THEGAYUK

Category: Scene

  • Stars Back Royal Vauxhall Tavern After New Owners Refuse To Talk About Future

    BAFTA winning writer Stephen Beresford is among those backing performers and punters of the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern in a new campaign to safeguard its future, following its recent sale to property developers.

    The launch of the campaign comes in the wake of the shocking closure without notice of the Black Cap in Camden, another venerable London LGBTQ venue.

    Stars of Duckie, the RVT’s biggest weekly crowd puller, and the legendary performer David Hoyle are among those leading the campaign to save the Tavern. Rob Holley, who runs the venue’s popular Push the Button night, is also on board.

    The RVT is believed to be the UK’s longest running LGBTQ venue and recently featured in Beresford’s hit film Pride. A haven before decriminalisation, and a crucial hub during the AIDS crisis, the RVT is today a thriving site of culture, performance and community in South London.

    But since buying up the Tavern in October, new owners Immovate, an Austrian property company – have repeatedly declined to reveal their intentions, or even guarantee the venue’s long-term future as an LGBT+ bar.

    Speaking about the importance of RVT, Beresford said,
    “The RVT is so much more than just a bar. As Pride shows, it has a special role in LGBTQ history and London life; a unique place where different communities can come together.

    “The RVT has always stood out as embodying the true spirit of the LGBTQ movement and it would be a real shame if it lost touch with that heritage. I support the campaign and wish it all the best.”

    The continuing uncertainty has fuelled fears that the Tavern will be closed or transformed out of step with its unique history.

    That has spurred some of the RVT’s most successful acts to join forces with concerned regulars and take things in to their own hands.

    RVT Future is the most high profile of several recent campaigns to date to save well-known London LGBTQ venues that have fallen victim to London’s over-heated property market.

  • Gay friendly pub in Wakefield opens itself to UKIP rallies and events

    A gay friendly pub in Wakefield, Yorkshire has opened its doors for UKIP to hold meetings and events in.

    The Harewood Arms, a gay friendly pub in Wakefield is open to opening its doors to UKIP meetings and events, in what is thought to be the UK’s only gay friendly UKIP endorsing establishment.

    Many of the pubs regulars have reacted with dismay that UKIP, a party with members who have had their fair share of homophobic headlines like this and this, could be allowed to use the pub for meetings and events.

    The announcement was made last weekend on Facebook, when landlord Matt Eason wrote in a message to UKIP Wakefield,

    “We’re not planning on painting the interior yellow and purple any time soon, however we do support the ukip stance on the pub industry. Not one person can agree 100 % with any parties policies, you have to choose the few that are right for you. That’s why it’s called politics.”

    “We may loose one or two customers ‘support’ but will gain more in other ways. Im not going to sit by and watch our current government tax us thousands a year in unfair business rates and continue to take the piss with beer duty.

    “Increased tax on beer and the smoking ban is what has ruined the pub trade and I’m not gonna sit here and say that it’s fine and not do anything about it. In the 3 years I’ve controlled the business side of the Harewood it has never made a profit, ever !

    “I can confirm there will be a rally style meet and greet evening at the pub the dates will be confirmed so that people offended by it have the choice to not visit the pub that day”

    Yesterday a theatre company in London sent an open invite to Nigel Farage to it’s comedy play about HIV after he was criticised by the other leaders on the televised debate, with Plaid Cymru’s leader Leanne Wood winning the first applause from the audience after saying that he should be “ashamed” for his remarks.

  • Gloucestershire Loses Its Only Gay Bar

    The Westgate in Gloucestershire has served its last pint as the number of LGBT venues across the country gradually gets smaller and smaller.

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  • Mr Leather UK Is Back And Looking For A Winner

    CALLING ALL UK LEATHER MEN WHO WILL STEP UP TO BE MR LEATHER UK 2015?

    MSC London is seeking keen leather men, from around the UK to take part in this year’s Mr Leather UK. If you like being the centre of attention and want to be a key ambassador for the UK Leather Community it’s time to enter and get involved with your community. Each entrant will receive a free leather jock, membership of MSC London/ECMC, over £500 worth of leather gear, photo shoot and access to a travel fund.

    Mr Leather UK will be hosted at London’s premier fetish gear shop Expectations on Friday, 20th March 2015 from 7:30 until 11 pm with the competition taking place at 9 pm. The MC for the evening will be Leather Daddy, LGBT activist and finalist in the 2015 Hookies as best International Masseur, Greg Mitchell. DJ, Brent Nicholls will be spinning the hottest tunes, free bar served by hunks in jocks n boots and lots of special surprises and a whopping 15% off if you choose to buy any gear on the night.

    Entrants must be 21 or over on the date of the competition and a keen leatherman, the completion will be in two rounds the first round will be an opportunity to show off your best leather gear, followed my jock and pec’s round, each competitor will have an opportunity to talk about why they should be awarded the title of Mr Leather UK 2015.

    The judging panel will consist of the following men from the leather fetish world:

    1. Mr Chris Dixon – Manger of Expectations
    2. Arnold – Mr European Leather 2014
    3. Mr Paul Turner – President, MSC London

    The leatherman selected as Mr Leather UK has no required duties. He is a free agent to do with his title as he chooses. The winner is in a position where he can use his title productively and as one of the community’s perceived spokespersons; he may pursue his predecessors in achieving a goal. The 2014 Mr Leather UK, Avi Angel went on to take part in International Mr Leather, reaching the top 12 in the leather men in the world. He also joined the family of European Title Holders at Europe’s biggest Leather event, Folsom Europe in Berlin, as well as leading hundreds of leather men carrying a 33ft leather flag in London Pride Parade. Invites for the new Mr Leather UK to attend European events are already flooding in so 2015 could be a busy year for them meeting thousands of leather men!

    If you are interested in taking part in the Mr Leather UK 2014 competition you can download an entry form from www.msclondon.co.uk or email info@msclondon.co.uk – each entrant will receive a complimentary leather jock from Expectations and the chance to represent the leather community.

  • Manchester Gay Village Bar Shuts

    Eden Bar in Manchester has closed its doors for the final time on Manchester’s famous gay village.

    The bar which opened in 2002 shuttered its doors for the last time resulting in the loss of 18 jobs, the Manchester Evening News is reporting.

    Insolvency practitioner Steven Wiseglass, of Inquesta, has been appointed a liquidator of SDB Bars.

    A statement on the bar’s website, which is still running, reads “Since opening in 2002 we have earned a reputation for combining quality food, exceptional service and a fantastic atmosphere to create an often unforgettable night out.”

    The last communication from Eden Bar on Twitter hinted that the bar was closing, but only for a facelift, saying,

    “Well folks Eden Manchester is off for a facelift. We will be closed until the beginning of February whilst the old girl has a spruce up. Try not to miss us too much and don’t worry I’m sure you’ll be seeing some familiar faces. Watch this space!!”

    The news comes amidst a number of other gay bar closures in 2015, with Manbar and Green Carnation in London announcing their closures.

  • REVIEW: Xlsior Mykonos

    The recovery time has been and gone, and now is a good time to reflect on the party festival that was Xlsior Mykonos.

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  • Pride In Bournemouth Today – Bourne Free

    It’s looking to be a beautiful day in sunny Bournemouth for the 10th BourneFree LGBT Pride.

    So if you’re looking for something to do today that’s proud, we suggest you head on over to Bournemouth to celebrate Pride.

    The parade will be starting at East Cliff at 11:00am and finish at 12:00PM the full postcode is: East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3AF.

    As BourneFree is celebrating 10 years, the theme for the year is Decades.

    So come join us on Saturday 12th July from 11AM to watch an array of Floats, Busses & Walking Groups, fabulously decked out in our decades theme, parade through Bournemouth Town Centre. With 26 groups (43 sections in total) this years parade is promising to be our largest yet. For those who would like to be in the parade who are not part of an organised entry we have a large rainbow flag that needs to be carried along the route, just turn up by 10:50AM at the parade starting point on East Overcliff Drive (BH1 3AN). Bring water a smile and be ready to have lots of fun.

    Performing on the bandstand is: Katy Perry Dreams Mary Mac Showstoppers
    Carpentones Cinderz Pumpkin Soup
    Jazz Blaack BFGT runners up – Glitterati
    Tracie Redding Chicken Soup Choir
    Danielle Watson

    Hosted by Lea Martin, Sheila Tackya & Grace Lightning – Entertainment will go on until 4:30PM.

    Then it moves on to the triangle where you can see the likes of Misha B, Damage and Kimberley Watts. Wristbands are required for the triangle, these can be bought at the door for £10.

    – See more at: http://bournefree.co.uk/more-news-here-triangle-news/#sthash.7bKzVFxW.dpuf

  • The Secret Is Out, The Shadow Lounge Is Back

    If you’re in London this weekend with post pride blues wondering where the next party’s at, then check out the newly refurbished Shadow Lounge in the heart of Soho.

    Soho’s Biggest Secret has been unleashed and it’s clear there’s been no expense spared when it came to refurbishing the sophisticated venue. From the installation of the latest sound system sourced from Vegas to the ceiling and walls covered in special LED screens which display a whole range of graphics including images of clubbing guys to our favourites; the twinkling stars.

    Gone is the ‘hole-in-the-ground-bull-ring’ dance area, complete with 70’s disco floor and the limited walking space, and say hello to a roomier, more open, intimate-warehousey space, it doesn’t sound possible but they’ve done it.

    Shadow Lounge is a great club to party and lose yourself in the music. Ensconced within one of the private booths TheGayUK team were served by the cute and attentive bar staff who were on hand to serve and make us feel at home. Special shout out to Antonio who made us all feel incredibly welcomed.

    You don’t have to be a member to visit the Shadow Lounge, however there are a host of benefits in becoming one including, complimentary entry for you and a friend, birthday champagne and personal table service. Full details can be found at www.theshadowlounge.co.uk

    Wednesday’s are hosted by The Family Fierce, Thursdays Minty, Fridays Miss Dusty O’ and Saturdays Johanna Londinium.

    Shadow Lounge is located in Brewer Street (number 5), right next to Prowler and is open from 9:00PM to 3:00AM and is available for private hire. Find out more visit: http://www.theshadowlounge.co.uk

  • COMMENT | Do we still need a gay scene?

    Gay Ghetto?

    The title says it all – a collection of shops, bars, clubs, saunas, pubs who all cater to a gay or LGBT audience constitutes a ghetto, a community of sorts. But in the 21st century, do we really need one? Does it still serve a purpose? Who is the audience? And why?

    I have one amazing talent folks – I can sit on any fence for Britain, if only it was an Olympic sport! On this issue, I’m a lycra clad champ as I can see both sides, the pros and cons, the good and bad. Why?

    Moving to Manchester in my early ’20’s was such an eye-opener. There was a whole entire street of bars, pubs, clubs that catered for my friends and me. Places where I didn’t need to pretend to be something I wasn’t, places where I could meet like-minded people and, who knows, maybe even forge relationships, of all kinds.

    I loved walking around Canal Street, and watched in awe as it grew, more and more investment, the established breweries taking us seriously and wanting in, businesses opening (and closing on occasion), all tastes catered for: subterranean bars for doms, lesbians only bars, trendsetting bars that started fashions, cheap bars that had “rent”, all on show and all open for business.

    But are they still relevant? I’ve watched Canal Street change shape; move on from a couple of shabby/seedy bars to the point where it’s become something of a cliché. It’s now a cartoon of it’s former self, it’s hen party heaven, it’s changed from a place that offered a feeling of some kind of security to somewhere that could be any street in Manchester. It is litter strewn, it’s shabby and now its’ security has been swapped for an “anything goes” mentality as more bars and businesses chase anyone’s pound – times is tough and in order to stay in business, these businesses will happily encourage any punters through the door to spend.

    Do we still need this type of place or have we, as both a movement and as individuals, moved on? What purpose do they serve? I know they offered me some form of security and a feeling of safety when I needed it, when I first came out, and a chance to make friendships and build relationships – but times were different. Do they still serve that same purpose?

    When I walk down Canal Street these days, I don’t feel safe, and as I’ve aged, I don’t feel the venues have anything to offer me anymore? The things that appealed to me in my 20’s don’t appeal as I approach my 50th year. Not sure what I do want anymore, a quiet drink, less of the thumping soundtracks – but I’d still like to walk down a road with my boyfriend of 20 years, hand in hand, with no fear and did used to feel that Canal Street and its surrounding streets used to offer that.

    I’m not sure that as we see more and more integration that specific areas for the LGBT community really offer anything new or different? I’m willing to be convinced though… feel free to comment and tell us what you feel. Do you think there is still a need or are these now redundant?

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • New gay club night to shake up Brighton’s night life

    ‘FOMO’ (Fear Of Missing Out) announced as Revenge’s new Thursday club night from July onwards.

    After leading the way for over seven years as Brighton’s Favourite Club Night (Golden Handbag Awards), Girls on Top is growing up and evolving into a weekend monthly special. In its place, Club Revenge – the South Coast’s biggest gay & lesbian club – welcome an exciting new weekly night that looks set to revolutionise clubbing on the scene; ‘FOMO’.
    FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) launches on Thursday 3rd July and aims to surpass the record-breaking success of Girls on Top with a refreshed DJ line-up, wild themed nights, new cheap drinks promos and massive giveaways.

    Steve Jones, Promoter of FOMO and Club Revenge: “We’re working really hard to create a night which consistently delivers week after week so that if people do decide to stay at home, they’re genuinely going to miss something special and suffer from FOMO! It’s all about creating that unique electric club atmosphere which you only get from the perfect combination of a great crowd and the right music, and that’s something we can guarantee at FOMO.”

    Musically, FOMO have hand-picked the UK’s finest DJs to ensure the soundtrack of the night delivers on its promise of “big beats, bad ass basslines and mashed up bangers”.

    Sam DMS is renowned across the country for his ingenious mash-ups that constantly keep people on their toes and ensure no two nights are the same. Missy B has headlined girls’ nights in every major city and continues to set dancefloors on fire with her high-energy style. Fifilicious has graced every major DJ booth in Brighton and beyond, as crowds continue to fall in love with her inventive, exciting mixes and infectious personality. And finally Trick, Revenge’s home grown talent whose cool twist on all things pop provide plenty of crowd-pleasing moments.

    Revenge are offering a range of drinks promotions, including bottles of Fosters and Tequila shots for £1.50 and a double vodka and mixer for just £3.

  • Iconic Lesbian Night To Close Again

    Iconic lesbian night in London, Lounge is to close its doors once again.

    Organisers of the Lounge event at Voltaire have issued a statement saying that the evening will no longer run after the 4th July 2014.

    They said, ‘We had hoped to come back in the autumn after a break but unfortunately, it’s not viable to run a monthly night. We’ve had a ball getting to see Loungers old and new come through the doors of our fabulous venue, Voltaire. Thank you to those who supported us.

    ‘We may well look into running something on a less frequent basis, but in the meantime let’s focus on making Friday 4th July the best Lounge ever.’

    The rebirth of Lounge was announced in December 2013,