Full Of Pride: Rathaus x NSFW Join Forces for Pride 2023 Celebration
Experiencing both Rathaus and NSFW events in the past, it’s safe to say that Pride 2023 is going to be one to remember, as both Dublin collectives clash heads for a night of great music, a line-up of Ireland’s finest talent, and a dress code which we will happily adhere to. Taking place in the Grand Social, we are set for a memorable day party, which will lead late into the night as it evolves through from the Rathaus Ball Room, into the Garden of Edun, and finishing off the night with NSFW. - We caught up with both parties involved to find out more about this exciting collaboration.
Tell us about the concept behind your joint Pride Party. ‘Inferno: The Garden of Edun’. Where did this derive from?
Usually the themes come from a lot of back and forth ideas and this was much the same but also involved working with another collective, NSFW. Both of us wanted to create a theme that brought a lot of life to the event but was easy and accessible to follow for anyone attending. The idea derives from Dante’s Inferno which follows his journey through Hell and can be interpreted in many ways but mostly aims to be anti-establishment and allow people to poke fun at the Catholic church. None of our parties are ever meant to be taken that seriously so as always, there will be a lot of campiness and overall we will take the piss.
How did you both join forces to create this special moment? What brought you together?
I think what brought us together is similar view points in what kind of parties we want to throw but also what’s nice about both of our events is the different music styles. We always stick to mostly techno and of course our pop room while NSFW has a more house/ electro & techno style sound so it’s definitely nice to be able to bring these two genres together for people who might not be into just one or the other.
What elements from Rathaus and NSFW do you feel work together the best? Do you attract different audiences?
We both attract similar but different audiences. While NSFW has a mature queer demographic across the board we have a much younger crowd with also a huge amount of women and gender non-conforming people who attend event after event. It’ll be great for us to combine our two crowds and hopefully introduce them to new nights out. I think that both NSFW and RATHAUS are unapologetic in the nights we put on and have both managed to gain a cult following that I hope will continue long into the future. This kind of a collaboration will really push the limits of what Dublin nightlife can be.
The line-up is absolutely stellar in all three rooms. Tell us about the selection of DJs and resident performers you have booked for the event. What’s going to be new about this event?
For us, as always, we wanted to showcase the amazing local talent on the scene at the moment. We’ve got Shannen Blessing, our resident DJ headlining and of course Dylatrix for an amazing midnight performance. As well as this we have a funkier sound representing us in the Garden of Edun with Tamisya & OR30 until we bring in some heavier styles with UserRL, LPM, Ayolxi and Derv for our after party in the ballroom. NSFW have also got an unreal lineup with Spray booked who is in big demand at the moment for their after party upstairs. Joined by Tyvion Valentine, Dark Mavis and resident L.Ivory. Overall it’s a completely jam packed day and night with a mix of styles and genres that were so excited to see unfold.
Just so we get it right, tell us more about the dress code? Horny Adam & Eve vibes?
So the dress code is pretty much that and more. We encourage people to go as horny or modest as they’re comfortable with. We’re picturing upstairs being more heavenly bodies vibes with downstairs leaning more into a sort of satanic slutty demon energy. There’s no right or wrong thing to wear but we’re so excited as usual to see what people come up with.
Providing a safe space of expression has always been at the heart of what you both do. Do you think Dublin in particular is opening up to more of these open minded spaces recently?
It really has been great to see collectives in Dublin prioritising the welfare of attendees by educating staff, taking feedback and listening to what their partygoers have to say about what it’s like on the dance floor. I feel like things can only go up from here and I hope in a few years, Dublin can be a much more welcoming place for self expression.
There's no camera and no tolerance policy on the night. What else is key to creating a safe space for your guests?
As I said before, I think educating staff is hugely important if you’re throwing a party where people are going to be dressed in a non-traditional manner or one that is aiming to be a safe space for people of all genders and sexualities. There’s still growing pains in club spaces when it comes to this so it’s important for promoters to make this a priority when throwing events.
Collective of Rathaus Photos taken by Kodak Daniel
What can ticket holders expect from the night in terms of performances?
As well as a huge lineup of incredible DJs, we’re going to have performances from drag queens burlesque performers dancers, installations and lots more that will be announce in the coming weeks. This party aims to be an experience more than just a club night and certainly isn’t one to be missed.
Tell us about some of your favourite pride memories? When was your first pride?
Last year was a great memory as it was mine and Michal’s first year throwing a party on Pride. RATHAUS was only a few months old and we brought over a favourite DJ of ours Narciss for a hot and sweaty night in the Sound House. It still is up there with one of our favourite parties and it was great having over an international DJ that we both were obsessed with. Costa Del Rathaus has some of the most iconic photos and the best memories for me.
My first pride was about eight years ago now and was another great memory for me. I was barely on the scene and was a baby makeup artist at the time. I ended up doing some of my favourite drag queens’ makeup before joining the parade. It’s mad to look back on these memories and comparing it where myself and Michal are now! We just can’t wait to see what the future holds for us and RATHAUS.
Make sure to purchase your tickets below and follow @rathausdublin and @nsfwdublin for event updates.
Space: The Grand Social, 35 Liffey Street Lower, D01 C3N0, Dublin 1.
Date: Saturday, 24th June 2023
Time: 3pm
Tickets from €17.07
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