Manchester gay scene

The likeness to the man who has been called the father of modern computing is iffy at best, but the location has great meaning. It’s a place where you can start your evening for a few drinks and still be here many hours later to finish your evening dancing to the latest pop.

The bar’s main draw is that it is also a performance venue hosting drag queens, singers, cabaret artists, and some of the best impersonators I have ever seen.

You don’t even need to go inside to have a great night on the town. A recent exhibition called Queens included many pieces referencing the world of drag. Most recently the Sugababes and Natasha Bedingfield took centre stage. Yes it’s cheap, slightly tacky and the floors may be sticky, but most of all, it’s fun.

Why are there so many gay bars on and around Canal Street and how is it that they’re so busy? How did the LGBTQ+ community manage to claim Canal Street, one of the prettiest parts of the city’s downtown, for their gay village? Manchester’s Gay Village is the beating heart of the LGBT+ community; made famous by the hugely popular TV series Queer as…

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Explore Manchester’s Top LGBTQ+ Events: Pride and Beyond

With summer on the horizon, Manchester is gearing up for a packed calendar of LGBTQ+ events and celebrations.

There’s fascinating history, fun clubs, and bars for everyone, no matter what tribe you fall under. This is one of those art galleries that likes to delight community sentiment as well as push boundaries—and it does so very well. The event aims to provide a safe space for anyone who’s gender non-conforming along with their friends, families, and allies.

The hotel hosts events such as ‘Come as you Are’ and other LGBTQ focused initiatives.

Dubbed as industrial glamour in the heart of Manchester, with some excellent restaurants on site and walkable to the gay village, this hotel comes highly recommended. The venue doubles up with Social Refuge being their coffee house and bar.

This is another great safe space for the LGBTQ community and goes beyond simply selling coffee and books.

Free.

John Rylands Library (150 Deansgate, Manchester). In front of the statue, visitors will see a small rainbow flag embedded in the concrete, marking Turing as one of the stops on the Manchester LGBT Heritage Trail.

Manchester LGBT Heritage Trail (various locations around Manchester). The Eagle is split over two levels.

Its current hotel iteration leans into design that’s thoughtful rather than showy, drawing on the unique history of the location.

Where to eat

Evelyn’s(44 Tib St., Manchester). It’s also located near the train station, and many of Manchester’s finest landmarks, such as the Town Hall and Piccadilly Gardens, are within walking distance.

Queer cafes in Manchester

It’s easy to get caught up in the gay village and miss what the rest of the city has to offer.

The menu is ever-changing, depending on seasonal vegetables.

Red Chilli (70-72 Portland St., Manchester). Though the city defines 19 neighbourhoods that are of interest to visitors, some of them are a mere three blocks across. 

Beyond the city itself, there are nine districts surrounding Manchester proper, each with its own character and history.

The first official Manchester Pride event was held in 1985, and today it is the biggest and most attended parade in Manchester.

Homobloc

Homobloc is a queer block party that welcomes everyone.