Memories from the dance floor

Material Queer is proud to present Memories from the Dancefloor a documentary podcast that explores the history, impact, and enduring legacy of queer club spaces in the UK. Led by Material Queer’s creative producer Damian Kerlin, the series captures the cultural heartbeat of LGBTQ+ nightlife, bringing to life the stories that shaped generations.

More than just places to party, queer clubs have long been vital sanctuaries, offering safety, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. Each episode of Memories from the Dancefloor spotlights an iconic venue, blending first-hand accounts, archival research, and expert commentary to uncover the deeper social and political narratives tied to these spaces.

The series kicks off with Heaven, London’s legendary super-club, where Damian speaks to founder Jeremy Norman and London’s Night Czar, Amy Lamé, about its groundbreaking opening in 1979 and the ongoing fight to protect LGBTQ+ nightlife today. Future episodes venture beyond London to explore the significance of venues like the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and Manchester’s Canal Street, diving into key moments in queer history - from the AIDS crisis to the evolution of drag, trans inclusion, and the role of club culture in activism.

For Damian, Memories from the Dance Floor is deeply personal. Growing up in Northern Ireland, he understood the life-changing power of queer spaces from afar before stepping onto a dance floor himself. Now, through Material Queer, he’s ensuring that the voices, memories, and histories of these clubs are documented and celebrated.

The podcast is a call to remember, to honour, and to protect the spaces that have always been at the heart of LGBTQ+ identity.

Memories from the Dancefloor is part of Acast Amplifier’s incubator programme. Listen here.