Gay City Bowlers was established in 2017, and they’ve become an established name on the scene in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham and Bristol. Starting on February 26th, they’ll host a monthly bowling social at Bloomsbury Lanes, a short walk from Soho.
Bowling for all queers
Don´t let the name fool you; Gay City Bowlers is open to all queer identities, so long as you’re 18+. It was just “too good a name to resist”, apparently…
Originally founded by a pair of newlyweds who had just moved to Manchester (and were looking for a way to make friends in an unfamiliar city), Gay City Bowlers has become well-known for helping forge fresh friendships away from the bars and clubs of the scene.
Part of GCB’s appeal is bowling’s low-impact nature, which makes it suitable for players of all ages and levels of physical fitness. Rest assured that bowling experience or ability is absolutely NOT a pre-requisite for attendance — but a willingness to laugh at yourself certainly is! Gutter bumpers are officially outlawed, we’re told.
Spaces at each social are limited (essentially, to guarantee everyone attending a space on the lanes), so tickets are sold in advance — and often in high demand. There are two games played back-to-back.
While the emphasis is firmly on socialising, some players find they can’t help but get competitive — and for those who like to win, there are medals up for grabs for the night’s top scorers.
Check out the Gay City Bowlers Instagram page, @gaycitybowlers, where you can find photos from past events across the UK and video clips from each city’s local hosts — those responsible for ensuring each event goes off without a hitch — including London host Alan.
Tickets for Gay City Bowlers: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/gaycitybowlers/1092117
Gay City Bowlers is on 26th February, 7.30 pm – 10.30 pm, at Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, London WC1H 9EU, United Kingdom.
