Huck’s Alternative Election Party
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Katy Bauer

The UK’s general election is days away and we’re already sick of the stage-managed debates, mind-numbing party political broadcasts and messages from the Designated Bastards.
If you’re tired of all the spin, head down to Huck’s Alternative Election Party at our 71a Gallery on Wednesday May 6, 7-11pm. Free tickets here.
We’ll be screening Russell Brand and Michael Winterbottom’s great new film The Emperor’s New Clothes and sticking around afterwards for a fun talk about activism, how young people can influence politics and alternatives to the ballot box.
Should you even vote? Vote with your feet, join us and make yourself heard.
We have an exciting lineup of special guests, including artists, activists and people power legends. The event is totally free and it’s BYOB – so expect the conversation to get a bit rowdy.
Confirmed speakers:
Lindsey Garrett became one of the stars of The Emperor’s New Clothes after helping Hoxton’s New Era estate to come together and fight a successful battle against predatory landowners, whose proposed rent rises threatened many in the tight-knit community with eviction.
Lisa Mckenzie is an LSE research fellow, author of Getting By: Estates, Class and Culture in Austerity Britain which challenges the demonisation of the working class and is standing against Iain Duncan-Smith in the 2015 general election in protest against his welfare ‘reform’ agenda.
Katy Bauer is a Bristol-based artist whose work addresses activism, radical politics and community engagement. Her How Does an Activist Eat Potatoes series at Bristol’s Bear Pit outdoor gallery in 2013 celebrated progressive thinkers and change makers from Hunter S. Thompson to Nelson Mandela to Albert Einstein.
More tbc.
Get your free tickets here. Find us at 71a Gallery, Leonard Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2a 4QS.
7pm Doors
7.25pm Intro
7.30pm The Emperor’s New Clothes Screening
9pm Q&A
Thanks to STRIKE! Magazine and artist Katy Bauer for providing artwork and Studio Canal for The Emperor’s New Clothes.
You might like

A new book explores Tupac’s revolutionary politics and activism
Words For My Comrades — Penned by Dean Van Nguyen, the cultural history encompasses interviews with those who knew the rapper well, while exploring his parents’ anti-capitalist influence.
Written by: Isaac Muk

Remembering New York’s ’90s gay scene via its vibrant nightclub flyers
Getting In — After coming out in his 20s, David Kennerley became a fixture on the city’s queer scene, while pocketing invites that he picked up along the way. His latest book dives into his rich archive.
Written by: Miss Rosen

On Alexander Skarsgård’s trousers, The Rehearsal, and the importance of weirdos
Freaks and Finances — In the May edition of our monthly culture newsletter, columnist Emma Garland reflects on the Swedish actor’s Cannes look, Nathan Fielder’s wild ambition, and Jafaican.
Written by: Emma Garland

A reading of the names of children killed in Gaza lasts over 18 hours
Choose Love — The vigil was held outside of the UK’s Houses of Parliament, with the likes of Steve Coogan, Chris O’Dowd, Nadhia Sawalha and Misan Harriman taking part.
Written by: Isaac Muk

Capturing life in the shadows of Canada’s largest oil refinery
The Cloud Factory — Growing up on the fringes of Saint John, New Brunswick, the Irving Oil Refinery was ever present for photographer Chris Donovan. His new photobook explores its lingering impacts on the city’s landscape and people.
Written by: Miss Rosen

Susan Meiselas captured Nicaragua’s revolution in stark, powerful detail
Nicaragua: June 1978-1979 — With a new edition of her seminal photobook, the Magnum photographer reflects on her role in shaping the resistance’s visual language, and the state of US-Nicaraguan relations nearly five decades later.
Written by: Miss Rosen