http://www.gayradiouk.com/ http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=64 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=64

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]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:38:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=63 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=63 A YouGov poll shows that Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now is the nation’s favourite feel-good song with nearly two fifths of people (39%) selecting it, making it the UK’s number one uplifting tune.

The poll being published today by Samaritans coincides with the launch of their new fundraising day, Feel Good Friday. People chose their favourite feel good songs from a list of 40 popular tunes. After Queen, the top five feel-good songs were: Abba’s Dancing Queen (31%), The Monkees’ Daydream Believer (25%), Katrina and the Waves’ Walking on Sunshine (23.35%) and I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor (23.28%).

Sponsored by healthcare provider Simplyhealth, Feel Good Friday takes place today (Friday 3 February). Businesses across the nation will be taking part in ‘feel good’ themed fundraisers and challenges in return for a donation to Samaritans.

Deal or No Deal presenter, Noel Edmonds, is one of a number of celebrities lending their support to Samaritans’ Feel Good Friday: “I absolutely love music, and any time I’m feeling in need of a pick-me-up I put on some feel-good songs. I hope the people of the UK are raising lots of money for Samaritans this Feel Good Friday.”

Leon Doyle, finalist of last year’s hit TV Show The Apprentice and founder of the Master Menu added: “This is a great way for businesses to raise money for charity, while having fun at the same time. Vital funds raised from Feel Good Friday will allow people to help more people in need.”

Every year Samaritans answers more than five million calls from people struggling to cope. Each call for help by phone, email or face to face costs the charity approximately £3.88.

A full national and regional breakdown of the YouGov poll can be found here:

http://www.feelgoodfriday.org/downloads/feel_good_songs_survey.xls

To find out more about Samaritans’ Feel Good Friday please visit www.feelgoodfriday.org

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]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:14:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=62 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=62
The Trust - which provides NHS healthcare in the communities of Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley - came 87th out of almost 400 organisations that took part.

The Stonewall Top 100 Employer List assesses organisations' equality practices and how they engage with their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff and customers, and also looks for good practice.

LCH Chief Executive Bernie Cuthel said: "I am delighted and honoured that we feature in the increasingly competitive top 100 list of employers. This result shows how our core values – care, courage, collaboration, commitment and community - influence everything we do.

“This success is even more pleasing given how the current tough financial climate has impacted on the Trust."

Vice Chair of LCH’s Pride in Health Staff Network, Tina Davies-Taylor, who is a Senior Project Manager for the organisation, said: “For LCH to have recognition of the work that is done to promote equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff is magnificent. I am proud to work for an employer in the top 100.

“As a staff network we feel that being involved with and therefore understanding the LGBT community is essential for any employer.

“The work that was put into the submission to Stonewall was a real team effort with the Pride in Health Staff Network and the Equality and Diversity team working together.”

The submission to Stonewall included a staff survey and detailed application including information on the organisation’s policies, role models, support systems and general ethos.

Frank Davidson, Equality and Diversity Advisor at LCH, who put together the submission for Stonewall, said: "I am delighted at the achievement of a place in the Top 100. It also reflects the excellent provision in services we provide, such as Armistead, which provides support to the gay community.

“We need to continue to build on this result not only in this area but right across the equalities agenda.”

Chris Edwards, client account manager, from Stonewall said: “Congratulations on making the Top 100 – you should be very proud of yourselves.

“LCH is the sixth best performing organisation in the healthcare sector – another great achievement!”

For more information on LCH visit www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk and for further details about the Stonewall Top 100 see www.stonewall.org.uk

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]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=61 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=61 Glitterballs - World premiere at: Charles Cryer Studio Theatre, 39 High Street, Carshalton, SM5 3BB
Wed 29th February, Thurs 1st, Fri 2nd and Sat 3rd March 2012 at 8:00pm

Tickets: £12 (£8 concs)
BOX OFFICE TEL: 0208 770 6990
Book online: www.suttontheatres.co.uk 
16+ (This play contains scenes of violence, strong language and sexual references)

If you only see one comedy horror drag play in 2012 this is the one to watch! ‘Glitterballs’ invites us backstage of a drag club, where back-stabbing is more than just a metaphor. A man is dressed in heels and dressed to kill, and calculated slaughter reins terror in the dressing room. Camp, fun, dark, and full of twists and turns, you will be kept on the edge of your seat throughout the entire show!

