Blackpool Nightlife & Gay Village

[@CupidStunt0001]

Great video Stephen, It's weird to me calling it the gay village, my best lifelong friend who moved to Blackpool a few years ago is Trans, everytime i visit we go to the Handbag, Peek-a-booze,Lu-lu's and mardi gras, and most of the other bars, I'm not gay or trans but love these places, never any hassle , just fantastic friendly people

[@Robertonnz]

yes I can imagine - some of the nicest people I've known were gay

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

@@scottbird8638 ?

[@dianemorton9473]

My friends a trans she's beautiful ,and got an ,one ,off the queen ,for surporting,gay rights since 1960,most my friends gay IME not gay ,the trans are lovely people ,,very beautiful s well ,I love dragg when I went to Blackpool ,1976 I think the gay club just open ,but it was dragg

[@northmob9206]

Another stonker of a video

[@markmcsweeney2468]

I just cross dress but it was the place to go in its day

[@RicardosRoadtrips]

What's the gay look stephen? 😆 "it's got that look about them" 😆 🤣 😂 great video

[@allandover3982]

yeah what is the GAY look ?

[@RicardosRoadtrips]

@@allandover3982 I don't know but everything looked fabulous darling

[@bit-ef9ct]

Love the night videos Stephen, amazing quality as expected. Wish I had that kind of confidence

[@davidhotchkiss8766]

Funny girls is one of the best clubs in Blackpool with a mix of disco and cabaret worked on some of the lighting rigs for basil all his team there are a credit to him and his shows are legendary good fun and no trouble glad to see he weather the covid storm of lockdown and starting a new show season stay safe pal

[@stuartbodde717]

so nice to have a bit of colour ,many many thanks stephen ,you never fail to light up my evening with your amazing vids, thanks again, stuart in derby xxxxx

[@yank196101]

Trades hotel is such a fun gay hotel to stay at with its many rooms....Opened my eyes to how much fun life can be. Look at the youtube clips. Brilliant!! Thanks for posing this.

[@bredaquirke7362]

Very interesting video Steve. Had a couple of good nights out in Funny Girls with friends from London. Xxx

[@benjamindenton]

Thankyou for taking us up the Dickson Road...

[@kevstraw1812]

It seems a whole different world compared to other main bars in Blackpool. There's rarely any trouble in the gay bars, and although it may seem rowdy, there's a difference between rowdy outside a wetherspoons/ revolution, and rowdy outside some of the bars you featured tonight. Most of it is high spirited, but rarely any problems. Interesting video Stephen! Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@CupidStunt0001]

You are spot on, I love these bars around Dixon road, I'm not gay or trans but visit most of these bars with my trans friends, I've never experienced any trouble, and I'ts always been a fantastic atmosphere around these places

[@juliejackson8167]

Spot on I used to go to the flying handbag you never hardly got any trouble at all

[@eddieoi9444]

Adding your local knowledge and history always makes the walks interesting, cheers Stephen...

[@CAROLS9995]

Hi All. Thanks a lot Stephen for going out at night and another interesting video. The hotels and bars appear well-kept with no trouble and the streets seem clean. The newly built area is very posh. Glad to see places doing well and I do like ethnic shops with different food. What a pleasant area and watch for a weekend. Please stay safe.

[@dianemorton9473]

Off I remember right Steve ,in1976 the gay bar opened but it was dragg great video ,again thankyou we love you xx

[@mikecaine3643]

Those flats next to the Duke of York look like they would make really good houses - such a pity they are left that way . Very interesting video Stephen .

