Event Dates
From: Thursday, April 30, 2026
To: Monday, May 4, 2026
THE GREAT BRITISH BEAR BASH 2026
England’s biggest annual bear event returns from hibernation for a Spring edition in Manchester.
THE GREAT BRITISH BEAR BASH 2026
Boys, bears and lovers, hibernation is over! England’s biggest annual bear event, the annual Great British Bear Bash returns this Spring in Manchester.
- The Manchester Bears Bash takes place during one of the busiest long-weekend holidays of the year. Marking the start of the Spring/Summer season, hotels in the Canal Street area fill up fast, so book early.
The Event
- Next Edition: Thursday 30th April 2026 – Monday 4th May 2026 – Bank Holiday Weeknd.
- The theme for the 2026 edition is “Gods and Monsters”. Full program to be announced.
- Great British Bear bash includes several signature parties including pub trails, Sunday Brunch, Beareoke, Cabaret shows, Sunday Service and an epic bear sauna party.
- Don’t miss the DILF Anniversary Party on the Friday night of the weekend at The Eagle. Another of our favorites is Saturday’s Queens afternoon Tea at Richmond Tea Rooms.
- Stay close to all the events at the Leven Manchester, rated “Exceptional” by guests with modern decor, a bustling hotel bar and perfect location.
The Venues
- Rem Bar – Classic modern decor, electric blue lighting with a dark and cruisy atmosphere. Popular with bears and men in leather.
- Cockatoo Club – Fun, warm & welcoming Cocktail & Cabaret Bar for all backgrounds. Unique Cocktails, Quiz Nights, DJs, Drag Queens, Live Music, Comedy and cocktails.
- The Eagle Manchester – Lively gay scene bar in an industrial basement setting, hosting DJs and drag shows.
- Basement Manchester – Large gay sauna in Manchester occupying the entire basement level of an old Victorian Mill.
- Sub 101 – Gay nightclub within an old warehouse, playing commercial sounds and cutting-edge dance/house.
- Cruz 101 – Cruz 101 (better known simply as Cruz) is a nightclub and music venue situated in Manchester’s Gay Village which is centred on Canal Street
Where to stay during Manchester’s Great British Bear Bash?
Hotels in the gay district tend to fill up fast. Check out these deals on the top hotels close to Canal Street.
The following Manchester Hotels are all close to the gay bars and have high review ratings:
Hotel Gotham, ABode Manchester, Velvet Hotel, Motel One Manchester
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Radisson Blau, this 5-star hotel is
less than 10 minutes to the Gay Village.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
The Great British Bear Bash Facebook
Gay Map of Manchester
Address: 100 King Street, Manchester M2 4WU, United Kingdom
- Luxury boutique hotel in a landmark Art Deco building
- Bold, theatrical interiors with strong design identity
- Rooftop bar and private club with city-view cocktails
- Popular with couples and weekend city-break guests
- Central base for shopping, dining, and nightlife
- Statement stay with a private-club, indulgent feel
- Website
Address: 107 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2DB, United Kingdom
- Boutique hotel in a Grade II-listed Victorian building
- Original period features mixed with modern interiors
- Well known for monsoon showers and plush rooms
- On-site bar and restaurant with local following
- Steps from Piccadilly Station and Piccadilly Gardens
- Easy base for Canal Street and Northern Quarter
- Website
Address: 2 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3HE, United Kingdom
- Boutique hotel directly on Canal Street in the Gay Village
- Converted Victorian building with bold, modern interiors
- Balcony rooms with views over Village nightlife
- Popular bar and restaurant with cocktail focus
- Strong choice for Pride, nightlife, and weekend stays
- One of Manchester’s most LGBTQ+-friendly hotels
- Website
Address: 34 London Road, Manchester M1 2PF, United Kingdom
- Design-led budget hotel opposite Piccadilly Station
- Modern, compact rooms with strong value pricing
- One Lounge bar for drinks, breakfast, and socialising
- Easy walk to Canal Street and Northern Quarter
- Popular with weekend city-break and Pride guests
- Practical central base for nightlife and transport
- Website
Address: 46 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3WF, United Kingdom
- Alice in Wonderland themed tearoom near Canal Street
- Popular with gay visitors and Pride crowds
