Event Dates
From: Thursday, May 1, 2025
To: Monday, May 5, 2025
THE GREAT BRITISH BEAR BASH 2025
England’s biggest annual bear event returns from hibernation for a Spring edition in Manchester.
THE GREAT BRITISH BEAR BASH 2025
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 May 1st – Monday May 5th 2025 – Each year the bear bash changes the theme of the event.
- 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.
- The theme for 2025: American Pie Reunion – Back in Bear Bash Past there was was a school of St Beary’s Where wayward bears and cubs would learn the ways of the paw! Now we’re going full parody of everything high school. American Pie meets St. Trinians! We got the cliques, the looks, the scandals!
- Are you a plastic, a goth, a nerd? Dress to impress or show you high school self at the biggest bear reunion of 2025!
- 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
100 King St, Manchester M2 4WU, UK
Located in the centre of , Hotel Gotham is a 3-minute walk from Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre. It offers a and free WiFi.
Serviced by a lift, all rooms and suites are air-conditioned and feature a telephone, a flat-screen TV and facilities for making coffee and tea. The bathroom is complete with free toiletries, slippers and a bath or . A hairdryer and bathrobes are also provided.
107 Piccadilly Manchester M1 2DB, UK
In the heart of the city, ABode Manchester is a splendid 19th-century with free Wi-Fi access and an award-winning restaurant. is 3 minutes’ walk away.
ABode Manchester’s double-glazed rooms offer monsoon showers and luxury toiletries. Guests can also enjoy an LCD TV with a , and free internet.
2 Canal St Manchester M1 3HE, UK
Boasting stunning rooms with contemporary décor, Velvet Hotel is on central Manchester’s vibrant Canal Street and a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly Rail Station.
All rooms enjoy elegant furnishings and offer a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The modern bathrooms are equipped with steam-free mirrors and luxury toiletries. Each room also includes a fully-stocked minibar and hospitality tray.
34 London Rd Manchester M1 2PF, UK
Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly is a 5-minute walk from , offering a central-city , and use of on-site bar One .
The hotel offers rooms with an en-suite shower, flat-screen TV and a portable desk. The lounge and bar area serves a , and has a selection of snacks and drinks are available.
36 George St, Manchester M1 4HN, UK
All units comprise a seating area with a sofa, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen with various cooking facilities, including a dishwasher, a microwave, a fridge and an oven. A toaster is also provided, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
1 Canal St, Manchester M1, UK
This apartment includes 2 bedrooms, a living room and a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a washing machine. with free WiFi, 300 m from Canal Street close to the gay nightlife and bars
6 Minshull St, Manchester M1 3ED, UK
Inside, the apartments feature a satellite TV, a seating area, and a bathroom with Luxury accessories, bathrobes and slippers. They also include a stylish, fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. Guests have free access to the on-site fitness suite.
74, Manchester, M1 6JD, United Kingdom
The units come with parquet floors and feature a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a Smart TV with easy media streaming, and a private bathroom with bath or shower and free toiletries. A microwave with grill function and kettle are also offered.
46 Sackville Street ,Manchester, United Kingdom
• Traditional café & tea shop
• Excellent tea, scones, cakes and more
• Quaint, classic venue with chandeliers and colorful gothic designs
• Weekday: 10am - 7pm
• Weekend :9.30am - 8pm /6pm
Website
New Union Hotel, Princess Street, Manchester
• Located in the heart of the Gay Village
• Fun and lively atmosphere
• Mix of cabaret, drag, and live shows
• Karaoke, themed nights, and private parties
- Weekday: 12pm - 2am
- Weekend: 12pm - 4am
33 Sackville Street, Manchester, United Kingdom
• Classic gay bar with live entertainment
• Friendly staff and great atmosphere
• Popular with bears and men in leather
• Outdoor seating available
- Mon-Thu: 1pm - 12:30am
- Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2:30am
- Sun: 12pm - 12:30am
29 Bloom St Manchester, UK
• Warm, traditional gay bar
• Recently refurbished
• Serves pub grub and cheap drinks
• Relaxed atmosphere away from busy nightclubs
• Weekday: 12pm - 2am
• Weekend: 12pm - 2am
51 Bloom Street Manchester, UK
• Notorious cabaret & entertainment bar
• Famous for drag queens with attitude
• Nostalgia and musical theatre vibes
• Mon-Wed, Sun: 5pm - 2am
• Thu: 5pm - 3am
• Fri-Sat: 3pm - 4am
37 Chorlton Street Manchester, U.K
• Friendly atmosphere with DJs, entertainment, cocktails, wines, coffee
• Formerly known as Churchills
- Mon-Sat: Various times (Closed on Sundays)
34 Canal Street Manchester, UK
• Intimate theatre-style bar
• Features classic and modern musical film clips
• Great selection of drinks and cocktails
• Outside terrace along the canal
• Wed-Thu: 6pm - 12am
• Fri-Sat: 5pm - 2am
• Sun: 5pm - 12am
28 Canal Street Manchester, U.K
• Lively, spacious Gay Village bar & restaurant
• Features drag shows, DJs, and cabaret nights
• Dark-wood decor adds to the charm
• Features drag shows, DJs, and cabaret nights
• Dark-wood decor adds to the charm
• Weekday: 12pm - 2am
• Weekend: 12pm - 3am
• Weekend: 12pm - 3am
29 Richmond Street Manchester, U.K
• Friendly LGBT-popular bar
• Regular themed nights with DJ
• Popular with gin drinkers
• Check Facebook for upcoming events
Monday 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM Wednesday 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM Thursday 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM Friday 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM Saturday 3:00 PM - 3:00 AM Sunday 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Tuesday CLOSED)
23 Sackville St, Manchester M1 3NJ, United Kingdom
• Popular gay bar with live cabaret/drag acts and DJ
• Attracts all age groups, especially on weekends
• Great drink promotions available all day every day
Daily 2pm till 4am
94-98 Bloom St, Manchester M1 3LY, United Kingdom
• Known for fun and welcoming atmosphere
• Regular drag shows, cabaret, and live performances
• Special promotions on drinks and freshly-made cocktails
Wednesday 4 PM–4 AM Thursday 4 PM–4 AM
Friday 2 PM–4 AM Saturday 2 PM–4 AM Sunday 2 PM–4 AM (Closed Monday And Tuseday)
15 Bloom Street Manchester, UK
• Premier gay cruise club in Manchester’s Gay Village
• Focuses on leather, fetish, and bear communities
• Private members club (sign up on their website)
• Men-only community space
• Themed events: “Sunday Service,” “BEARBAREIC”
• Features: dark rooms, designated cruising areas, outdoor terrace
• Casual dress code with specific attire for themed nights
Monday–Thursday: 5 PM–3 AM, Friday–Saturday: 5 PM–6 AM, Sunday: 2 PM–2 AM
107 Princess Street Manchester, UK
• Longest-running gay fetish night in Manchester
• Attracts fetish & leather crowds, skinheads, and men from across the UK and beyond
• Hosts various themed nights with DJs and dress codes
• Private club (membership application available online)
Fourth Friday of the Month 10pm to 4am
28 Richmond Street Manchester, U.K.
• Popular men-only basement bar just outside Manchester's central gay district
• Dark space frequented by leather and fetish crowd
• Enjoy happy hour drinks late into the evening
Wednesday 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM Thursday 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Friday 7:00 PM - 6:00 AM Saturday 7:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Sunday 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
46 Canal Street Manchester, UK
- Award winning LGBTQ+ bar in the heart of the Gay Village
- A versatile venue offering everything from up to the minute sounds
- Live classic cabaret and drag shows
- bespoke cocktail menu & fantastic food.Sunday Monday Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday 4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Friday Saturday 4:00 PM - 5:00 AM
10 Canal Street Manchester, UK
- Drag show, Djs Live music & Entertainment
- Bar Pop offers great deals on drinks and shots
- Attracting a younger, student crowd
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 12:00 PM - 3:30 AM
Friday 12:00 PM - 4:30 AM Saturday 11:00 AM - 4:30 AM
Sunday 1:00 AM - 3:30 AM
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.
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