The Story:
Glitterballs Showbar is set to have one unforgettable night, as owner Brendan books world famous drag artiste ‘Kandy Kicks’ to perform at his sell out Saturday night performance. However, the evening turns from glitter and glitz to chaos and mayhem, as performer Sidney Suckles begins her mysterious mission of murder backstage. Who will survive, what is the killer’s motive, and who is the secret accomplice?

The show stars LBC 97.3 host Cristo Foufas who is without doubt the UK's best speach radio presenter. Glitterballs will be the first highlight for the theatre world in 2012, don't miss it!

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]]> Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:54:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=60 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=60 Madame Tussauds Blackpool is going Gaga crazy this Christmas by giving the global style icon her own Grotto for the festive season

In true Lady Gaga style, her figure will be decked out in her brand new dress from acclaimed Manchester-based fashion designer Adnan Bayyat. The dress, made from reclaimed cling film, is sure to live up to Gaga’s notorious fashion statements from the past and will fit perfectly with her Wintery surroundings.

The floor length, statement dress provides a contemporary twist on a vintage style by incorporating a classic peplum and futuristic headpiece. With integrated custom fitted LED lights and a lovingly crafted, hand-made bodice, the dress is set to become a talking point amongst fashionistas of the North.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool general manager, Mathew Titherington, said: “Gaga is known for her quirky fashion choices and this dress is perfect for her new look as the ‘Ice Queen’. It’s an honour for us to have one of the North West’s most promising designers supply the outfit and is a fantastic opportunity for him. How many young designers can say they have dressed a fashion icon like Lady Gaga?”

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]]> Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:29:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=59 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=59 New band “If” had just completed their debut single for next year, when someone came up with the idea of re-vamping this classic Christmas hit, (as there had been a good Christmas club record for a long while)  and the result was so good that it was very quickly decided that this would be a great pre-taster for what is to come, and to rush release it this year.

This single includes the cheeky “Nik’s On The Phone” mix which “lends” heavily from the classic sound of Motiv-8 and should still fit in with today’s big tunes for the festive crowd, and then “Titanium” deliver a full on 2011 thumper, complete with everything you could want from a Christmas record, yes the chimes are still there, the choir like vocals and the wistful male lead. Hopefully this one will not leave clubbers feeling S.A.D.

After this release “If” will be in the studio working on their debut album. “If” will be taking their influences from the all time top “man” bands including Hurts, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and A-Ha etc.. and blending massive melodies with big pop dance beats.

They have just shot the video for the next single and the remixes are underway for a Feb 2012 release date.

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]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:12:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=58 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=58

An independent gay short film raising awareness of the importance of self-acceptance, is the first of its kind in the UK to use online fans to get produced.

Film Link: http://vimeo.com/30717500

Social media followers from around the world interacted with costume decisions, narrative choices and even watched Adam; The Gay Short Film Project being shot live via Ustream.

The short film mocks up a futuristic advert for a customisable robot and uses the mechanical metaphor to say we should never seek to control, suppress or silence a person, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. We are not robots.

“I wanted to shoot something engaging, with a universal message about self-acceptance and homophobia," said filmmaker Mike Buonaiuto. “New's reports of homophobic abuse and the devastating effects it has on families are becoming ever too common. I hope the film will inspire young people struggling with accepting their sexuality due to bullying or fear to find confidence within themselves. We are not machines, we are human and we cannot be controlled, suppressed or silenced."

Mike Buonaiuto, filmmaker from UK, has produced many short films for international brands and organizations, several to critical acclaim. For more information check out www.MikeB.co.nr or say hello on twitter; @Videographer88.