- Cosy rooms mixed with theatrical decor
- Large tea menu, cakes, and classic afternoon tea
- Great daytime stop before Gay Village drinks
- Open: Mon-Thu 9am-7pm, Fri-Sun 9am-8pm
- Website
Address: 111 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6JB, United Kingdom
- Long-running gay bar and showbar on Canal Street
- Mix of pub vibes, drag shows, and late-night clubbing
- Popular for karaoke, cabaret, and DJ-led pop nights
- Draws a broad, mixed-age Gay Village crowd
- One of the Village’s latest-closing venues
- Open: Mon 12pm-10pm, Tue-Thu 12pm-2am, Fri 12pm-6am,
- Sat 11am-6am, Sun 11am-4am
Address: 33 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3LZ, United Kingdom
- Original Canal Street gay pub with long local history
- Relaxed, traditional pub atmosphere
- Canal-side outdoor seating for people-watching
- Popular daytime and early-evening stop
- Strong regular and community crowd
- Open: Mon-Thu 12pm-12am, Fri 12pm-2am, Sat 11am-2am,
- Sun 11am-12am
Address: 29 Bloom Street, Manchester M1 3JE, United Kingdom
- Long-standing gay bar just off Canal Street on Bloom Street
- Traditional pub energy mixed with regular drag and cabaret shows
- Strong local following with a friendly, familiar crowd
- Karaoke and themed nights keep it busy across the week
- Relaxed, social spot away from the main Canal Street strip
- Open: Wed-Thu 4pm-2am, Fri-Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 12pm-12am
Address: 4 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3HE, United Kingdom
- Two-floor gay bar and club on Canal Street
- Retro dancefloor with DJ-led party nights
- Regular drag and themed event programming
- Busy mix of locals, students, and Pride visitors
- Solid all-rounder for late-night Village energy
- Open: Mon 3pm-11pm, Tue 3pm-4am, Wed-Thu 3pm-2am,
- Fri-Sat 2pm-4am, Sun 3pm-1am
- Website
Address: 51 Bloom Street, Manchester M1 3LY, United Kingdom
- Cabaret-led gay bar just off Canal Street on Bloom Street
- Strong focus on drag, musical theatre, and live vocals
- Intimate room with a close performer-to-crowd feel
- Loyal regulars mixed with Village visitors
- Reliable stop for camp, sing-along, and classic show nights
- Open: Mon-Wed 5pm-2am, Thu 5pm-3am,
- Fri-Sat 3pm-4am, Sun 3pm-2am
Address: 27 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3LZ, United Kingdom
- Gay lounge bar linked to EVA Nightclub on Sackville Street
- Calmer upstairs space for cocktails and social drinks
- Regular drag hosts and DJ-led entertainment
- Popular pre-drinks stop for groups and meetups
- Easy flow into late-night karaoke and club downstairs
- Open: Mon-Sun 4pm-late
Address: 26 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3NB, United Kingdom
- Gay bar and tapas venue just behind Canal Street
- Strong focus on Spanish-style tapas and casual dining
- Relaxed, grown-up atmosphere across two floors
- Popular for early evening drinks and pre-theatre meals
- Calmer alternative to high-energy Village party bars
- Open: Mon-Thu 1pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 1pm-1:30am, Sun 1pm-11pm
- Website
Address: 63 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3WB, United Kingdom
- High-energy gay bar and club just off Canal Street
- Strong focus on pop anthems and drinks deals
- DJ-led party nights with themed and drag events
- Popular with students, visitors, and younger crowds
- Reliable stop for loud, late-night Gay Village energy
- Open: Mon-Sun 12pm-4am
Address: 101 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6DD, United Kingdom
- Iconic late-night gay nightclub near Canal Street
- Two-floor layout with main room and Sub 101 basement
- Pop, chart, and commercial dance upstairs
- House and underground sounds in Sub 101
- Major destination for all-night Gay Village clubbing
- Open: Wed-Thu 11:30pm-5am, Fri-Sat 11pm-6:30am,
- Sun 11pm-5am
Address: 37 Chorlton Street, Manchester M1 3HN, United Kingdom
- Established gay bar just off Canal Street on Chorlton Street
- Formerly Churchills with long Gay Village history
- Drag, DJs, bingo, and cabaret across the week
- Busy mix of locals, tourists, and Pride crowds
- Reliable late-night stop with classic Village energy
- Open: Mon-Thu 12pm-2am, Fri-Sat 12pm-4am, Sun 12pm-2am
- Website
Address: 34 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3WD, United Kingdom