[@christopherwinstanley1348]

Good video, I noticed on my last visit to Blackpool that there are venues in development and new bars opening, one called "Pinkies" and was the top end of Diccoson Road towards Talbot Road. Blew me over about the name of The Flying Hangbag. It may be correct, I remember decades ago when it was only a pub with Flamingos nightclub. Then they totally rebuilt a better building, and there are some features to the layout. Garlands is a really good night. There are a few more venues, tucked away. I remember when the gay venues were very exclusive LGBTQ. However, now I find them to be more diversity minded... how times have changed. Peek a Booze is a budget hotel. I enjoy the food there, bar and cabaret, restaurant open to public. I've had a four night stay, 2-person breakfast not included for £90 ( some idea on the budget deals). Fabulous, keep us updated on Blackpool ever changing venues . Good work 😊

[@christinemckay5949]

Love how you know all the low down and goings on about all the shops bars and food places! Great video xx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thank you Christine!! 😊

[@steveshakespeare8492]

Another great video Steve........there looked to be some really rockin places going on 🎶🕺

[@brianhiggins3090]

Great video Stephen thanks for sharing it with us.👍

[@booth2710]

I have just found out Flares closed down ... what a shame ... I was thinking of going there next time in Blackpool and making out like I had gone back in time and been transported to the decadent heydays of Studio 54 New York ... when disco reigned supreme!

[@carolecarr1064]

Loved Funny Girls and The Flying Handbag! Looking forward to visiting in the Fall.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Are you from across the big pond? I don't hear people over hear talk of Autumn as the Fall, although I do like the term.

[@carolecarr1064]

Yes, live in the States but I was born in Blackpool.

[@jen6251]

Good video tonight can't wait this week's new videos

[@susanlitherland698]

Hi Steven lovely video you can’t beat Blackpool for your night life thanks for showing us around the night life. Go on Blackpool 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@fgrion]

one (hopefully) helpful tip: on talbot road, if you carry on straight on, not towards the centre but the other direction, you can park for free on the road and in 10 minutes walk you are in the town centre. that's where I always leave my car when i come to blackpool.

[@jayhughes3055]

I forgot what that hotel was called before the mardi gras hotel, me and my mrs stayed there and Darren the owner was very welcoming we had a lovely stay.

[@ronnierocket1819]

hi stephen,thanks for the tour. you have me laughter when you rewind the video, and the funny chip monk voice.keep up the good work allways enjoy your channel.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks pal 👍

[@dizzydevil547]

Stephen i remember when the flying handbag and flamingoes used to on the land wher sainsburys is now and funny girls was on queen street (what is now walkabout) alsothere used to be basils just behind it , lucys bar used to be under what is now trilogy night club on Talbot road along with a few other bars like pepes (now saphires under prudential house) on Talbot street too

[@juliemcgarty4764]

Another great video stephen always look forward to them

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

Well, Stephen. I'd never heard of this Gay Village in Blackpool, but it certainly seems to be a very much alive and colourful area. There's lots of pubs and hotels, and handy for anyone coming into the town by train, with being near Blackpool North station. My word, it's all changed in that area, with the large Sainsbury's supermarket there now, and what was the Odeon, now being that Funny Girls place. Many thanks, this is an excellent video.

[@tootsy1100]

Another great video stephen, once more your in depth knowledge of these places and years of "research" on the lower prom has paid off.

[@jasonvlogs423]

Good video Stephen blackpool looks rough tbf near ma Kelly's

[@jrcarlsson5751]

Thank you for showing us. I loved everything 👍👍👍

[@ginagina9720]

I love ❤️ the flying handbag on queen street and pity R-BAR not reopened yet another good pub

[@judithbateson6353]

I saw you at a car boot sale on Saturday. I was too star struck to speak ! You are much younger and better looking in the flesh BTW. 😊

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Oh wow, thank you!

[@friendlyhorseuk7220]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool sounds like you could be in there Stephen

[@ireneroylance9472]

We,ll be there on 6th june and cant wait steven....

[@theoneforgaveme]

Awsome doc.never been to Blackpool gay village. When I get time ill pay a visit. Cheers buddy

[@019208237]

@8:58 that’s a very rare site these days. my Dad owned many Capris when he was alive. I still love the looks of them. I wonder if Steven was a Capri man🤔

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Great spot, I never noticed the Capri. My uncle had several of them even though he had a family, and the car was not practical at all.

