The Blackpool Trans Scene
Blackpool has always been different; loud & brash, focused on entertainment and pleasure. From Victorian times to the late 1950s and early 1960s it grew to be the UKs largest and best holiday resort. More recently the focus has shifted somewhat from family holidays to the younger market, with lots of pubs clubs restaurants catering for people willing to spend money on good nightlife. During this recent period of Blackpools developnment, the gay scene has grown dramatically with lots of gay hotels and guest houses, plus several gay clubs and pubs etc. It just had to be the perfect location for a lively transgender scene.
The trans scene got off to slow start with a few trannies going to Flamingos and Lucys. But in 1996 Renaissance was founded and proved a new focus for, initially, local trannies. It started outside Blackpool, named after the Beauty Salon of one of the co-founders, after almost a year it moved to its present home at Lynda Collins Guest House. The next year witnessed a rapid growth as Renaissance established itself as the main TV-TS venue in the NW, outside of Manchester. Sadly other commitments made it more and more difficult for me to organise Renaissance, so in the late 90s Lynda Collins kindly took on the job of running the group.
The continued success of Renaissance was reflected in the town as larger numbers of trannies were seen out enjoying themselves in the Flamingo, Lucys, Basils and the Flying Handbag. As the word got round and trans girls (and the occasional trans guy) started to head for Blackpool for a good night out. Other groups started to organise their own Blackpool nights. One night at the Flamingo I lost count at 50 trannies! Renaissance is now known around the UK and Lynda has now borrowed Claires-Marie's (our co-founder) business name to use for her guesthouse.
More recently tranny numbers in the clubs and pubs have dropped, as they seem to have done in Manchester, but there is still a great scene here in Blackpool if you want it.
So where to go what to do
BASICS - WHERE TO STAY
Travelodge - If you are passable, well presented, confident and behave like an ordinary woman you will have no problems here. They are very trans friendly. Its situated just out of the centre a short taxi ride to the clubs and pubs. Ideal if you simply want somewhere modern, with ensuite rooms, to stay as a base for a night or two at the theatre, restaurant or club.
Mardis Gras - This is small gay/lesbian hotel close to the Blackpool North railway station and near Flamingoes and the 'Handbag'. Very Trans Friendly, late bar and all rooms ensuite. Lots of my friends stay here.
Lynda Collins Guest House - This is a trans only guesthouse and is the ideal base for the novice Trans girl or one who does not want to go out dressed. Basic bedroom only unlicensed accomodation. Lynda creates a brilliant friendly and ultra relaxed, anything goes atmosphere, for some girls its 'the' place to stay.
WHERE TO EAT
The situation has changed a lot recently. At present I would suggest three. Naturally when you go out to a restaurant you may be another customers first experiance of a trans person. So please dress in a smart and appropraiate manner, that gives everyone a good impression of what we are about., You need to book in advance for all three places.
"DA VINCIS" - Popular Italian place with great food - owned by Vincento - trans friendly place, BUT do be awarre it can get busy sometimes with families. So you need to look good and have lots of confidence.
"SIAM RICE" - Thai food - Trans friendly - Tell them if you are trans when you phone, they sometimes get large parties in, so they will tell you if you might have the local rugby club at the next table! Then it up to you to decide if you want to go!
"VIVA LA DIVA" - Probably the best restaurant in Blackpool. Pricey but fabulous food and wine . Visiting celebs eat here. The owners Frank and Julie are very trans friendly and will make you very welcome at this stylish restaurant.
PUBS & CLUBS
"BASIL'S" - A small gay club, situated on the Sttrand between Queen Street and Talbot Square. There is a DJ and small dance floor. Only one problem taxis can't stop outside so you need to walk a short distance, in a crowded area full of straight night-clubs.
"LUCY'S" - A small and friendly gay/lesbian barr, with DJ, dance floor and pool table. Its often crowded, and popular with TVs. Leaving at 2.00 a.m. involves crossing the road to join the queue for taxis, often with quiet and respectful young gentlemen who have been in drinking in Rumours and the other straight clubs all night. Can be real fun experience.
"Pepe's" - Opposite Flashmans pub, on Talbot Rooad. Small gay bar,trannies not really welcome, but worth a try if your into butch leather queens and testosterone bouncing off the walls.
"Hello Dolly" - A gay pub, OK for trans girls, but a bit out if the way at the wrong end of Cookson Street.
"The Flying Handbag" - Tranny friendly gay pub, gets crowded, next door to ......
"Flamingos" - Blackpool's number one club. Its a vvery large gay club, offering six bars, a big dance floor (plus a second dance floor with different music on Saturdays), cafe, shop and occasional cabaret. But mostly pulsating music, lights and enough dry ice to hide the Titanic. Not to be missed.
TRANSGENDER THINGS
Renaissance - Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but if you want to go clubbing other nights, then Saturday is probably the best, though some like Mondays, sort of nostalgic with music from the 80's, 70's and even 60's!
Make-up - Go on..... go to Boots or Superdrug like natural born females!
Wigs - Yvonne Barlow on Church Street, nearr Cookson Street. Individual cubicles for trying on wigs.
Undies - Jane Winters on Lytham Road>
Designer Undies and Lingerie - Body Talk on Queen Street