- Musical theatre and film-themed gay cocktail bar on Canal Street
- Hollywood decor with screens playing show tunes all night
- Live cabaret and sing-along energy shape the vibe
- Popular stop for cocktails and early-to-mid evening drinks
- Loyal crowd of theatre fans, regulars, and Village visitors
- Open: Mon-Tue 6pm-12am, Wed 5pm-12:30am, Thu 6pm-12am,
- Fri 4pm-2am, Sat 2pm-2am, Sun 2pm-12am
Address: 28-30 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3EZ, United Kingdom
- Flagship gay bar and cabaret venue on Canal Street
- Large multi-room space with bar, food, and shows
- Strong focus on drag, cabaret, and DJ-led nights
- Busy mix of locals, visitors, and Pride crowds
- All-day to late-night hub in the heart of the Village
- Open: Mon 12pm-1am, Tue-Thu 12pm-2am,
- Fri-Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-2am
Address: 29 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3NB, United Kingdom
- Hidden-away gay bar just behind Canal Street
- Cosy, intimate space with strong community feel
- Huge gin selection that draws loyal regulars
- Weekly quizzes, bingo, and themed local nights
- Friendly crowd with a true neighbourhood-local vibe
- Open: Mon-Wed 3pm-11:30pm, Thu 3pm-12am, Fri 3pm-1am,
- Sat 2pm-1am, Sun 2pm-11pm
- Website
Address: 23 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3LZ, United Kingdom
- Long-standing gay bar on Sackville Street near Canal Street
- Traditional pub vibe with pool table and cheap drinks
- More local and low-key than the main strip venues
- Mixed crowd of regulars, travellers, and Village locals
- Easygoing stop for relaxed drinks and social nights
- Open: Mon-Wed 2pm-2am, Thu 2pm-3am,
- Fri-Sat 2pm-4am, Sun 2pm-3am
Address: 94-98 Bloom Street, Manchester M1 3LY, United Kingdom
- Large late-night gay club on Bloom Street in the Gay Village
- High-energy pop anthems and packed dance floors
- Multiple bars with a true nightclub atmosphere
- Popular with locals, tourists, and Pride crowds
- Reliable destination for late-night Village clubbing
- Open: Wed-Thu 4pm-4am, Fri-Sat 2pm-4am, Sun 2pm-4am
- Website
Address: 15 Bloom Street, Manchester M1 3HZ, United Kingdom
- Manchester’s main leather and fetish-focused gay venue
- Men-only members club on Bloom Street
- Themed fetish nights and late-night cruising energy
- Strong loyal crowd from Manchester and beyond
- Distinct alternative to mainstream Canal Street bars
- Open: Wed-Thu 4pm-3am, Fri-Sat 4pm-6am, Sun 3pm-3am
- Website
Address: 101 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6DD, United Kingdom
- Manchester’s longest-running gay fetish and kink club
- Members-only venue with themed fetish party nights
- Darkrooms and cruising areas alongside dance floor
- Strong national reputation within fetish communities
- Destination venue for alternative gay nightlife
- Open: Event-based only - open on selected party nights
- Website
Address: 28 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3NB, United Kingdom
- Basement men-focused gay bar just behind Canal Street
- Darker, underground vibe with cruising energy
- Popular pre- and post-fetish event meeting spot
- Strong local following and loyal late-night crowd
- Alternative to mainstream Village party bars
- Open: Tue-Thu 7pm-3am, Fri-Sat 7pm-6am, Sun 7pm-3am
Address: 46 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3WD, United Kingdom
- Large multi-floor gay bar on Canal Street
- Rooftop terrace popular for daytime and early drinks
- DJ-led party energy later in the evening
- Busy mix of locals, tourists, and Pride crowds
- All-day to late-night hub in the heart of the Village
- Open: Mon-Thu 2pm-3am, Fri 2pm-5am,
- Sat 12pm-5am, Sun 12pm-3am
Address: 10 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3EZ, United Kingdom
- High-energy gay bar and dance venue on Canal Street
- Strong focus on pop anthems and drag entertainment
- Two-level layout with space for dancing and socialising
- Popular for themed nights and drag brunch events
- Busy mix of locals, tourists, and Pride visitors
- Open: Sun-Thu 3pm-late, Fri-Sat 12pm-5am
Recommended Hotels in Manchester By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Manchester that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Hotel Gotham
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, rooftop terrace, central Manchester.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air-conditioned, bathrobes.