[@jeannieunicornsings1824]

Great vid, thanks so much for the shout out! 🙂

[@andymullaney1594]

Been lovely sunny day ,bet it's busy all the bars,if your in Blackpool, enjoy people,stay safe ,and have wonderful time ,every bar and club,👍

[@junelaw4162]

A fantastic video years ago we used to stop at the valentine really enjoyed this video till the next one 😊

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks so much 😊

[@wladniem]

Yay...a Saturday night out in Blackpool with Ste. CHEERS

[@juliec70]

The gay clubs are the best never no trouble great video Stephen

[@debsclark3432]

Great video Stephen, thanks for posting, I had a brilliant night at Funny girls last time I visited Blackpool! I would definitely recommend it x 🙂

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Glad you enjoyed it Debs.

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

Another great video Sir. I used to work with a colleague that lived in Buchanan street. It is certainly close to the gay area of Blackpool which would of suited. That MA Kelly’s is some eventful gaff isn’t it! 🙈 stay safe Stephen

[@philipcroft9857]

Another outstanding video stephen love your night videos in dodgy areas!! Stay safe sir!!

[@CupidStunt0001]

The area around Dickson road is probably one of the least dodgy areas in Blackpool IMHO

[@cyrildenham98]

Stephen could you tell me is the doric hotel in walking distance of North station or best to get taxi,cheers

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I'd say it's a good 30 minute walk, so you could nip to the prom and get a tram or one of the many taxis at the station.

[@cyrildenham98]

Thanks

[@kristinejames9812]

@ Cyril Denham..If you're going to the Doric soon,enjoy your stay.Its a lovely hotel with excellent service!

[@cyrildenham98]

@@kristinejames9812 yes there tomorrow for 4 nights

[@kristinejames9812]

@ Cyril Denham..Me and my late mum used to do Monday to Friday quite regularly.Theres even an outdoor swimming pool at the back.If you get a bit of sunshine,if can be a proper suntrap.I hope you have a lovely time.

[@juliejackson8167]

Did they move the flying handbag club as it used to be over the road from the north station before you got to the old bus station ❤️

[@duncanletts3015]

Plenty of interesting information as usual 👍

[@andymoore9977]

I recall back in the 60s going to the "Odium" to see 'Hannibal Brooks', 'Oliver' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. There must have been other films. I was always oddly disappoint that after spending 3 hours+ in darkness it was still light when we went outside! There was also a Saturday club but my parents did not approve of that.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Ahh, the good old days of going to the cinema. It doesn't quite seem the same today.

[@basil9983]

Another great walkabout Ste... Spot on.. "The Viagra Hotel" 😂😂😂 I agree the council was a bit Hard On him... 😂😂😂

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Ahh, you got my little joke 😉

[@basil9983]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool 😂

[@TheBorzoilover]

Long before Funny girls when it was still the Odeon they used to have concerts with pop stars appearing i went to a few and saw Jimi Hendrix , the Walker Brothers, Englebert Humperdinck , and many others , also saw many a good film there .

[@lindadavies7292]

I still have the programme for that show.

[@johnmolloy7177]

when you were pointing (saying)about mardi gras there was something in the sky with a light pointing down was it police heli...?.john south shore...?.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Aliens! 👽👽👽

[@deshales9426]

I am not gay but I have to say just loved peek a booze very friendly place great visit went twice and was made very welcoming to me my mate and my little sister karaoke was great 👍 if and when I go again it will be my first place and choice to visit along with the Churchill pub

[@derekhenley3693]

Great video Stephen Nice to know what's going on

[@David80081]

Does anyone know what happened to the Bee Hive coffee bar that was right across from Funny Girls?

[@andymoore9977]

The Wheatsheaf pub (on Talbot Road inland just past where Sainsburys is now) was renamed the Flying Handbag, I think, back in the early 1980s when the nearby original Flamingo Bar was established as a gay venue. So the Gay village started on Talbot road and the original names moved west and across the road. I bought my first pint in The Wheatsheaf at the age of 16 back in the mid 70s. It cost me 17p. It was not a gay venue then but notorious for serving the underage with no questions asked.

