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.
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City Centre (c) Marketing Sheffield
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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.
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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.
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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.
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City Centre (c) Marketing Sheffield
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GAY SCENE
Up 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 PRIDE
Pride 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.
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Pinknic in the Peace Gardens (c) Pinknic
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THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Dempsey's (1 Hereford Street; +44 114 275 4616; facebook)
QJ: Queer Junction (139 The Moor, Sheffield City Centre; T: +44 114 278 8805; Website)
The Boiler Room (208 Saville Street East, S4 7UQ; +44 114 278 7371; Website)
Pride in Sheffield (Endcliffe Gardens, Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AB; Website)
Pinknic (The Peace Gardens, Pinstone St, Sheffield S1 2HH; Website)
Revised October 2021.
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