networking Opportunities...Connect with Homobloc’s creative team and fellow designers.
  • Earn up to 300 Rise points ... which can be recognised within your degree.

Schedule

  • place 14/11/25 to 04/12/25 - TBA
    Design/fitting meeting with Banksie
    this will be arranged on a 1-1 basis based around availability
  • place 09:00 to 17:00 on 05/12/25 - Islington Mill James St, Salford M3 5HW
    Pre-Styling event at Islington mill
    Meet the cast and crew for a pre styling day and rehearsals
  • place 06/12/25 to 07/12/25 - Mayfield Train Station, The Depot, Manchester M1 2QF
    Homobloc 'Club to Catwalk' Event night
    The Event night and showcase at Warehouse Project.