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]]> Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:34:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=56 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=56 Iceland Express handed in its application to join IGLTA at the World Travel Market (WTM) at ExCel London. Iceland Express’ Public Relations Manager Heimir Már Pétursson met with IGLTA‘s European Ambassador Clark Massad to discuss how the airline wants to serve the LGBT community.

"Iceland is a destination where LGBT people have been secured equal legal rights, and Icelanders are renowned for being gay-friendly. Iceland Express fully supports equal rights to all people. In fact, we‘re pleased to announce that Iceland Express will soon be offering a package for the Rejkjavik Gay Pride Festival in August next year, which attracts tens of thousands of people showing solidarity," says Heimir Már Pétursson.

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]]> Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:40:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=57 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=57 A host of home-grown talent will help light up Victoria Square, in Bolton this Christmas.

Preparations are well underway for the town’s big Christmas lights switch-on event on Thursday, November 24.

The packed line-up of entertainment starts at 5pm with Real Radio’s breakfast show presenters, Ditchy and Salty, and will end with a bang when Bolton’s own shining star, Danny Jones from McFly, flicks the switch at 7pm.

Performances throughout the night will include routines from Bolton Dance and Performing Arts College, classical tunes from young singer Gemma Louise Doyle and a high-energy display of Zumba dancing by V1ntage gym, based in Knowsley Street.

There will also be appearances by The Albert Halls pantomime cast, who are featuring in Goldilocks and the Amazing Three Bears over the festive season, Sunshine Dance Studios and Bolton Wanderers players with Lofty the Lion.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Tonge with the Haulgh Community Choir, and a beautiful display of light and colour will be provided throughout the evening by the Gandini light juggling show.

At 6.40pm, Bolton’s famous festive parade will arrive in Victoria Square, featuring Father Christmas, Frosty and his band of snowmen plus other seasonal characters.

As the crowds get ready for the big countdown with Danny Jones and the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton at 7pm, X-Factor boot camp favourites, Kendro, will get the party started with their own soundtrack “Do the Kendro”.

Joining Danny on stage will be the winner of Real Radio’s competition to find a lucky boy or girl to help him flick the switch. There will also be a performance by One Voice, winners of the radio station’s recent talent competition.

The evening, which is organised by Bolton Council in conjunction with Real Radio and sponsored by Langley Interiors, will come to a close with a spectacular firework display for a colourful grand finale.

The Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “We’re proud to be able to welcome so many local acts to the biggest free night of entertainment in Bolton.

“The Christmas lights switch-on is always one of the best nights of the year for the town and I’m looking forward to seeing thousands of local families turning out for a packed programme of fun.
 
“From our local community choir singing festive carols and X-Factor duo Kendro, to Bolton’s very own chart-topper, Danny from McFly, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at our official countdown to Christmas.”

Free parking is in operation from 4pm on the night and will continue until January 8 each Thursday evening from 4pm and Sundays all day at certain multi-storeys and surface level car parks in the town centre.

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]]> Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:03:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=55 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=55 Move over McFly and Busted, it’s time for the public to be intro-juiced to Jamie, Chris and Ryan – aka JUiCE – the hottest new UK boy band who play Blackpool North Pier Theatre on Saturday 26th November at 7.30pm.

The Preston-based JUiCE boys; who were due to play North Pier Theatre in July, but the show was unfortunately postponed; are no strangers to a music industry that’s been watching them ripen to perfection. The boys combined experiences have helped them develop into a truly fresh and unique sound that’s simply mind blowing. They have built up a mass of adoring admirers who are in their intoxicating custody for good.

They’ve got the looks, they’ve got the voices, they’ve got the stage show; and coupled with the fact that they can play (Jamie and Chris on guitar and Ryan on bass) and write their own compositions, JUiCE are destined to take the music industry by storm.

Based at the same production house as Mcfly, Busted and Wham to name but a few and bursting with uber-cool energy and vibrance, JUiCE will leave you punching the air with excitement.

JUiCE will also introduce to Blackpool their special guest Sam Clark. Best known for his award-winning role as Ringo Brown in the hit television show Neighbours; he burst onto the music scene with his debut single Broken in 2009, followed by Send Me A Sign and Devastated. Sam released his first album Take Me Home to critical acclaim in August 2010.

