Stanley Arms to play host to first LGBT event tonight

The Stanley Arms will host its first event this evening from 8pm.

Paul, 46, who is also landlord of the Market Tavern, said: "We will be holding two LGBT nights for the community. One will be in the Market Tavern every Wednesday from 8pm until midnight.

"There's a mix of live music, karaoke and open mic - if you want to watch or perform it's amazing.

"This is already a busy, warm, friendly and fun night with no pretensions and it's a pleasure to attend and for us to host."

He added: "This all began a few months ago when Dan and Laura our bar staff came to us with an idea and we've run with it.

Speaking of the event to be held this evening in the Stanley Arms he added that he wanted to steer away of the stereo-typical music mindset and replace it with a rock indie feel.

"The event this evening is called Trash and at present this is monthly from 8pm until 2am with a nominal ticket price of just £4.

"We hope to move this to a weekly event in the new year."

Asked whether he thinks being gay is more accepted now he added: "We are moving towards more acceptable than three or four years ago but there is still a bit of a stigma. We love running these nights though and welcome everybody, gay, straight or otherwise.

"We don't have to be a gay bar or a straight bar. We don't prescribe to that mindset all. It's nearly 2022 and we welcome everyone through our doors."