Every lesbian knows we need more lesbian spaces, and Afterglow has been busy building one. For the past year, its monthly Thursday residency at Roses of Elagabalus in Dalston has sold out almost every night, thanks to excellent DJs, great cocktails and a no-photo policy that means what happens inside stays inside. Famous lesbian singers have even been spotted in the crowd. Swit swoo.
Now Afterglow is back for season two, and it’s going bigger. On Saturday 26 September 2026, 250 lesbians and FLINTA folk will take over a secret spot in Hackney Wick for eight hours of outdoor drinks, a bigger dancefloor and queer DJs from daylight until 1am. Here is everything you need to know before you grab your tickets.
What is Afterglow?
Afterglow is a lesbian-led, FLINTA-inclusive night created by two founders with years of experience in queer nightlife and music. They set out to make the night they wanted to go to themselves: “Somewhere considered, music-led and a little bit sexy.”
It sold out from day one and has grown into a community since. The idea is that nobody tells you how to spend it. Dance all night, sit with a glass of wine and talk for hours, turn up with your mates or come on your own. It has a naturally social energy without tipping into singles night territory – you’ll end up chatting to the people next to you, catching someone’s eye across the bar and, inevitably, bumping into your ex.
Then there’s the no-photo policy. Phone cameras are off-limits (the only images come from Afterglow’s film camera), and it has become a big part of what makes the night feel different. “You can dance badly. Flirt shamelessly. Kiss someone. Wear whatever you want,” say the founders. “You can just be there without wondering whether you’re going to appear on somebody’s Instagram Story the next morning.”
What’s happening on 26 September?
The pair are calling it “a proper last dance of summer.” Doors open at 5pm while it’s still light, so you can grab a drink outside, find your friends (or someone else’s) and lounge for a bit. Then follow the music inside to a bigger dancefloor and keep going until 1am. Or spend half the night talking to someone in a corner. No judgement.
Who is playing?
Co-founder BEKEFI is on the decks, joined by RIVA and TEECRA, so expect sounds that sit under a conversation early on and pull the whole room onto the dancefloor later. Get a taste of BEKEFI’s sets on SoundCloud before you go.
Where is it?
Somewhere in Hackney Wick, and that’s all we’re allowed to say. The exact location is being kept under wraps and will be sent to ticket holders closer to the day.
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Tickets and entry
A limited number of early bird tickets are being released first, and with capacity capped at 250 (and a track record of selling out), we wouldn’t hang about. The party is 21+ and tickets are non-refundable, so check your diary before you buy.
Is Afterglow leaving Roses?
Not at all. After September, Afterglow heads back to its monthly Thursday nights at Roses of Elagabalus as autumn turns into winter.
And as the founders put it: “When was the last time you were in a room with 250 lesbians?”
The details:
Event: Afterglow Day to Night Party
Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Time: 5pm – 1am
Venue: Secret location in Hackney Wick, sent to ticket holders
Tickets: via Eventbrite (21+, no refunds)
Instagram: @afterglow.east
See you there,
Nonchalant x
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This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
