From Pa Salieu to Simone Rocha, everyone came down to Dazed Live

Last month, we opened the doors of Dazed HQ at 180 the Strand for the first ever Dazed Live: two days of live events with our readers, frieds and collaborators. From t-shirt making with Conner Ives to talks and workshops with Simone Rocha, Dazed editor-in-chief Ib Kamara and art director Gareth Wrighton, DJs Jyoty and Sherelle and more, as well as performances from Pa Salieu, Enny, Bree Runway (plus a surprise appearance…), Dazed Live brought the magazine to life. Here’s what went down.

WE OPENED DAZED HQ TO THE PUBLIC

Post-Covid, Dazed HQ had a bit of a transformation, and we were excited to open our doors to Dazed readers, contributors and friends and family alike for two days of making, showcasing, learning, music, art, activism and more, while giving our readers insight into how to make a magazine the Dazed way – by “making it up as we go along”. 

CENTREPOINT UK HOSTED A TALK ON HIDDEN HOMELESSESS

In the wake of Covid-19, youth homelessness has risen to previously unseen levels, with unprecedented amounts of young people reaching out to their local councils for help. Marking the weekend of World Homelessness Day, writer, youth worker and author of Cut Short: Youth Violence, Loss and Hope in the City Ciaran Thapar was joined by activist Brookemorgan Henry-Rennie, multi-disciplinary creative Josephine Jones and author and Dazed 100-er Jeremiah Emmanuel to debunk myths and discuss some of the causes of homelessness, while providing a toolkit for practical ways we can all help. Following the event, we have also launched Art For Homeless Youth, a print sale with 100% of the proceeds donated to Centrepoint, a youth homeless charity that offers housing, health, and employment support for people in need. 

WE MET THE NEW GENERATION OF PHOTOGRAPHY TALENT

Now in its third year, Dazed+Labs returned under the curation and tutelage of photographer and educator Eddie Otchere. During two days of workshops encompassing photography classes, a pop-up darkroom and zine-making, as well as hands-on experience in the roles that surround a photographer (such as stylists, art directors and creative directors), the next generation of the UK’s image making talent turned out, producing work befitting the pages of Dazed. Watch this space...

A'WHORA AND VANITY MILAN TALKED WIGS, LONDON'S BEST DRAG NIGHTS AND RACIAL REPRESENTATION ON DRAG RACE

Ru Paul’s Drag Race season two contestant A'Whora and season three contestant Vanity Milan joined Dominic Cadogan to share stories, tips and tricks on how to become a drag superstar. From creating looks on a dime to where to go for the best drag nights in London, to racial representation on Drag Race UK and how to keep yourself safe on a night out, the queens gave the ultimate guide to believing in yourself and following your dreams. 

JYOTY, SHERELLE AND PRESTIGE PAK HOSTED DJ WORKSHOPS WITH PIONEER

Lucky attendees had the chance to learn the tricks of the trade from some of the London underground’s most exciting DJs: renegade nightlife collective and Reprezent Radio-hosts Prestige Pak, DJ-producer & 160 BPM aficionado Sherelle and Rinse FM and Boiler Room-regular Jyoty. 

PA SALIEU, ENNY AND BREE RUNWAY PERFORMED – AND UNKNOWN T CAME THROUGH FOR A SURPRISE SET

London’s answer to Missy Elliott Bree Runway, and Dazed 100ers Pa Salieu and Enny brought the house down, while Homerton’s rising drill renegade Unknown T closed down Day 2 with a riotous set.

TRULY HARD SELTZER AND BEAR ISLAND PROVIDED THE DRINKS ACROSS THE WEEKEND

Thanks to Truly Hard Seltzer and Bear Island we stayed hydrated as we enjoyed everything Dazed Live had to offer.