Drag, dance and debauchery: Inside Glastonbury’s NYC Downlow

Here’s what went down in Block9’s legendary gay nightclub – in photos 

Block9’s NYC Downlow is Glastonbury’s most mystical after-dark space and, though it’s open for just five days a year, one of the UK’s most infamous queer clubs. Modelled on a warehouse in New York’s meatpacking district circa 1982, the spot has carved out a space for sweaty hedonism and unfiltered self-expression since Gideon Berger and Stephen Gallagher first opened its doors in 2007. Suffice to say, Worthy Farm has not been the same since.

This year’s line-up featured Confidence Man, Prosumer, Tama Sumo & Lakuti, Nat Wendell, Block9 founder GIDEÖN and many more, with surprise sets from Cyndi Lauper and Jessie Ware adding to the feeling of serendipitous spontaneity we’ve come to expect from the space. Downlow also introduced its first-ever day party from 2pm, headlined by François K alongside favourites Dungeon Meat and Sean McCabe.

As political as it is party-oriented, British fashion designer Katharine Hamnett also collaborated with Block9 on a collection of her signature slogan t-shirts and posters for 2024, urging people to vote to defend LGBTQ+ rights, the freedom to protest, affordable housing and more.

So, what really goes on behind the door (and notoriously long queue) at the Downlow? Photographer Courteney Frisby headed down to capture the sweat, glamour and outrageous outfits in all their glory.