- Luxurious and central, ideal for urban explorers seeking style and convenience.
Velvet Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-star, Canal Street, contemporary décor.
- In the heart of the gay district.
- Elegant furnishings.
- Vibrant and stylish, perfect for experiencing Manchester’s lively Canal Street atmosphere.
ABode Manchester
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, 19th-century building, free Wi-Fi.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Monsoon showers, luxury toiletries.
- Historic charm meets modern luxury, centrally located near Piccadilly Station.
Motel One
3 Star, Location
- 3-star, close to Manchester Piccadilly station.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- En-suite shower, flat-screen TV.
- Budget-friendly, convenient for rail travelers, with a comfortable and modern setting.
Video Of Great British Bears Bash
A taste of what to expect.
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Manchester
Manchester has a rich and vibrant LGBTQ+ community and history. The city is known for being inclusive and welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Canal Street | Close to the city centre
Photo: Canal Street is home to some of Manchester’s most popular gay bars
- Canal Street, often referred to as the Gay Village, is the epicenter of LGBTQ+ life in Manchester.
- It’s a pedestrianized street lined with bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops that cater specifically to the LGBTQ+ community.
- The area is known for its colorful decorations, rainbow flags, and a lively atmosphere.
- It’s not only a nightlife hub but also hosts various events, parades, and celebrations throughout the year, including Manchester Pride.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Manchester
City Center
Staying in the city center puts you close to many of Manchester’s attractions, shopping districts, restaurants, & nightlife.
Northern Quarter
If you’re interested in a more artsy & alternative atmosphere, with creative spaces, street art, & a good nightlife scene.
Spinningfields
This modern business & entertainment district offers upscale accommodations, trendy restaurants, & close to attractions.
Salford Quays
Offers cultural & entertainment attractions. The area is home to theaters, galleries, cinemas, & performance spaces.
Other Events in April
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Pink-Inc-Hamburg-Gay-Party-5.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2022-03-28 15:33:002025-03-30 23:06:17Pink Inc Hamburg Gay Party
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Prague-Easter-Markets-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2017-03-02 18:54:572025-09-25 15:50:49Prague Easter Markets
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/berlin-leather-fetish-week-easter-3.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-10-13 17:17:282025-04-22 11:54:42Berlin Easter Leather And Fetish Week
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Smokeout-Las-Vegas-1.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2022-03-20 10:43:232025-09-25 13:46:23Smokeout Las Vegas
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Marea-Semana-Santa-Easter-Festival-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2017-03-30 17:03:312025-04-21 16:10:12Semana Santa Easter Festival, Puerto VallartaLatest Gay Travel News
Gay Carnival EventsTuesday, Jan 6th, 2026 - 5:32 pmThere’s nothing quite like a Carnival. After a long Winter, it’s the perfect excuse to party! From Cologne to Rio, discover the top Carnivals with significant gay events as part of their celebrations.
- Gay Easter EventsMonday, Jan 5th, 2026 - 6:42 pm
Celebrate the arrival or Spring with chickens, some chocolate eggs and a few confessions!
- The Top Gay Ski WeeksThursday, Jan 1st, 2026 - 8:21 pm
From the Apres Ski parties in Aspen to the slopes of Queenstown in September, here are the top gay ski weeks to attend in 2025.
Follow us on Facebook
