| With one of the fastest growing LGBT Pride events, gay venues all around the city, and a strong network of support offered to men and women of all ages, the Sheffield gay scene is alive and kicking. Whether you want a raucous night out or a more refined drink with friends and new acquaintances you can find the perfect bar or club. | |
City Centre (c) Marketing Sheffield
| England's fourth largest city is famous for having prospered because of its steel industry. Although Sheffield suffered industrial decline in the 1980s, and nowadays the industry is less noticeable than it once was, the economy is still worth over £7billion a year. As well as steel and cutlery, Sheffield also produces confectionery and is home to the Basset factory where the Jelly Baby was born. |
| It’s also where Liquorice Allsorts are made. Apparently the assortment of sweets came about by accident in 1842 when a salesman knocked over a tray of samples. The largest employers are now all public sector: the two universities, NHS, and national and local government employees. Private fee-paying international students are also a major source of income to the local economy through the universities. | |
| Sheffield is also home to the most advanced urban tramway system in the country, boasts the most visited shopping mall in Europe, Meadowhall, and houses the National Centre for Popular Music. The Sheffield Supertram opened in 1994 and runs from Sheffield City Centre north-west to the University of Sheffield and Hillsborough; north-east to Meadowhall; and south-east to Herdings Park. |
 City Centre (c) Marketing Sheffield |
GAY SCENEUp until recently Sheffield only had a couple of dedicated gay venues with the shining star being Dempsey's Bar which certainly knows how to keep punters happy with music every night, and cocktails such as Mai Tais on the menu. Dempsey's is still the most popular venue on the Sheffield gay scene and you should find drinking here a fun and friendly experience. The bar downstairs is open during the day and in the evening this is where the karaoke and quizzes take place. However to get into the club upstairs you will need to be a member if you don't want to be handing over a note or two at the door.Dempsey's is part of The Gay Quarter which includes a small collection of LGBT+ venues at the bottom of the Moor. They are independent operators who want to create an inclusive safe space for the LGBT community and their friends. Queer Junction a.k.a "QJ" brings its own funky graffiti look and TARDIS. QJ features drag, outdoor seating and friendly bar staff. QJ is open from 11pm to 6.30am Tuesday-Sunday, with a 90's night every Thursday and Bump & Grind on Saturdays. QJ: Queer Junction's outdoor mural of brightly coloured wings makes for the perfect photo opportunity! If you are after an evening at the baths then The Boiler Room has all the amenities needed, including 3 cubicles with glory holes. There's a jacuzzi and steam room in the basement, and upstairs you'll find both a sauna and dark sauna. There's a few private rooms and video viewing area with sofas. GAY PRIDEPride in Sheffield is an annual event that's free bringing together the LGBT+ community their friends and families. It's held each year at the end of July in Endcliffe Park, with a main stage, the T'Other stage and community workshop tent. There's also the Life tent featuring exhibitors, groups and services that provide a health and social care aspect from fostering services to wedding planning. | |
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A couple of weeks before Pride, there's also Pinknic, which is billed as Sheffield's largest city centre LGBT family event staged in the Peace Gardens.
This event has general and gay themed stalls, music, dancing and fun for all your family and friends. They encourage you to bring a picnic to the event to celebrate being LGBT in Sheffield. |
 Pinknic in the Peace Gardens (c) Pinknic |
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Revised October 2021. |