See JUiCE with special guest Sam Clark perform live at Blackpool’s North Pier Theatre on Saturday 26th November. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at just £10 for adults, £5 for children. Call the North Pier Box Office on 01253 623304 or book online via www.northpierblackpool.co.uk. You can also book via www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2452.

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]]> Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:08:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=54 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=54

Our Boyz are en-route to a glitzy celebrity bash to a mates stag do in Bali, when their flight unexpectedly hits an ash cloud and gets diverted leaving them stranded in a cheap Spanish hotel. When the International male strip group the “Wildboyz” booked to appear for a hen party at the hotel don’t turn up, the spotlight turns to our British Beef to see if they can rise to the occasion and show us they really are big in the Balearics!!! A hysterical tease from the beginning to it’s spectacular climax, lifting the lid on the world of celebrity, with audience participation, guaranteeing not a dry seat in the house. Wildboyz is the full package, can you handle it?

Gay Radio UK will be chatting with the Wildboyz soon, in the meantime check out the Wildboyz The Show Website to see if the boyz are coming to a venue near you!

The Wildboyz are, Alex Reid, Marcus Patrick, Dale Howard and Danny Young.

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]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:34:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=53 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=53 Prepare to be razzle dazzled once again at this year’s 10th Anniversary of the Rainbow Charity Ball. Sumptuous food, glamorous entertainment and good company are planned yet again, on Saturday 26th November 2011 at The Riviera International Centre, Torquay. Revellers are encouraged to dress to impress, although outrageous outfits are, as always, actively welcomed.

Doors open at 7.00pm, with dinner served at 7.45pm. Then our final array of acts take to stage, and include personality singers, a drag hostess, sportsmen, a local pianist, and our headline larger than life-three piece act. Throw in an auction with money-can't-buy experiences, and guests are guaranteed another night to remember.

The Committee is delighted to announce that, with help from businesses, individuals and organisations, they have been able to reduce this year’s ticket price to £39.50, whilst aiming to exceed the high standards for which the Ball is renowned.

Over the last 9 years, the Ball has raised in excess of £100,000 for local charities, and this year the Ball will once again be supporting the Eddystone Trust. Sponsorship packages are still available while raffle and auction prizes will be most gratefully received (contact through the booking line).

Derek Lever, Chairman of the Rainbow Charity Ball said: "we hope that this year we can offer more people the opportunity to come and join the 10th Anniversary celebrations for what will be a truly spectacular evening of fun and entertainment."

10th Anniversary of The Rainbow Charity Ball
Riviera International Centre,Torquay
Saturday 26th November, 2011
7.00pm until late

Tickets: Central Booking Line 07968 137655 or from Melissa Jewels, St Marychurch, Torquay.

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]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:45:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=52 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=52
A busy stretch of Sackville Street is to be closed to cars during weekend nights to improve road safety for people visiting the area.

The street will be closed to traffic between its junctions with Brazil Street and Richmond Street, creating a large pedestrianised zone that also includes Canal Street.

The scheme is being set up following a trial in 2009 which was supported by people visiting the village, as well as by businesses and Greater Manchester Police who said it reduced the number of road accidents and crimes in the area.

If given the go-ahead during next week’s executive meeting, the scheme will be set up by April next year, using money from the City Council’s parking service.

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]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:56:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=51 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=51 Soul sensation Beverley Knight will perform a very special FREE concert at Blackpool’s North Pier Theatre on Friday 4th November to celebrate it’s re-opening after a temporary closure for essential renovation and refurbishment work.

The UK’s queen of soul Beverley Knight will perform an intimate “up close and personal” concert at the famous North Pier Theatre next month and tickets will be FREE.

The show will feature Beverley singing all greatest hits as well as songs from her recently released seventh album Soul UK. She has sold over a million albums in her career so far and has been the UK’s most consistently successful soul artiste since making her debut in 1995.

The soul queen is a winner of three MOBO awards including best R&B Artist twice; won the Outstanding Achievement award at the 2005 Urban Music Awards; nominated for Mercury Music Awards and the Brits Awards and in 2007 collected an MBE for her services to music and charity.

