Birthday parties and hen dos are a Blackpool tradition, and the gay bars are happy to see a good-natured group. They are also LGBTQ+ spaces first, so the best groups arrive respectful and booked ahead.
Which shows welcome groups?
- Funny Girls: you may dress your table or bring along a cake. Book well ahead for Fridays and Saturdays, and ask about dinner and show bundles.
- The Flying Handbag: accepts booth reservations for parties, and can lay on a cold buffet when booked roughly a fortnight in advance.
- Viva Blackpool: lists drag and bottomless brunches through the year; see what's on.
Which stays suit a group?
Bars with rooms are the natural fit if you would like to sleep above the fun: Mardi Gras, Peek-a-Booze, plus Lu-Lu's Cabaret Lounge (about 26 en-suite rooms). Walking times from Lu-Lu's: 4 minutes to Funny Girls, 5 to The Flying Handbag.
Which stays say no to stag and hen groups?
Westfield House is listed as turning away stag and hen parties. Always ask before booking a block of rooms, particularly at the quieter guest houses such as Lawrence House. Our notes say the same about a second guest house, The Gynway.
What are the house rules?
- Men-only places stay men-only, including Trades Hotel and Bar, The Prince Albert Hotel, Welhorny's and the Growlr Club upstairs at Man Bar. Do not book a mixed group there.
- Many stays are adults-only, and most venues are 18 or over, so carry ID.
- Be kind to regulars and performers.
How do I plan a group night?
- Pick your show night first; see drag night out.
- Book the stay, then the dinner; see food guide.
- Agree a late-night meeting point and a way home; see getting home.
Can we choose a quieter date?
Yes: midweek is easier for large tables and cheaper rooms; see quiet midweek breaks.
Practical group tips
- Book the show first, then match your rooms to it.
- Give each guest the house rules before arrival.
- Agree who is the contact for the venue.
- Ask about deposits and cancellation terms in writing.
A calm celebration
A birthday does not have to be a bar crawl. A Sunday roast, a show and a late drink fit a relaxed pace. Mardi Gras lists a chesterfield lounge as its quiet corner for a chat.
What about the day before and after?
Groups that stay two nights get the best of the town: one night for the show, one for a quieter evening. Quiet midweek dates suit larger parties, and you can check the midweek page for events. On Sunday, lunch at De-Lovely, Mardi Gras or The Flying Handbag rounds things off.
How many rooms are available?
Lu-Lu's lists about 26 en-suite rooms, Trades about 60 (men only), and Q Accommodation seven suites. Ask what each property can hold for your dates.
Is it okay to dress up?
The listed tip is simply to be respectful of performers and regulars. Check with the venue before bringing props, banners or decorations beyond the table decoration that Funny Girls welcomes.
Which nights suit a group best?
For a large group, Friday and Saturday are the biggest draws but the hardest to book. Sunday offers roasts and a quieter pace, and Funny Girls also plays Sunday nights. Mid-afternoon at Garlands suits a warm-up drink with free entry, and the Flying Handbag listed booths suit a seated birthday.
How do I split the bill and the planning?
Ask one person to be the contact for each booking, and share the venue details early. Remember the venues all have different cash and card arrangements: Lu-Lu's is cash only, so agree a plan for the bar tab.
Policies, prices and facilities can change, so confirm details with the property before you book.