We sat down at Manchester’s iconic Star and Garter with the legendary Honey Dijon and Manchester’s own, Rebecca Swarray aka, Mix-Stress for an exclusive interview ahead of Homobloc 2025 to talk about all things queer culture, house music, and the future of clubbing.
From Chicago to Manchester, the pair reflected on the roots of the scene, finding joy in dark times, and why the dancefloor remains a sacred space.
Put simply, it was fascinating to see the pair dive deep into the culture.
Sharing a drink in the historic Manchester city centre pub, here’s how the chat between Mix-Stress and Honey went down…
Mix-Stress meets Honey Dijon – the interview
‘Every time I play Manchester, it’s just always a vibe’
Mix-Stress (MS): Welcome toThe Star and Garter. Manchester and Homobloc obviously holds a special place, and you’ve played here a few times. Can you tell me about any sets that stand out that are staying with you over the times you’ve visited here?
ADVERTISEMENT
Honey Dijon (HD): I always have a great time when I play Manchester. Every time I play Warehouse Project, it’s just always a vibe. The crowd is just so enthusiastic and so fun and just so up for it. And Manchester and Chicago have a long history with house music, so it’s always fun to come here and represent. It doesn’t matter where, when or how – all my sets here have been incredibly fun.
‘So much has changed over the years – it feels like a different century’
MS: This will be your fourth time playing Homobloc in December. You played in 2019 when it started, then two post-pandemic shows. What do you feel has evolved over the years, musically, spiritually or sonically?
ADVERTISEMENT
HD: So much has changed over the years. I mean, pre-pandemic, it was such a different world. It feels like it was a different century, actually, and we had no idea what we were going into.
At that time, we were just coming from the MeToo movement and the lack of diversity in dance music, so there was all this political awareness around club culture, which was really great – because so many voices that started this global movement have been queer people, people of colour, a lot of women.
The funny thing about diversity is about who’s having that conversation, because my friends and what I grew up with have always been diverse. So it was a different landscape.
ADVERTISEMENT
During lockdown, there was a shift. If you were like an 18-year-old kid, there were two or three years where you couldn’t experience anything except online. That’s when this major shift happened – things became much more corporate, much more sanitised, and more about metrics and numbers.
There was less focus on, in my opinion, the heart of it – and it became big business. What I try to do as an artist is remind people whose shoulders I stand on and where I learned my craft, and to bring people together from all walks of life. There’s a new generation coming through, but it always goes back to the house.
MS: We’ve seen dancefloors across the world put out safe spaces policies. What does a ‘safe space’ mean to you today, and how do you create that energy?
HD: I try to play music that uplifts and celebrates. I think, with just the artist that I am, I try to make everyone welcome. It’s about joy, celebration, and release. Dancefloors are sacred spaces in a lot of ways, and I think through the music vibrationally that I play and what I speak on, it attracts a certain crowd.
For me, safe spaces aren’t just about not being harassed – it’s about being able to show up as yourself without being judged.
ADVERTISEMENT
A safe space is where all feel welcome, where people can be free and not judged or harassed based on gender or sexuality. Dancefloors do what government and religion can’t – they bring people together from all walks of life to celebrate through music.
As the world moves further right, these spaces are becoming more important than ever. None of us are free until all of us are free – so I try to do that through my work, through the music and what I speak on.
‘Look into the darkness, but don’t stare at it.’
MS: The world is heavy right now – historically and currently. Where do you find joy, and how do you filter that into what you do?
Honey Dijon always gives an insightful interview.
HD: Where do I find joy? Turn off the internet. Be aware. I love this quote from RuPaul: “Look into the darkness, but don’t stare at it.” That really resonates with me.
ADVERTISEMENT
Music is powerful – that’s why far-right governments fear art and music, because there’s so much power in it. I find joy in love, in freedom of expression, and in self-autonomy. Those are the things I try to facilitate through my art and through my music.
‘If Homobloc was a fragrance…’
MS: IfHomobloc was a fragrance, what would be the concoction?
HD: Armpit, asshole, and lip gloss.
If that isn’t an advert for a memorable night at Depot Mayfield, then we don’t know what is.
You can see the full lineup for Homobloc 2025 and grab your tickets to see Honey Dijon in Manchester and plenty more rightHERE.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Press shots/Jody Hartley Photography (supplied)/The Manc Group
Audio
Elbow get behind campaign to save Jodrell Bank from closure
Danny Jones
Manc band Elbow are among the latest to get behind the campaign to save Jodrell Bank Observatory from closing permanently.
The Greater Manchester natives famously played a sold-out gig at the important scientific and cultural landmark for a very special live album recording well over a decade ago, and know all too well the site’s national and, indeed, global heritage.
