Join us for Rishi Sunak’s Leaving Drinks
- Text by Ben Smoke
- Illustrations by Han Nightingale, Moira Letby
It’s been 14 very long years of Conservative party rule. Five Prime Ministers, four elections, one referendum, countless scandals, a pandemic, an historic cost of living crisis, over a decade of cuts to basic services, welfare and social support, with over 330,000 deaths associated with them. A country that, many would argue, has been broken - we can only hope not beyond repair. Many of us have marched, fought, campaigned and tried to.
Those responsible, among them our current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, look finally set to be handed their marching orders in just a few short weeks. If polls are to be believed the 4th of July will be the final day of Sunak’s premiership and we thought we should send arguably the richest man to ever be elected to Parliament off in style.
There is no place we’d rather get together and collectively scream “good riddance” than in the hallowed hall (basement) of Dalston Superstore. Starting from 9pm on 4 July, we’ll be screening the election results live, going late into the night with an incredible roster of DJs curated by our good friends Queer House Party. Huck’s Digital Editor and resident gobshite Ben Smoke will be on hand to keep us abreast of developments through the early hours, as we watch and celebrate (hopefully) the demise of so many of those who have brought misery to millions. Don’t tell anyone but we may also have a few extra surprises lined up for you on the night...
Of course, what comes next is not set. Indeed, even if Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party does become the next Prime Minister, as it looks likely he will, the fight both at home and abroad is far from over. It’s why we’re taking the opportunity to fundraise for those currently at the centre of a genocide that many say Starmer provided political cover for. All profits from the night will be going directly to eSims for Gaza and the MSF Children’s fund - both at the heart of providing vital humanitarian assistance on the ground to those in Gaza.
There are no advance tickets so you’ll need to plan to get there early, particularly if you want to join in our epic exit poll celebration at 10pm. As extra incentive (as if you need any?!), we’ll be giving away free copies of Huck 75, with legend Zarah Sultana on the cover to the first 100 people through the door!
On the decks through the night will be Harry Gay, Claude Knight, Meg Ward, The Doll Named Dan, FEMMI, Katie Baxter, Certified Batty Rider, Jess Hands, Reenie, Mark-Ashley Dupè, and Passer with icon Taali not Charlie on hosting duties.
It’s been a hard, unrelenting few years - a simultaneously frantic and extraordinarily dull election campaign, and an uncertain future awaits us all but on 4 July, let’s all get together to celebrate, to take the night to think of all we’ve lost, all we’ve achieved and all we’re yet to win. To connect, to laugh, to [redacted], and, most importantly, to (hopefully!!) say a big SEE YA to the tories.
See you all on the dancefloor x
Enjoyed this article? Follow Huck on Instagram and on Twitter.
Support stories, and see more exclusive content by becoming a member of Club Huck.
Latest on Huck
This erotic zine dismantles LGBTQ+ respectability politics
Zine Scene — Created by Megan Wallace and Jack Rowe, PULP is a new print publication that embraces the diverse and messy, yet pleasurable multitudes that sex and desire can take.
Written by: Isaac Muk
As Tbilisi’s famed nightclubs reawaken, a murky future awaits
Spaces Between the Beats — Since Georgia’s ruling party suspended plans for EU accession, protests have continued in the capital, with nightclubs shutting in solidarity. Victor Swezey reported on their New Year’s Eve reopening, finding a mix of anxiety, catharsis and defiance.
Written by: Victor Swezey
Los Angeles is burning: Rick Castro on fleeing his home once again
Braver New World — In 2020, the photographer fled the Bobcat Fire in San Bernardino to his East Hollywood home, sparking the inspiration for an unsettling photo series. Now, while preparing for its exhibition, he has had to leave once again, returning to the mountains.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Ghais Guevara: “Rap is a pinnacle of our culture”
What Made Me — In our new series, we ask artists and rebels about the forces and experiences that have shaped who they are. First up, Philadelphian rap experimentalist Ghais Guevara.
Written by: Ghais Guevara
Gaza Biennale comes to London in ICA protest
Art and action — The global project, which presents the work of over 60 Palestinian artists, will be on view outside the art institution in protest of an exhibition funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai
Ragnar Axelsson’s thawing vision of Arctic life
At the Edge of the World — For over four decades, the Icelandic photographer has been journeying to the tip of the earth and documenting its communities. A new exhibition dives into his archive.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai