Category: Scene

Everything you need to know about Stoke-On-Trent Pride

Stoke-on-Trent celebrates its tenth annual Pride event this weekend.

Here’s everything you need to know, where to go and when to turn up in order to join in with Stoke-On-Trent Pride on the 16th July 2016.

What time does Stoke-On-Trent Pride beginning.

Stoke-On -Trent Pride officially opens at 12:00PM in Northwood Park. The activities close at 6:30PM. There is no parade and all activities take place in the park.

Where is Stoke-On-Trent Pride?

The pride takes place in Northwood Park, see the map below.

What does Stoke-On-Trent Pride cost?

Wristbands must be bought in order to take part in the Pride events. These wristbands cost £5 for adults, £3 for teenagers and under 16s can access for free. Tickets are not sold in advance and can be bought at the park.

Who’s performing at Stoke On Trent Pride

There’s a full line up of artists on two stages including the Proud To Be and Building Bridges stages.

The Proud To Be stage will host:

The Voice‘s Vangelis Polydorou, Vinyl Overdrive, Rozalla, Pixie Flowers, The Fabulettes, Kelly Wilde, Steve Ayres, Jason Prince, Stacey Jackson, Sam Solace, Baseline Blonde and Dan Budd as Robbie Williams,

The Building Bridges stage will host

Nathan Thursfield, Kyle Finn, Mini Mix, Beverly Tight Lipps.

What should I bring to pride?

We’ve created a list of Pride survival ideas. Take a look – but don’t forget to bring sunscreen, money and fully charged phone!

15th July 2016
North Wales Pride flies Orlando flag sent directly from the US

Organisers at North Wales Pride have been proudly flying a City Of Orlando flag.

Today North Wales Pride have been paying tribute to the victims of the Orlando massacre last month.

They flew the official City of Orlando flag which was sent to them by the State Dept. especially for North Wales pride.

Tonight the pride have organised a vigil in tribute to the 49 people who were slain when a lone gun man opened fire in the crowded gay club in Florida in what is the worst mass shooting in American history and the greatest loss of LGBT+ life this century.

Tickets are still available on the door, at Hendre Hall in Bangor, North Wales,

2nd July 2016
How the LGBT community is planning to vote on the EU Referendum

Over the past couple of months THEGAYUK has conducted a number of flash polls to see what way readers were tending to skew for the EU Referendum.

CREDIT: EU

Referendum day is upon us and up and down the United Kingdom today millions of people will be casting their votes to secure Britain’s future in or out of the European Union.

Over the past months we’ve polled our readers in a series of flash polls to get a feeling about how people are planning to vote today.

Here are our findings:

Polling date: 23rd March

How are you likely to vote on EU?

25% Vote Leave

61% Vote Stay

14% Undecided

Polling date: 24th April

Better In Or Out of The EU?

82% Better In

18% Better out

Polling date: 22nd June

With the EU vote looming are you decided on which way you’ll vote?

56% Remain

32% Leave

10% Still undecided

Live poll:

If you’ve voted today on the #EURef how did you vote?

— TheGayUK Magazine (@TheGayUK) June 23, 2016

23rd June 2016
Canterbury gay bar’s window reportedly “shot out”

Police are currently undertaking a search of the area surrounding the Limes gay bar in Canterbury after the window was reportedly “shot out”.

According to Kentonline.com police officers are currently searching the area surrounding Canterbury’s only gay bar Limes Lounge, after a window was allegedly “shot out”. A small hole was discovered in the window, leading people to believe that the window had been shot at.

It is not yet clear how the hole was created, officers are investigating the possibility that a catapult or air rifle was used. No weapon was seen by witnesses or seized by officers.
A Spokeswoman for Kent Police said,

“No injuries were reported and the investigation into the incident continues.

“A window was broken and the cause of the damage remains under investigation. No weapons were reported to have been seen.”

Officers were called to Rosemary Lane in Canterbury at 9.50pm on Sunday 19 June following a report of a disturbance after a number of people had been asked to leave a venue. A window was broken in the incident. The cause of the damage remains under investigation. No weapons were reported to have been seen.

Shortly after 4am two people – an 18 year-old man from Dover and a 17 year-old woman from Hythe – were arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in custody.

No injuries were reported and officers remain at the scene as investigation into the incident continues.

In 2014 the boss at Limes said he was threaten with arson six months after it opened. The owner Tony Butcher told Kentonline that he was also approached by a man in a dog collar who suggested that he should be cleansed of his sins by attending his church.

21st June 2016
London Gay Village To Stand With Orlando Victims Tonight

Tonight the community of Soho and London, both straight and gay people shall be gathering to respect and show support at 7pm for the victims and families of the Pulse nightclub shootings in Orlando.

Hundreds are expected to be gathering at Old Compton Street, Soho, to pay respect for the 50 people killed and over 53 hospitalised in a terrorist attack on the LGBT+ community of Orlando.

At 7pm tonight, 13th June, everyone is invited to come out onto the street to hold hands. Local bars and businesses shall stop serving during this time.

You can keep up-to-date on the official FaceBook page for more information.

Volunteers are being asked for from 6pm to help with what is expected to be a large turnout.

13th June 2016
Everything You Need To Know About Gloucester Pride

Gloucester Pride happens this weekend and thousands of people will be filling up the city to celebrate LGBTI life.

Gloucester Pride is held on the 11th June this year, taking over the city with it’s extended parade route, followed by a party in the park.

Where does Gloucester Pride Parade Begin?

The Gloucester Pride parade starts off at Shire Hall at 11.30am on Saturday 11th June.

What Route will the Gloucester Pride Parade Take?

Leaving Shire Hall, the parade will travel around town making it’s way to the main event in Gloucester Park.

The Festival

The Pride festival kicks off from 12:00pm until 7:00pm with entertainment from the Main Stage, Cabaret Tent and Dance Tent. PLUS there’s lots of stalls including THEGAYUK stall, where you can buy some Pride Jewellery to help support Pride. Then afterwards the evening entertainment continues at The Station Hotel.

The day event is Free – Tickets are available for the after party on the day for just £10.

Who’s Performing At Gloucester Pride?

Main Stage: Sonia, Lloyd Daniels, Tom Barnwell – The Voice, Ryan Jagger, Feryl, Heather Porter, Charlie Baxter, CC Quinn, Misty Monqiue, Dr Bev, Emily Samways, Kian Taylor-Jackson, Amanda Henderson.

Cabaret Stage: Sandra, Miss Penny, Monica Tension, Ruby Slippers, Me Myself & Jon, Stephanie Von Clitz, Amy Slade, Stefan, James Negus, Miss Demeanor, Gracie G, Eva Fliction, Pandora LaRoux.

Dance Tent: Ted O’Shay – DJ

After Party – Nicki French, Lloyd Daniels, Miss Demeanor, Sisters Of Sass, Speeches, Surprise, Dr Bev, Ryan Jagger, Miss Penny, Gracie G, Last Orders.

Visit the official Gloucester Pride Website HERE

9th June 2016
What Time Does Birmingham Pride Start

Thousands of people are expected to take part in this year’s Birmingham Pride. Here’s all the latest information to help you make the most of your day.

What Time Does Birmingham Pride Start

The parade for Birmingham Pride starts at 12.00pm (noon) on Saturday 28th May and will be setting off from Victoria Square. It is expected that from start to finish the walking time of the parade is 45 minutes. However the parade itself will take much longer than that because of the number of people involved with this year’s festivities.

What’s the Birmingham Pride Parade Route.

After setting off from Victoria Square the parade will then venture down New Street and left onto High street. It will then turn right at Carrs Lane and right again on to Smallbrook Queensway. The parade will then turn left onto Hurst Street until it reaches the Pride festival site.

Motorists should expect road closures and longer waiting times than usual in the city centre and it is best to avoid the areas around Hurst Street and Victoria Square.

The Festival

The Pride festival kicks off from 12:45PM until 12:00AM and then from 1PM till midnight on Sunday. Entry to the festival is by wristband only. After 8pm only attendees over the age of 18 will be permitted to enter the festival area. Under 18s already within the site are permitted to stay, but if they leave they will not be allowed reentry.

You can still watch the parade if you don’t have a wristband.

To buy a wristband click here.

Tickets cost £40.00 for a weekend pass or £25.00 for Saturday or £25.00for Sunday.

Concessions are priced at £20.00

Who’s Performing At Birmingham Pride?

Fleur East, Katy B, Lawson, Liberty X and Lucy Spraggan are just some of the names confirmed to perform on the Saturday. Sunday’s performers are confirmed to include Andy Bell, DJ Fresh, Lisa Stansfield, MNEK, Blonde, Vengaboys, Karen Harding and Stooshe

Where to stay?

TheGayUK recommends both the Hotel Du Vin and La Tour Hotel.

27th May 2016
Everything You Need To Know About Birmingham Pride

Birmingham Pride happens this weekend and thousands of people will be filling up the city to celebrate LGBTI life.

(C) ArenaPhotoUK-bigstock

Birmingham Pride is held over the spring bank holiday – this year that falls on the 28th and 29th May. For two days Birmingham City centre will give way to one of the UK’s biggest pride events, with over 2600 people apparently taking part in the parade.

Where does Birmingham Pride Parade Begin?

The Birmingham Pride parade starts off at Victoria Square at 12.00pm (noon) on Saturday 28th May.

What Route will the Birmingham Pride Parade Take?

Leaving Victoria Square, the parade will travel down New Street and left onto High street. It will then turn right at Carrs Lane and right again on to Smallbrook Queensway. The parade will then turn left onto Hurst Street until it reaches the Pride festival site.

The Festival

The Pride festival kicks off from 12:45PM until 12:00AM and then from 1PM till midnight on Sunday. Entry to the festival is by wristband only. After 8pm only attendees over the age of 18 will be permitted to enter the festival area. Under 18s already within the site are permitted to stay, but if they leave they will not be allowed reentry.

You can still watch the parade if you don’t have a wristband.

To buy a wristband click here.

Tickets cost £33.55 / £37.95 for a weekend pass or £23.65 for Saturday or £19.80 for Sunday.

Concessions are priced at £15.40 to £17.60.

Who’s Performing At Birmingham Pride?

Fleur East, Katy B, Lawson, Liberty X and Lucy Spraggan are just some of the names confirmed to perform on the Saturday. Sunday’s performers are confirmed to include Andy Bell, DJ Fresh, Lisa Stansfield, MNEK, Blonde, Vengaboys, Karen Harding and Stooshe

Where to stay?

TheGayUK recommends both the Hotel Du Vin and La Tour Hotel.

24th May 2016
Newcastle’s LGBT Choir Northern Proud Voice Celebrates 5th Birthday

The LGBT choir Northern Proud Voices celebrates its 5th birthday.

CREDIT: Northern Proud Voices

Newcastle’s largest and longest running choir, Northern Proud Voices will have its fifth birthday in May and to celebrate will host a series of fundraisers across Newcastle and the North East to raise awareness and collect donations for LGBT causes.

As part of UK-wide Pride events, the choir will perform at Pride Durham (30 May), Newcastle Pride (16 July), Cumbria Pride (17 September) and Sunderland Pride (25 September), showcasing four-part choral arrangements of artists including Radio Head, Annie Lennox, Seal and Train.

Weekly rehearsals have been taking place in Newcastle in preparation for the events, and a social media campaign has been launched to encourage others to show their support and get involved.

Kathleen McDonald, Chair of NPV, is overwhelmed with the popularity of the choir and said,

“It has been wonderful to see the choir grow over the past five years, from a handful of singers to the largest LGBT choir in the North East with almost 100 registered members.

“We are extremely proud of the community we represent and we are always keen to welcome new members. Being able to offer an inclusive and safe social space for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Newcastle is truly rewarding for myself, and very important for some of our members.”

Supporting the choir’s fundraising celebrations, Ouseburn venues The Ship Inn and The Cumberland Arms will welcome NPV supporters with a fifth birthday party and an LGBT themed Lip Sync Battle with songs from queer culture. Local improv-comedy group, Spontaneous Wrecks, will stage a 2-hour improvised show and musical to raise donations.

Choir member, Andrew Layton, said:

“Not only is the choir great fun but it helps change perceptions some people may have of the LGBT community. I’m proud to be part of such a diverse group of people brought together by music.”

Event tickets and further information are available via https://www.facebook.com/NorthernProudVoices.

Northern Proud Voices is a fully-inclusive, non-audition choir and their rehearsals take place every Thursday 7-9pm at The Mining Institute, Newcastle (excluding August).

15th May 2016
Second Homophobic Attack In Brighton

A second homophobic attack has happened in Brighton days after a first assault leaves man fearing for his sight.

CREDIT: ©-Chalabala-Depositphotos

A second attack against a gay man has happened in Brighton just days after another attack on two boyfriends which left one fearing for his sight.

Police in Brighton have confirmed that an arrest has been made in connection to this latest attack but have warned Brighton’s gay community to be vigilant against homophobia in the popular seaside town.

In this latest attack, former model Aaron Woods, 26, was left unconscious and with a broken jaw when he tried to defend two men who said they were being homophobically abused by a man.

When Mr Wood tried to intervene he says he was knocked to the floor – and doesn’t remember what happened next.

The alleged attack happened outside the Legends nightclub on Brighton’s seafront. Speaking to The Argus, Mr Woods said,

“My memory is pretty hazy but apparently I stepped in to help out these two young gay guys and he hit me. I went down and the next thing I knew I was in hospital covered in blood.

“It was a very heavy blow.

“I haven’t been able to sleep since the attack. I cant relax. I am absolutely terrified. I’m usually a very trusting person but this is scary.”

Mr. Woods, who is from Eastbourne, went on to say that he would never return to Brighton.

Mr Wood’s friend Katie Ripley along with a Legend’s doorman apprehended the the 21-year-old suspect from London. He has been charged with GBH with intent.

The suspect has been bailed until the 13th June.

Six days previously, Dain Louis and James Loxton were both attacked very close to this latest incident, however police are not linking the two attacks.

12th May 2016
What To Take To A Gay Pride – The Gay Pride Survival Kit

Pride season is upon us. Hundreds of thousands LGBTI folk up and down the nation will be visiting Pride festivals all over the UK… Here’s what you should take with you.

With Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people visiting one of over 60 prides across the UK, it’s a good idea to go prepared. They are often crowded and expensive and outdoors so here’s our top 10 tips on how to survive pride.

1) Raincoat

CREDIT: chalabala / bigstock

Pack a raincoat. I know it’s not sexy – make it a Vivienne Westwood if you have to, but the British weather can not be relied upon to be good. Make sure it has a hood – hair straighteners won’t work in the middle of a field in a portaloo.

2) Battery Powerpack
CREDIT: TheGayShop
Smartphones are amazing at capturing the moment whether it’s through pictures, face time or you being able to update your social about who’s doing who. The only problem is the battery never lasts long enough. So grab a power source. Pride in London have released their very own this year – well worth the £12.00 – plus they come already charged.

3) Medication
(C) Garyphoto:Depositphotos.com
Only the legal sort. Take painkillers. Nothing kills the moment than a stinking hideous headache caused by whatever this year’s headliner is supposed to be. Also take any meds you take on a daily basis. Take a 24 hour supply – just in case you don’t go back to yours.

4) Secret Tenner

Stuff it in your pants, your socks or secret it away somewhere else. You’ll never know when it might come in handy.

5) Uber

If you find yourself in a place you don’t know summon an Uber cab. If your area doesn’t yet have Uber then make sure you know the local cab firm’s telephone number or download their app. Make sure you have enough battery on your phone to make that call.

6) Sun protection

Silhouette of muscle boy on beautiful hot background

Despite the fact that it’s overcast you can still get burnt to buggery so make sure you wear sunblock. If you’re looking for a sunblock that doesn’t go all white and sticky so you look like a sweaty pig – we suggest Image Skincare prevention + daily matt moisturiser – expensive but well worth the extra.

7) Condoms and lube

You might get lucky so bring some protection and you might even get lucky with more than one person so bring lots. If you don’t use them – share them with your mates – make sure they’re protected too!

8) Spare undies

CREDIT ©-Artmim Depositphotos

If you end up at someone else’s place you might want to bring a spare pair of undies – you know so the walk of shame isn’t so Ewwww.

9) Antibacterial lotion

The last thing you want to do is pick up a bug from one of the many thousands of people who will attend pride, so pick up some anti-bacterial lotion. Many of the portaloos provided at pride will also have anti-bacterial handwash for free.

10) Ear plugs

©-Den.Barbulat-Depositphotos

Protect your eardrums. Sounds from the stage could well permanently damage your hearing – with noises louder than a Jumbo Jet taking off.

For further reading take a look at Antony Simpson’s Pride Survival article.

11th May 2016