Riposte

Riposte is a London-based queer rave collective operating under the banner of Queer–Art–Techno. Founded and curated by a team rooted in the global majority, the collective runs events for queers by queers, with strong allies welcomed when coming as part of a queer group. The space is explicitly pro-trans rights, sex-worker positive, and politically engaged, with these positions stated publicly in event listings. Cis-het men attending to hit on women are told plainly they will be removed. Events consistently draw over 1,000 attendees and are ticketed exclusively through Resident Advisor. Riposte rotates between Electrowerkz (7 Torrens Street, Islington, EC1V 1NQ) and The Cause (60 Dock Road, Newham, E16 1YZ). Each event expands across multiple zones: two dance floors playing techno and electro, a performance and art room hosting live acts, workshops, and roaming performers, a queer market with independent stalls, and a play space. A typical bill features 10–12 DJs alongside 10–20 live performers and visual artists. Editions are built around rotating themes — past concepts have included Fight Club, Clowns, crypto satire, and Witchcraft. Events run from 21:00 to 06:00 for night editions, or 14:00 to midnight for occasional day rave editions. Entry is 18+ and photo ID is mandatory with no exceptions. A portion of profits from select events has been donated to charity; the May 2025 edition donated to Point of Pride, supporting trans people in the USA. Welfare provision, safer sex supplies, and on-site medics have been noted across event descriptions.