Birmingham's Gay scene has developed extensively in the last 5 to 10 years. With 3 excellent Gay nightclubs and at least 12 bars, numerous social and support groups the city is firmly positioned in the top 3 Gay destinations in the UK!! Most Gay nightlife is centred in and around the Hurst Street Gay Village, not far from the Hippodrome Theatre - on the south side of the city centre. All tastes, age groups and men and women are catered for. The city's annual Gay pride is held on the last bank holiday weekend in May and heralds the UK summer season of Gay pride events. Birmingham Pride attracts over 100,000 revellers who watch the annual parade down the city's main shopping streets and then take part in a massive street party lasting for 2 whole days down on Hurst Street. There has been considerable investment in the city's bars and clubs, and this trend continues in 2001 with major new openings and massive re-fits of existing venues either just completed or currently in hand. Perhaps the council will continue this trend and re-pave and landscape the lower end of Hurst Street? Promises have been made to improve street lighting, and signage. The city's Gay quarter is proving to be a key strand in the re-development that is currently transforming Birmingham city centre (it is estimated that Birmingham Pride weekend contributed £10,000,000 to the city economy this year!). With Birmingham's central location, excellent transport links, and an ever-improving Gay scene, then the future of the Hurst Street Gay Village looks vibrant. This trend has been significant in improving the quality of life for the West Midlands' thousands of Gay residents. Come down to Hurst Street and join in the fun this weekend! -----------------------
Information listed here provides an introduction to the Birmingham Gay Scene and has been provided by Lesbian and Gay Switchboard West Midlands.
The Switchboard provides help, information and support and has received over 126,000 phone calls since 1975!
You can speak to a Switchboard operator every night of the week, between 7pm and 10pm on 0121 622-6589.
At all other times a touch tone interactive service provides recorded information, or access the Switchboard website at http://www.gaymidlands.org | 
