Very Few towns in the UK create an instant image in your mind, but Blackpool is definitely one of them. With its imposing tower, kiss-me-quick hats, donkeys and brazen glitz, it is without doubt the Vegas of the north. Countless hen nights and stag parties have graced the town with their presence, and the sheer audacity of the place takes some beating. Although some other gay enclaves may not agree, Blackpool boasts the highest percentage of gay people in the UK so it goes without saying that its gay scene is as brash and in-yer-face as the rest of this shameless coastal resort. Without doubt one of Blackpool’s most famous venues is Flamingo whose gargantuan proportions will leave you speechless. The entire venue has recently located to brand new premises and is five times larger than it used to be – a must for size queens!

And it attracts a particularly stunning crowd, which can only be a plus. Next door is the Flying Handbag pub which offers entertainment usually in the form of strippers and drag queens. Talking of which, Blackpool would also appear to hold the record for the largest proportion of the later in the UK as well. They’re ubiquitous, and without risking their wrath, and believe you me you don’t want to cross a drag queen, the reigning queen of Blackpool is the infamous Stella Artois who rules the roost at Mardi Gras – a hugely popular gay bar. In addition to that there’s Roxy’s and Lucky’s Two, a favourite with the girlz.

Below is a link to the May Blackpool Gay Pride 15&16th May 2008