After Hours... England: North Pier, Blackpool!

Getting my drink on in Blackpool wasn't the first thing on my mind, I made an actual effort to see things during the day! I kidded myself that no alcoholic beverages would be consumed on the Friday, was I even sure? I was not! Testament to the hangovers, Blackpool definitely had a plan for me during those 'After Hours!' Sure, I needed a 'Drag' fix! Madre Mía, I needed Jesus! 

After making the most of my first afternoon in Blackpool on the Friday, I opened a well-known 'app' because I was curious. I got myself ready for the evening with absolutely no intention of wanting stay out until the early hours. Drinks at a nearby hotel? Why not? Purely platonic! I usually stay away from such diversions whilst in the UK, I'm not being funny but I prefer something special. The drinks were fine and the night was very young, apparently I was looking 25 years old when in fact I'm currently 31 years old! I wasn't going to complain about my I.D being checked, I was feeling my 'Benjamin Button' fantasy! 'Kaos' was calm, people watching and small talk made up most of that early Friday night drink. Apparently the previous weekend had been a rather busy time for the venues around 'Dickson Road' and 'Queen Street'. To be honest, I was appreciative to be 'out of town' and on the town, I had my priorities straight! Let's just say one venue caught me by surprise, serving something extra I wasn't going to complain! 

Testament to life, I will never trust myself to 'stay in' whilst staying in such town like 'Blackpool!' Literally, I wound up back at my 'Brene Hotel' around 3 in the morning with every intention to make breakfast and the best of my time in 'Preston' a few hours later. True to form, I arrived back from Preston during the afternoon time so I could have a 'rest' because another night out in Blackpool had to be done! Venturing back out of my hotel, I wanted nothing more than to eat a greasy chicken burger because that would be the turning point for the night ahead. Getting my 'Bargain Beer' purchase made, there was a certain refrigerator that reminded me of that 'Itaewon' based 'GS25' because all saw were bottles! Cheesy enough I had to have a bottle of 'WKD' because when in Blackpool, frankly I didn't give a damn. Crossing back over for my burger, I hatched a plan to drink my pre-game bottle one way or another. Trust and believe, Miss Blackpool! That burger and bottle, they saved me! No, it wouldn't be quiet night, B! ¡Zorra!

Blackpool and 'Drag' go together like a match made in 'heaven', honestly it is the perfect combination! During my 2014 visit to Blackpool, I saw a show at 'Funny Girls' because unbeknownst to me, it was only place to see cabaret? Yes, well I was sorely mistaken when I started my 2022 pre-trip research, there was another 'cabaret venue' in town! I found 'Sapphires' on Talbot Road with ease, sat down for the show in my reserved seat had me feeling ready for the show! Bobby, the supervisor of the venue looked familiar to me because we had gone to the same university for a period of time. 'Bonnie La Blue' stood as 'MC' before singing three songs, I remembered her from 'Talk Of The Town' in Hisarönü, Turkey! Not wanting a 'Glasgow Kiss' from fellow 'Sapphires' queen 'Su-Nammi' that was a hilarious exchange for us all to see! Queue 9:30 P.M. for the show, I kept an open mind because my head is full of 'RuPaul' and I was genuinely excited to see a 'local' show in a place like Blackpool. Let the music play, B! 

From 'Hairspray' to the 'Copacabana' with a slice of 'Sister Act' thrown in, the whole energy of 'Sapphires Spring Show' had me smiling from ear to ear! It was pure joy to see the queens and dancers strut their stuff on the stage, of course there was an element of humour but those dance routines were killer! I felt that the intimate feel of the venue brought the show closer to me, as if I was watching an episode of 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' from my sofa. 'Missie Jay' honestly worked the stage like a professional, I took from her level of performance that she could be on the 'Race' one day! As a collective, the dancers never missed a beat with tricks, splits and high kicks executed for our entertainment! Every pound was worth spending to see their 'Spring Show', we even saw fitting tribute to 'Her Majesty The Queen!' Of course, we are all 'Team Harry!' Please forgive me, there was another queen who was called 'Harley Jean?' All of the queens and crew played their parts fantastically, I would see their 'Summer Show' for sure! Yes! 

Back to the Friday night, I had done what I needed to do in a nearby venue and with that chapter closed I made my way to the 'Flying Handbag!'. Girl, I was in for an experience like no other! I had been out in Manchester during the previous November in 2021 but that Canal Street moment felt stuffy and a little overpriced for my liking, Blackpool had a plan for me! Getting a drink was imperative, I people watched for my life and quite the spectacle I was served up! I saw a fair few characters who frankly were living their best lives, I was no in place to judge but only in a place to enjoy my own night. Of course, things were kept very real with no attitude felt from the crowd, there was a sense of light and relief as the weekend washed over the venue. Yes, people from all definitions of the community were dressed authentically and with no reservations to be had, their truth could be expressed. Say what you want about Blackpool, sure it can be full-frontal at times but the 'Handbag' served nothing but kindness! B, cue the culture! 

100%, I did see a person who resembled 'Mark Massett's own 'Manchester Mum!' I say this with no harm, that person served 'Brenda' realness without giving an actual damn, she just wanted to have fun! Hen Parties were more so present on the Saturday night, I arrived at the venue around 11 P.M. to find a gaggle of women who were dressed as the 'Spice Girls', they all looked fantastic but the 'Posh Spice' hen looked just like 'Vicky B' did back in the day! I said to her 'why don't get charging for those photos!?' Sure a few conversations were had because I'm not a person that would want be rude, definitely there was a lot of genuine people who were all out that Saturday to have a great time, regardless! Blackpool's 'After Hours' experience saw me hopping from one venue to another before ending up at the 'Handbag', needless to say that each venue served a different vibe without any drama provoked. 'After Hours', Blackpool allowed me to let off some steam, to reclaim some of the delights that I used to take for granted in my previous setting. OK!

Blackpool Never Judged Me! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure