Older LGBTQ+ People in Blackpool

Blackpool's gay scene has been going strong since long before the Rainbow Quarter had a name, and the generations who built it are part of the town's community today. Later life can bring its own challenges, from losing a partner or friends to dealing with services that don't always see LGBTQ+ people. Here is what we have been able to confirm locally. If you run something for older LGBTQ+ people in Blackpool, we'd love to hear from you.

Daytime friendship groups

• Lytham Let Live, the Fylde LGBT friendship group, meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 10am to 12 noon at a pub on Wood Street in St Annes. It is relaxed and daytime, which suits people who would rather not be out late. You are asked to register before you go; the county LGBTQ+ charity can put you in touch (07788 295521 or hello@lancslgbt.org.uk).
• Blackpool Allies meets on the first and third Tuesday evening of each month, from 6pm to 8pm, at the LGBTQ+ health centre on Dickson Road. It is an early-evening social for LGBT+ people of all ages and their supporters.
• Liberty Church, Blackpool's LGBTQ+ inclusive church, serves a free meal every Wednesday from 6.30pm, followed by an informal discussion. Local transport can be arranged on request, which helps if getting about is difficult.

Telephone befriending for over-75s

Rainbow Call Companions is a free telephone befriending service for LGBTQ+ people aged 75 and over, run by a national charity that tackles loneliness in older age. A volunteer calls you regularly for a chat. You can sign up from home anywhere in the country.

Daytime and early-evening places to go

You don't have to stay up until 3am to enjoy the Rainbow Quarter:

• Several quarter bars serve Sunday lunch and roasts, and many bars open from midday.
• Some cabaret bars have entertainment from mid-afternoon.
• The traditional gay-friendly pub on Topping Street is known for karaoke, bingo and an older crowd.
• Funny Girls shows start in the evening and are seated, with dinner beforehand if you want it.

Our weekly regulars page lists daytime events by day of the week.

Health and care

• Several Blackpool GP surgeries hold the county's LGBT inclusion Quality Mark: Adelaide Street Family Practice, St Paul's Medical Centre, South King Street Medical Centre and Glenroyd Medical Practice.
• The county's Age UK branch also holds the LGBT inclusion Quality Mark.
• The Quality Mark is open to care homes, solicitors and funeral directors as well, so it is worth asking whether a provider has it.
• Living with HIV for many years? The Dickson Road charity's HIV service supports people diagnosed long ago who simply want someone to talk to, as well as those newly diagnosed. Call 01253 311431.
• Free LGBTQ+ counselling by phone or video is available to adults across Lancashire through the county LGBTQ+ charity. See our mental health page.

Sharing your story

Blackpool's queer heritage project is collecting oral histories, photographs and objects from people who remember the town's LGBTQ+ life, ahead of exhibitions at Showtown and the Grundy Art Gallery in 2027. If you were part of the scene, your memories are wanted. See our history pages for details.

If you need support now

The Lancashire crisis line is 0800 953 0110 and Samaritans is 116 123, both free and open day and night.

Groups, times and venues can change, so check before you go.