Newcastle Gay and Lesbian Scene

(Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, UK)

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is home to a growing gay and lesbian scene, which is becoming one of the most significant in North East England. The community is loosely concentrated on the far western side of the city, where it has become nicknamed as the 'Newcastle Pink Triangle' and is known for its LGBT friendly bars and nightclubs.

The Newcastle gay scene is just a few minutes walk from Central Station and although there is no specific 'village' area as such, this spot does boast a thriving and exciting nightlife.

One of the main gay venues in the Newcastle area is the Powerhouse Club on Westmorland Road, which is to be found alongside the Centre for Life and is just a stroll away from the Newcastle Central Metro train station. The Powerhouse Club began its life in the early 1980s as a basement club located on Waterloo Street. Its present-day location features four separate floors and a roof terrace, although these are not always all open at once.


Other clubs and bars of note in Newcastle include the following selection, many of which are open Monday through Sunday, closing as late as midnight or 01:00 in the morning:

• Bank Bar - a fairly small venue located on Scotswood Road, with cabaret acts, cheap drinks and a convenient setting next to the Switch Bar
• Boulevard - a popular cabaret nightclub standing on Churchill Street
• The Eagle - also found on Scotswood Road, this is a men-only venue catering to all tastes, including the leather crowd
• Eazy Street - standing on Westmorland Road, alongside the Dog and Parrot, with live cabaret entertainment, DJs and an upstairs dance floor
• Eclipse - a trendy gay pub previously named Heroes and sited on Clayton Street West
• The Yard and Heavens Above - a long-running venue on Scotswood Road, with all kinds of music and karaoke fun on Wednesdays
• Secrets Bar - based on Scotswood Road, within the heart of Newcastle's Pink Triangle and situated just across from the Grosvenor Casino
• Switch Bar - a disco bar on Scotswood Road, with top-notch DJ acts and Happy Hour drinks promotions

Northern Pride (formerly the Pride on the Tyne Festival)

The highlight of the gay and lesbian year in Newcastle is the LGBT Northern Pride celebration, which is a large festival that takes place in mid-July.

Centred around the University of Newcastle and Leazes Park in particular, this festivity is completely free of charge and now draws in the region of 8,000 attendees, making this the biggest gay pride festival currently being held in North East England. Live entertainment is a big part of the overall appeal and always includes a number of famous headline acts and drag queens.