Choosing the Observatory and the rare chance to perform a show in the shadow of the world-renowned James Lovell Telescope, it probably remains one of their most significant standalone UK date ever.
With that in mind, the local lads have been left just as worried by the news of its impending closure as everyone else, and have therefore issued a fresh appeal to help keep it open.
Posting a timely statement on social media, the group wrote: “Jodrell Bank has long been close to elbow’s heart. In 2012, the band played beneath the Lovell Telescope for one of the most memorable shows in our history.
“The recent news that funding for the e-MERLIN radio telescope network is set to end in 2028 puts the future of the scientific work at Jodrell Bank under serious threat. It is a remarkable place, with an extraordinary history, and one that continues to play an important role in science, culture and education.”
In addition to reliving clips and images from the historic live set all the years later, they also pointed people towards their ‘elbow – Live at Jodrell Bank‘ album documentary, which has now been made available online for the very first time as part of wider efforts to raise awareness around the cause.
Directing people to key online resources shared by the institution and astrophysics centre itself following their unfortunate update late last month, the push to not only find the funding but sustain support for the facility continues to ramp up throughout the world of science, arts and industry.
For anyone who somehow missed the news – 2028 being the current deadline handed down as per budget cuts across the sector – concerned parties here in the North West and all over the country have since started petitioning to save Jodrell Bank Observatory from shutting down for good.
In addition to being described as a “huge blow” to the field by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), some have even gone so far as to describe the decision as a form of “vandalism” when it comes to research and British culture as a whole.
Having also served as the host venue for the annual bluedot Festival since 2016, the multi-genre science and arts celebration could soon be forced to find a new home.
The battle is far from over yet, and the community has time to rescue Jodrell Bank Observatory from its fate, but it will take lots of money and more notable public figures to make it happen.
Once again, you can do your bit by signing the petition mentioned above right HERE.
Featured Images — Emma Farrer (via Wikimedia Commons)/The Manc Group
Audio
Manichester organisers confirm tribute festival will return in 2027
Danny Jones
For anyone who didn’t manage to make it to the inaugural ‘Manichester’ festival held earlier this year in memory of British music legend Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, you’ll be glad to hear that the tribute festival will be returning in 2027.
Set up in the name of the late, great Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist, the event sold out in the blink of an eye, as hordes of Mancs and more turned up to honour the local icon through live music.
Following paying their respects in the immediate aftermath, his surviving family members, peers and other figures from within the industry then held that wonderful evening, where several big names turned up to remember with live performances – and it’s official: they’re not done yet.
Writing in a lengthy caption, the brand said, “The family of Stone Roses legend Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield have thanked everyone who made Manichester at Diecast such a special day — performers, organisers, and the thousands who turned up to celebrate a true Manchester icon.”
The evidently emotional and grateful statement goes on to read: “On behalf of Gene, George & the Family — thank you to everyone who performed, contributed and attended Manichester on 30 May 2026, and for all your kind words of support.
“The response was massive — fans travelled from everywhere, demand through the roof, love for Mani louder than ever. [Local fashion label] GioGoi even said they could’ve filled Old Trafford.”
Revealing that the team of organisers have now green-lit the follow-up edition next year, they promise to deliver the same kind of magic, only “bigger, better, built properly” and with more music and people involved this time around.
They also thanked Manc-Mexican musician and creative, Alejandro Reyes Knight, for filming and editing the content on the night, adding that since he “grew up in Madchester”, there was no better person to be tasked with the job.
For anyone who was there at Diecast on the special memorial evening itself, we don’t need to tell you how special the energy was in the room.
We spent a good week or so looking back at footage following the maiden Manichester festival, as we’re sure plenty of you did, too; safe to say we’re glad we’ll have another opportunity to celebrate his life and career in the best way we know how: with plenty of tunes and singing our hearts out.
It remains to be seen whether Diecast will remain the host venue for the sophomore tribute fest, and the next date is also still yet to be fully set.
All we do know is that with such a good lineup and turnout the first time around, you can expect an excellent and equally heartfelt sequel in 2027.
You can register your interest right HERE. Wherever and whenever it is, we’ll see you there.
@the.manc Yesterday, Manchester laid one of the city's greatest music legends, Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, to rest at Manchester Cathedral. 🍋 Fellow band member and life-long friend Ian Brown read out a speech as hundreds gathered outside the cathedral to pay their respects to The Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist. Mani will be missed by many, and we send love to all his family and friends. ❤️ #manchester#mani#ianbrown#thestoneroses#stoneroses♬ original sound – The Manc
Emily Johnson -
20th November 2025 
