We are assembling a dynamic production team for Homobloc 2025, with roles that will include:

• Production Support –assisting with backstage logistics, fast-paced coordination, and live show management

• Dressing Team – supporting performers and stylists with wardrobe prep and quick changes.

• BTS (Behind-the-Scenes) Crew – capturing the creative process and documenting rehearsals and live moments.

• Content & Communications – creating media assets with potential to feature in Homobloc’s official show coverage and future promotional campaigns

Background and Concept.

Homobloc is Manchester’s legendary queer block party, rooted in the city’s underground club culture and driven by a spirit of freedom, inclusivity, radical self-expression, and community. Born from the iconic Homoelectric movement, it fuses music, fashion, performance, and activism in a celebration of queer joy. It’s a space where misfits, creatives, and visionaries challenge norms and imagine new possibilities.

RISE invites students to join the Homobloc Production Team, gaining hands-on experience across fashion production, event coordination, styling, content creation, and creative communications. This behind-the-scenes opportunity offers insight into one of the UK’s most dynamic queer-led cultural events, with roles spanning production support, dressing, documentation, and storytelling, ideal for those interested in fashion, media, and live event management.

The project will delve into the creative process behind one of Homobloc’s iconic large-scale stages, giving students practical experience in conceptual development and execution.

Students will be guided by Sophie Bee, Creative Director and Producer for The Warehouse Project, Homobloc, Block 9 at Glastonbury, and La Discothèque. Sophie also serves on the Board of Trustees at Islington Mill.

As part of this immersive experience, students will collaborate with Banksie, a member of the Family Gorgeous drag collective and celebrated alum of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. A graduate of Manchester School of Art, Banksie draws inspiration from fashion legends like Thierry Mugler, Vivienne Westwood, and Jean Paul Gaultier, blending burlesque, 1930s glamour, and contemporary queer aesthetics. Her towering presence and emotionally charged storytelling bring bold theatrical energy to Homobloc, offering students a rare chance to work alongside a rising icon in queer fashion and performance.

What You’ll Gain

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

•   First-hand experience of catwalk and performance production in a high-energy, inclusive environment
• Exposure to creative direction, styling, and live event coordination.

• Portfolio-worthy content and networking opportunities
• Catwalk Process Exposure – gaining insight into the structure, timing, and creative flow of live fashion performance.

•  Insight into queer-led event production, brand storytelling, and creative resilience

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.

•  Indicate preferred role (if applicable) and relevant experience shared to support.

• Interviews will be taking place on Wednesday 5th November and student will need to be free between 9am-5pm.

Hours for the Project/Internship

• Estimated 8–10 hours on-site during the event take place on the 6^th of December and you will be required to be available for a pre- briefing and styling event.

• Maximum hours for full accreditation: 100 hours (up to 300 Rise points).

• Students who take content roles will be required to work with the creative director and team to share content.

• Format: In-person at Depot, Mayfield, Manchester.

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: