| The Werkroom, Stoke-on-Trent |
“Best new LGBTQ+ venue in the UK, the owners are so caring and know exactly what the community needs and wants. Their events are the best.”
“”The Werkroom (Stoke on Trent) is an amazing venue, staff & owners. They have embraced the need not only for a club but also entertainment in the city. Up & coming drag artist are given a platform to grow .
Every customer gets the welcoming sense of being a friend from the moment of entering the venue.”
“It has become a great fun and ultimately safe place for the LGBTQ+ to experience nightlife in Stoke-on-Trent. Other venues in the area including a “Lgbt friendly” venue not far from The Werkroom, have been blasted on social media the past year for how unsafe they are. At The Werkroom there’s been no such issue at all.” |
https://www.facebook.com/100075819896282/posts/pfbid09zdhx4S2tq3dXDvQhw1Y2d55tSKgq6TNnyVYndJpdxEs4ggFcTpXPjiDyCYTu6WGl/?app=fbl
https://www.facebook.com/TheWerkroomHanley |
| Arch Clapham |
“Because from the outset it has been more than just a bar and has made excellent efforts to build and forge connections within the Queer communities.”
“Arch is constantly catering to their customers and making changes to grow and become more attractive. It is constantly investing in its self and giving back to its customers. It is such a welcoming safe place for the locals and because there’s something going on every night it’s nice to know there is somewhere social and chill that you can go and be with your community”
“A venue that opened during the pandemic and persevered to give the community what it needs despite everything that was thrown at them. This venue has flourished and evolved with the ever changing scene, from its start as a restaurant to the venue it is now with events every night and a dedicated stage for performers. It is definitely a for the community by the community venue.” |
https://instagram.com/archclapham?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.archclapham.co.uk/
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| Filthy Gorgeous at The Brewers, Manchester |
“”Filthy Gorgeous is one of Manchester biggest hit nights, where people in the LGBTQ+ community can come together safely and dance the night away with drag queens and meet new people! Some of the best people in my life I’ve met in this night. It’s also affordable drink prices, especially in this cost of living crises!
They are also very interactive with their customers, letting them get involved with themes.”
“Filthy gorgeous is a staple drag event in Manchester, home to some incredible performers who week in week out turn out the party and engage the audience for hours. The audience love it, people travel in from miles to go. It’s the best weekday drag night in Manchester and deserves recognition for its hard work. Different themes every week from princesses, Shrek and fairytales to chav week, samba and 90s.”
“”Filthy Gorgeous is a long running LGBTQ+ club night predominantly aimed at students that has given our community a safe space to be who we are without any discrimination. Since starting, over 6 years ago, every week a lot of work goes into the night with different performances from the Haus of Filth (the regular drag queen hosts of the night) and also regularly getting guest drag performers to host, sometimes giving queens their first chance to perform and help boost their recognition. The Haus of Filth is a diverse house of queens that has changed throughout the years. They are a collection of cis drag queens, females drag queens, queens of colour and, non-binary queens and a trans queen, highlighting that and celebration that there is no single box we must fit into and shouldn’t be held back by stereotypes.
As a club night, they encourage everyone who arrives to dress and present however they like, creating a comfortable space where people aren’t looked at in a judgemental way.
Filthy Gorgeous started as a night for students and young people of the LGBTQ+ community to meet and make like-minded friends as sometime for young people, especially those who have just arrived in a new city to Manchester, it can be intimidating and hard to make new friends similar to you, but Filthy Gorgeous has tried to give people that space and it is why it has grown massive in popularity and have had a few of the same faces coming for years.
It’s a weekly night that people genuinely love and look forward to every week.” |
https://www.facebook.com/FilthyGorgeousManchester
https://www.instagram.com/filthygorgeousmcr/
https://www.fatsoma.com/e/oq67o5pv/filthy-gorgeous-01-03-22-fairy-tale
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| The George Tavern |
“This is the only venue in Oldham that really cares about the LGBTQ + Community in and around Oldham. The only venue that does Cabaret and is the only venue that Supports Oldham Pride, Miss Terri Fox owner of the venue is an inspiration to the community and as been inspiring other gay men and women to be who they are. This venue deserves this award 🥇.”
“This is the friendliest Gay bar I have ever seen, I recently here in oldham from India and was exploring for LGBT spaces neabry when I stumbled accross this bar, the owner is super friendly and made sure that I didnt feel alone or lonely and made many new friends here. This place is like a family to me, where I can meet people, talk, drink and enjoy the shows.”
“Terri Fox and David Morgan have transformed this pub into a beautiful, warming , welcoming, safe and friendly atmosphere.. They hosted and organised Oldham Pride with amazing performances from a variety of entertainment including the very talented Miss Terri Fox herself.. Aldo through the year raising money for charitable events. They also put on fantastic shows the last one being Halloween and are now in full swing rehearsals for their Christmas shows . They fully deserve this award for all they do and have achieved.❤️🏳️🌈 ❤️🏳️🌈” |
https://m.facebook.com/thegeorgetavernoldham/
https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/news/18606417.pub-week-gay-bar-place-party/
https://everyoneiswelcome.co.uk/event/oldham-pride-2022
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| The Flying Handbag-Blackpool |
“Brilliant LGBTQ+ bar. I am TV and have always been treated with respect and friendliness. The staff are really good and helpful. Best gay bar I’ve been in now that the Kings in Cardiff has closed!!”
“”The Flying Handbag’s motto is ‘Open to All, Closed to Prejudice’ and their zero-tolerance policy has led them to become a safe haven for the community. What makes them stand out from any other venues, is that they are unique; they are as much a social club as they are a late-night venue. Whether it’s a hen party, or members of the LGTBQ+ looking for a safe space to work, they are there for their customers, no matter what the hour. By optimising their food offering, it’s no surprise that they have established themselves as the No.1 night time venue in Blackpool on TripAdvisor. They regularly review their headline acts, drag queen performances, karaoke evenings and popular quiz nights; ensuring that both local and national artists are supported.
As a business, they always seem to focus on giving back to the community, which is why they regularly fundraise for PRIDE, International Aids Day, HORIZON – a local sexual health charity – and they now support STAR – a mental health charity based in Blackpool. Since the Daniel Thwaites takeover, they have also been able to form strong partnerships with the local licensing and police authorities. The Lancashire Police have used The Flying Handbag as an exemplar venue within Blackpool and to continue being a safe space for their visitors, they’ve already implemented their recommendations in the fight against drink spiking.
The success that they have achieved is a testament to their efforts and love for the community.”
“”The Flying Handbag has been established for 28 years in Blackpool and is known throughout the UK. With consistency of a dedicated team and entertainers, the best experience that a customer wants is achieved. This is adapted as times change whilst remaining to provided something different for every age bracket.
Currently number 1 on Trip advisor for nightlife in Blackpool, The Flying Handbag also was awarded The travellers choice award for the past two years following a half a million pound refurbishment to refresh the Venue in 2020.
A safe space for all is provided with a dedicated security team who also provide an exceptional greeting on arrival to the venue making everyone feel at ease from the moment they come to the door.
Food is on offer from the diner with Sunday Lunches being very popular and the introduction of daily specials.
The Venue and staff make everyone feel comfortable and able to enjoy their time here, there is something for everyone.
Supporting charity’s, events are held on a regular basis. The most recent one being for Macmillan Cancer Support where over £1000 was raised.
The Flying Handbag has, and always will be a wonderful place for the LGBTQ+ Community to spend time with friends and to meet new friends along the way.” |
www.theflyinghandbag.com
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj1gYWv9pT7AhWKbcAKHZiuBHIQFnoFCIgBEAE&url=httpswww.tripadvisor.co.ukAttraction_Review-g186332-d3224751-Reviews-Flying_Handbag-Blackpool_Lancashire_England.html&usg=AOvVaw2Y5H92U3Ur3_Hvs2eIOOyw |
| Planet Bar Edinburgh |
“”They go above and beyond to support local AIDS Charity Waverley Care raising nearly £2000 since April! They are a fully inclusive venue and host free drag shows weekly to bring the community together. Throughout the week they have drag entertainment hosting games and it’s a lot of fun for everyone.
2 years award winner of venue of the year at the Proud Scotland Awards. They have been recognised for their warm welcome and friendly team and deserve to have even more people know about this great venue.”
“”I have moved to the City and as a single Gay Man, since my very 1st visit all the staff and regulars are so very welcoming. They have fantastic events throughout each week which allows everyone to engage from Bingo, to Deal or No Deal Games to karaoke which am now confident in myself and within the venue to participate in everything. They are so friendly and family orientated and deserve this award.
They are the best”
“Planet Bar is Edinburgh’s longest running gay bar, and a champion of the LGBTQ+ community in Edinburgh. They provide entertainment, and have a particular focus on promoting drag queens at all stages of their careers, and are sponsors of the Hot Scots, Scotland’s LGBT football team. All of their staff work hard to create a welcoming, safe environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as allies, and both promote and actively raise money for Waverley Care, the HIV and Hepatitis C charity in Scotland, aiding its aims by also promoting and de-stigmatising regular sexual health screening. Planet is a wonderful venue, a home from home and community centre for many, not just a bar, and the hard work of the landlord and staff makes the bar well-deserving of being the Venue of the Year.” |
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02vduAciDiFZTTFUYgWaxv4t1gDH4U2xT86cpZsJP974jNHitQajrmVbiNALrwNEX5l&id=100063638572611
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02yYdV3qHWavQPzg8euCZGLLJQ3wXf6B7CtnvLQKGB2iCr1o1GGzVavYD7noskWiDYl&id=100063638572611
https://planetbaredinburgh.co.uk/ |
| Swagga Mcr |
Founded by DJ Stacy Bee in 2013, Swagga Mcr is a high energy, uplifting, inclusive and interactive R&B/Dancehall Event. Swagga has been a massive platform for black culture in the LGBTQ+ Community and it is the longest standing LGBTQ+ R&B & Dancehall event in Manchester, running into its 10th year in 2023. Swagga’s success and popularity has grown and grown over the years as it has brought a unique style of high profile Artists, Dancers, Hosts and showcased Manchester based LGBTQ+ POC DJs as well as guest DJs from across the U.K. It has featured at Manchester Pride, Black Pride and Birmingham Pride. Although Swagga is a celebration of Black LGBTQ+ culture, it is inclusive and welcomes all LGBTQ+ People to celebrate and embrace whilst offering concessions to LGBTQPOC charities and community groups.”
“In 2022 there’s still only Vanilla on Saturday nights and SWAGGA events all year round holding space for LGBT+ Black people and people of colour. Our music run in a safe space played by people who look like us. Stacy brings great energy to every event, and makes massive effort to make LGBT+ Black people and people of colour feel like they do actually have a home in the village.”
“Dj Stacey Bee has developed this much needed safe space and unbeatable vibe, which has gone from Strength to strength and created such a beautiful community.. it’s my go to black lgbtq event, hands down” |
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cjx5ToRj3wX/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXeYx2bIeG6/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSpbzX2j5pu/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.facebook.com/swaggamanchester |
| FemmeFest Derbyshire |
“Femmefest is a happy inclusive safe environment for everyone who attends! I’ve had the privilege to attend both years it’s been running and it’s o my getting better and bigger each year! We have had no violent altercations, no medical emergencies, no major customer issues and it’s the most pleasant festival I’ve ever attended ! And I work security at festivals all over the country!”
“Despite the challenges of Covid, the first ever FemmeFest was able to launch, and was fantastic. The setting, in the Derbyshire countryside, is perfect for this intimate festival, providing a safe and beautiful location. The first year had a few issues due to external contractors failing to provide elements of the infrastructure they had promised but the organisers worked through this, coming up with their own solutions and taking lessons learnt through to the following year’s festival. The music line-up, the atmosphere and the camping facilities have been great for the first two festivals and the artists booked for the 2023 FemmeFest are amazing. The organisers communicate regularly via an open Facebook Group but also have a Private Group, which those attending can join and provides a safe platform for individuals to engage and feel part of a community before, during and after the festival. There have been frequent on-line polls asking what artists and activities people would like to see and the responses have been taken on-board, as can be evidenced by the line-ups that have been booked. Many of the artists are, themselves, part of the LGBTQI+ community. A wonderful team of volunteers, again from within our community, help the festival to run smoothly, including providing security. I had never been to a festival prior to my first FemmeFest, and would not look to go to a mainstream festival, but will be returning to FemmeFest for my third year in 2023 as I love it, and can’t wait to return. There’s a simple reason why it’s a sell-out for next year already – because it’s FANTASTIC.” |
https://femmefest.co.uk/
https://outnewsglobal.com/festivals-are-back-lets-take-a-look-at-femme-fest-2021/ |
| The House of Bridget’s |
“”Bridget’s is the sole LGBT venue in Bury and has completely revitalised a Bury night out. I’ll happily spend the entire night there, the staff both on the door and behind the bar are insanely welcoming and always up for a friendly chat, the drag performers are fantastic and always put on a great show, and the whole place just feels like a much needed safe space.
Having a venue like this on a strip where it’s the only one of its kind also helps to normalise the very idea of LGBT bars which takes us one step closer to true equality.”
“”The house of Bridgets is Burys first LGBT+ venue, open 7 nights a week providing a safe space for members of the LGBT+ community and its allies.
With Drag performances every night and regular events for the community to engage with this is a must visit part of Bury.
The venues staff work tirelessly to make sure its a safe and welcoming environment for anyone that visits. Challenging discrimination in any form it may take.
The House of Bridget’s played an active role in the local pride events throughout the year. At Bury Pride they partnered with the local youth service and an lgbt+ youth organisation to provide a bespoke youth space, so that lgbt+ young people could celebrate without having to be around adults drinking.
They have hosted the lgbt+ youth group at various points so they can access a specific lgbt+ space.”
“”The House of Bridget (or Bridget’s as it’s most commonly known!) is a small but mighty LGBTQI+ bar based in the centre of Bury.
Being the only queen venue in Bury, it strives to offer something to everyone in the community, hosting Queens from across the North West seven nights a week.
The staff also help to organise and take part in tonnes of charity and community events, such as Bury Pride (which they ran the stage and outside bars for as well as been the after party venue), Youth Clubs for The Proud Trust, and the East Lancs Rainbow Train.
The staff are friendly and accommodating, the Drag Queens are fierce and welcoming, and the regulars make the place worth coming back to every weekend. The owner, Tom, is a 25 year old gay entrepreneur with other venues in the area, and he’s put his heart into making Bridget’s the queer space that others like himself would have deserved growing up.” |
https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofbridget/
www.facebook.com/thehouseofbridget |
| Bridge Bar Leeds |
“As a new LGBTQ+ bar, they have worked so hard to make it the safe, inclusive place it is. It is one of few places that I feel truly safe and happy. The bar staff and owners make the place feel like a family not just your local bar. Plus in the space of 3 months they’ve hosted performances from icons such as Lawrence Chaney, the Cheeky Girls and upcoming Bailey J Mills”
“They are a female lesbian couple owned bar brand new in the freedom quarter of Leeds . They are providing a great venue and atmosphere to all who venture in
They deserve the nomination”
“Very welcoming with no judgement. Goes above and beyond for every customer, makes sure customers are safe and feel safe. Fabulous caring staff! Amazingly talented drag queens! All round fabulous venue!” |
https://www.grindgirlevents.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bridgeinnleeds/
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