[@williamjohnson4111]

It's funny when the video is speeded up with the funny voices 🤣🤣

[@christinecopson5502]

Another great video love it always interesting. Night ones are your best

[@bobbobby9798]

All the glass on the sainsburys on a hot sunny day causes the suns ray to heat the train station area. It gives a first impression that its really hot here when you first get off the train. I am aware that the area around train station has been redesigned to make Blackpool appear full of modern architecture, but wonder if the Sainsburys window heat glow is also part of that first impression, making the place feel warmer? Ps Dickson road is no village. 🤣

[@RadioJonophone]

Anyway, about ten years ago a teenage girl vanished. The proprietor of the snack bar was suspected of being involved. He was also implicated in underage brothels and people trafficking. The girl was never found. Although nothing was ever proved, many people believe the snack bar boss was the murderer. Of course, I have no idea if that's true, it may just be supposition.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I will do a video about that soon.

[@sleeplessjam5358]

I went in funny girls when it was situated where walkabout is now, Basil lives just outside Blackpool, I have delivered parcels to him many times.

[@mrjohntitanic1]

You missed out flamingoes and one other bar Stephen that where the main original ones . And by the way where you at k f c yesterday in Blackpool in your grey van on Sunday .?

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I did show the gates of Flamingoes, but that is all I know, and yes that was me at KFC John.

[@mrjohntitanic1]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool I thought it was you lol you have a package at mr higgets .I was in the car park that’s how I know that k f c is hit and miss

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

@@mrjohntitanic1 I was absolutely starving I hadn’t eaten since breakfast so I went there, but avoided the drive thru as it’s always rammed at that time.

[@amandawhiteley6737]

Me and my partner had a few brilliant nights with t-girls friends great bnbs n breakfasts. Never failed us, jesmond hotel delivered splendidly, cheers Blackpool!

[@wendyjones2351]

Hi Stephen thank you for another great video as always its massive the gay village ive been to funny girls was interesting lol I've heard of the mardi gra hotel very colourful some of them hotels take care xx

[@roybond5404]

It’s all going on there Steven , thanks for that .

[@paulcgburrows7267]

Fantastic Stephen the flying hand bag funnie girls great place you have one again an eye opener for me well done m8

[@dianecappuccitti4406]

Thkx Stephen.....Do you know what Ma Kelly's was previous I forget ? My dad Derek Bishop used to be the main florist in town, drank in Yates all the time, he had alsatian dogs ie Continental Florist, opposite the Winter Garden's , now a pizzaria, I believe & another locale near the Co-op...... :) Years ago, also, in the Late 50's early 60's he owned a Club called the Continental ...would you know what that would be called now ? If not, no worries... House going up for Sale this wk :) ..looking for either FY4, FY5 area ...Will touch base once Im in town...I would like to donate to your site , maybe do over a cuppa :)

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Diane. It was The Station before Ma Kely's. It has a sign on the side with the previous name.

[@Robertonnz]

Cheers Stephen, another interesting vid.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Rob 👍

[@mickphillips6735]

Saw close encounters at that cinema in the 70s

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Funny enough we watched it twice, but at The Tivoli cinema. The 2nd time was the Director's Cut version, but we didn't notice anything different.

[@mickphillips6735]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool we were on holiday in Blackpool me and my mate skateboarded to the cinema to watch it , Blackpool had a skateboard park on the pleasure beach ,happy days ps I still have the skateboard and I'm 59 ha ha

[@markmcsweeney2468]

You get everywhere Stephen .

[@debrapitcher6443]

The council were hard on them lol very witty. Btw love your vids.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Lol, you spotted that one!!!

[@Nansen1981]

Hi Stephen, I remember my old mum taking me for a day out in Blackpool and I’m sure Dickson Road was where we got off the train? Am I just getting old? Lol.

[@patparry389]

Fantastic vid Stephen 👍

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Glad you enjoyed it Pat.

[@jennybates]

There was a nightclub, nicknamed "the sticky carpet", Barney Rubbles.

[@sarahillingworth2718]

keep meaning to have a pint in the Ramsden arms lol

[@ireneroylance9472]

I dont care what follk say about Blackers....me n my family call for a few days each year and love it...family tradition handed down and my gorgeous grandchildren adore it.....#we will.never stop!!!!

[@stephenshippam9374]

Hi great video as ever best wishes to you

[@williamjohnson4111]

I have never been into the Sainsbury's there.

[@james76mancs98]

The Malibu hotel, tropics hotel and the new Cuban bar are all owned by a gay couple , lovely venues 🏳️‍🌈

[@AslamGreyFox]

I grew up in Blackpool and I have been in leeds since childhood, but I have lived there many times over the decades.. 2000/1 I worked on the gay doors, absolutely fantastic and hardly any crap to deal with, but if you did get any it was fellow straight people who were being assholes.... Blackpool Gay Village is THE best in the world 👌💞🦊

[@petelaycock2842]

......think I'd head for Ma Kelly's 😂 thanks, Stephen.

[@traceyhoyle1816]

Great video cheers 👍

[@aristahenriot7450]

I can remember when growing up in hat there were only one gay club which I knew about. It was o Talbot Road just passed the church

[@davidtomlinsom3369]

Alice Berry who started in shameless owns a hotel on lord street Blackpool

[@lparky4409]

Has the trades hotel got a dungeon in the basement, sounds that way.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Maybe.

[@suegosling414]

Great video really enjoyed your unbiased knowledge.Take care in those backstreets!😁😁😘😘Funny Girls brilliant😂😂😂

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thank you so much Sue 😁

[@jayoneill1533]

Stephen , thanks for another great tour of nightlife in Blackpool although you make me nervous walking around in traffic. No shot is worth getting hit by a car, be careful my friend !

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks pal.

[@charlesregan1769]

Before lulu's council not hard on him when the previous tenant tried to call it a brand name ; pay the rent and keep the fire alarms up to scratch and stop being a hovel. I would say not hard enough. says the drunk in chaos. Good value for money now if staying in Blackpool.

[@laurapearce9927]

Ma Kelly's North does nothing for Blackpool's tourist industry. People come from the train station during the day or evening, only to find themselves being accosted by drunken people braying at them or indulging in some other form of unwanted harassment. It's a terrible place, the council really need to clean that part of town up. Regarding the drag entertainment, is Vicky La Plume still around? I've seen her twice and she is absolutely brilliant!

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Ma Kelly's has since caged off the canopy section to stop drunks & homeless loitering in there.

[@derekgreenwood1850]

Used to Remember The old funny girls Which is The walk about now how times have changed in the last 20 or so years still home .

[@englishcountrywalks4613]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@doriswaddington2418]

Thanks for taking the trouble to walk round Blackpool at night to show us the sights ( when you could’ve sat in front of the Telly with your feet up!!)😂

[@curly1966]

stayed at peek a booze before lockdown

[@CupidStunt0001]

I Was there a couple of weeks ago, they do great food, 2 meals for under £10

[@paulbarnard933]

Another Amazing video

[@booth2710]

I like the way you lower your volume when you say 'gay village' ... lol

[@019208237]

That Sainsbury’s looks like it’s from the future. I’d expect them to look like that by 2050. that does indeed look like an air terminal. Sainsbury’s Airlines😉

[@trendrocksby]

Amazing.

[@gavinhodgkins6643]

Stayed at a couple of hotels down that area a few years ago with the girlfriend. Springtown Lodge ( Malibu) and Peerless. Really nice little hotels.

[@tootsy1100]

Hi Gav, was your "girlfriend" called dave cos i think I remember you

[@HolyFreakinDragonSlayer]

The viagra joke had me in stiches Stephen! Cheers mate x

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I knew some people would get it lol :-)

[@HolyFreakinDragonSlayer]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool cracked me up that 👌

[@TheAlarmBloke]

Hello I saw you today

[@TheAlarmBloke]

At carboot

[@ruger5764]

Where’s corn hole pub?🤔

[@019208237]

Right in the centre of gay village😂

[@groover5524]

It's just after the ' cock inn ' 😮

[@carolbooth1798]

Keep it up Stephen, but more trams please ,Badge