Bristol Mardi Gras

Bristol is the capital of Britain's South West, and also the south west's capitol of gay culture. Once a year like many major UK cities, Bristol's LGBT community throws a party to end all parties, if you're in the southwest and you've not yet been along to the Bristol Mardi Gras then read this article first...

Article written by Chris (Chrisb) 21/04/02

Plans for a pride event for the south west have been on the drawing board, but a few years ago those plans became reality. Bristol's Gay busineses colaberated to arrange a diversity of day and night time entertainiment at their venues, everything from a slave auction to a barbecue to a kareoke and a massive foam party were all adding life to the party. Money was also raised for Freedom Youth, a local lgbt youth support group as well as the Terrance Higgins Trust and Bristol Lesbian and Gay Swithchboard.

As this was Bristols first event (2001), we don't really know how many people attended, but all of the City's gay venues were completely packed out and the people of Bristol can expect a similar event in 2002 and beyond.

The 2002 and 2003 Annual events are already being planned after 2001's amazing success! Despite common stereotypes about people in from Bristol, it is not full of farmers and milk maids, but instead a very cultualary diverse city full of vibrant bars, clubs and social groups, and then there's the people, every color and nationality you can think of.

Most of the events at Bristol Mardi Gras are bar based, but in future the city council have chosen the millenium square as a future venue for outdoor events. If you prefer a bigger event with all the bells and whistles then the nearest place would be at Brimingham Pride, but Bristol is on it's way to a full scale queer party and as it get's older the event can only get better!

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