Gay Blackpool: Difference between revisions
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'''Gay Blackpool''' refers to [[Blackpool]], [[Lancashire]], [[England]], often described as the ''gay capital of the North'' (with [[Brighton]] equally often being described as ''the gay capital of the South'').{{Fact|date=April 2007}} |
'''Gay Blackpool''' refers to [[Blackpool]], [[Lancashire]], [[England]], often described as the ''gay capital of the North'' (with [[Brighton]] equally often being described as ''the gay capital of the South'').{{Fact|date=April 2007}} |
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Revision as of 16:16, 15 May 2007
Gay Blackpool refers to Blackpool, Lancashire, England, often described as the gay capital of the North (with Brighton equally often being described as the gay capital of the South).[citation needed]
Although having a large LGBT population and considered a tourist and entertainment town, Blackpool did not have its first "gay pride" celebration until 2006; a follow-up is planned for 2007.
Bars, pubs and nightclubs
- Bar B
This venue has superseded the now-closed Basil’s on the Strand, and is located above Funny Girls with the entrance on the right-hand side of the building. It has dancing and a DJ, but also lounge areas and a pool table. Bar B is totally different from any other venue in Blackpool as its more like a nightclub, some say its like the old Flamingo with its intense party atmosphere. [citation needed]
- Flamingo
The Flamingo is one of the oldest nightclubs of its kind in the country, having operated from the same site since the beginning of the 1980s until 2006. The original building in which it was housed, overlooking Blackpool North railway station on Talbot Road, was bought by Blackpool Council and is scheduled for demolition, which would see the redevelopment of large sections of the town. The Flamingo relocated to a new, larger premises on 27 January 2006. The new club is located in the old Odeon cinema building on Dickson Road, not far from the original site, alongside a newly-built Flying Handbag pub and Bar B/Funny Girls.
- Flying Handbag
The Flying Handbag originally formed part of the old Flamingo complex on Talbot Road, opposite Blackpool North railway station. Internal doors linked the two venues, the pub continuing to serve alcohol to clubgoers after its own doors had closed, and serving as a quiet "chill-out" area.
It moved to new, purpose-built premises on January 20 2006, occupying a former open-air car park on the corner of Queen Street and Lord Street, not far from the original site. The transfer of the Flamingo to the old Odeon Cinema building next door a week later saw the completion of local gay entrepreneur Basil Newby's "gay village" project, with four large venues on one block.
- Funny Girls
Funny Girls is a world-famous drag cabaret burlesque showbar. It was formerly located on the corner of Queen Street and The Strand, a site now occupied by the Australian-themed Walkabout bar. In the early 2000s it relocated to the old Odeon cinema building on Dixon Road, which had recently been bought by local gay entrepreneur Basil Newby. It was the first of four venues to open on that block. The other establishments, Bar B, The Flying Handbag pub, and finally the Flamingo nightclub, all cater primarily for lesbian, gay and bisexual customers, whereas the clientele of Funny Girls is mainly heterosexual. It was also a featured location in the BBC-miniseries Blackpool, and appeared before royalty on two consecutive Royal Variety Performances.
- Lucy's Two
Located at 68-70 Abingdon Street, Lucy's Two (formerly "Lucy's Bar") is a bar primarily catering to lesbians but welcoming to all respectful of its nature. It also markets itself as a "dog friendly" venue.
- Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is located below ground level in the National Express coach station/Prudential complex on Talbot Road. It has been established for many years, for a long time one of only three gay venues in the town not owned by Basil Newby's "In The Pink Leisure" group (the others being Lucy's Bar and also the DT Bar). It features regular cabaret and male strippers, hosted by veteran drag performer "Stella Artois".
- Pepe's
One of Blackpool's oldest bars, located at 94 Talbot Road, it is open seven days a week with regular entertainment.
- Roxy's
Situated on the lower end of Queens Street, not far from Lucy's Two. Roxy's as a multi-level interior, with a dance floor downstairs, and seating/tables both up and downstairs. It is decorated in a rustic psuedo-gothic style. Entertainment includes Drag Cabaret, Karaoke, and general variety.
References
- It's not goodbye to Blackpool, just au revoir
- Life looks better in the pink BBC on gay Blackpool
- Roxy Hart