Tickets to the concert are FREE – to get yours, simply call in to the Box Office between 11am and 3pm or the Merrie England Showbar after 7pm on either Wednesday 26th or Thursday 27th October. Please note that tickets will be given on a “first come first served basis” with a maximum of two free tickets given per household.

Renee Sedgwick, Blackpool North Pier’s Creative Director said, “This is an amazing opportunity for people to get to see one the country’s biggest stars perform live, up close and personal in the North Pier Theatre and we are so pleased that we are able to offer tickets for free! It is an exciting time for us at the Pier and we hope that both residents in the area and visitors alike will enjoy and support what we are doing. We will be announcing more big names, shows and special events very soon.”

Beverley Knight has performed live and collaborated with many legendary artists including Prince, Santana, Jamiroquai, Courtney Pine, Roni Size, Jools Holland, Redman, Musiq Soulchild, Wyclef Jean, Bryan Adams, Lionel Richie, Take That That, Ronnie Wood and Chaka Khan.

Beverley is seen regularly on our television screens appearing in two series of the hit BBC1 show Just The Two Of Us, as well as guesting on ITV’s Loose Women and more recently BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind when she won with her specialist subject Prince.

Beverley Knight – Up Close and Personal starts at 7.30pm on Friday 4th November with support artistes including Sam Clark, best known for his role in Neighbours who will be performing a selection of his hit songs.

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]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:25:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=50 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=50
Mal Pas would have limited the numbers of people able to attend the shows over the 3 days whereas now over 7,000 can be accommodated comfortably in the Auditorio Julio Iglesias, (The Julio Iglesias Open Air auditorium) and even more in the park area itself.Parque de L’Aiguera is a very picturesque setting and has enabled us to expand our programme of activities for you all to enjoy.

Remember you can still purchase your Pledgebands online at www.benidormpride2011.com or from Kings Bar, Queens hotel or any of the participating BGBA businesses.

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]]> Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:26:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=49 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=49 After a break of 10 years, the multimillion selling, BRIT winning pop band STEPS are back. Claire, ‘H’, Faye, Lisa and Lee have reunited for an explosive TV documentary series on SKY Living, a new album and now a huge return to the live circuit with ‘The Ultimate Tour’ set for April 2012. The album and the tour will celebrate their biggest, chart topping hits.

The Ultimate Collection and Tour marks the return of one of Britain’s best loved bands. From their first hit, ‘5, 6, 7, 8,’ STEPS went on to have an amazing 14 consecutive Top 5 hits. Memorable chart toppers included ‘Tragedy’, ‘One For Sorrow’ and ‘Heartbeat’. Their first album, ‘STEP ONE’ was certified five times platinum, cementing their position as the UK’s biggest pop sensations. Their next album, ‘STEPTACULAR’, featuring smash hits ‘Love’s Got A Hold Of My Heart’ and ‘After The Love Has Gone’, helped the album go four times platinum. In total, across 4 albums, STEPS sold an astonishing 15 million records.

When fans buy Steps ‘The Ultimate Collection’ album through Ticketmaster they will be given exclusive access to a ticket presale. By purchasing the album fans will be able to purchase tickets 4 days before they are made available to the general public. Simply visit Ticketmaster.co.uk from October 10th to order the album and get access to tickets before everyone else, from http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/promo/5nw86z

STEPS’ return to the live arena will undoubtedly be a highlight of 2012.

April 2012
April 2nd - Odyssey Arena Belfast
April 3rd - 02 Arena Dublin
April 4th - Liverpool Echo Arena
April 6th - Glasgow SECC
April 7th - Aberdeen AECC Press and Journal Arena
April 8th - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena 
April 10th - Manchester Evening News Arena
April 11th - Nottingham Capital FM Arena
April 12th - Birmingham LG Arena
April 13th - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
April 15th - Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
April 16th - Bournemouth BIC
April 17th - Brighton Centre
April 19th - London The O2 Arena

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 14th October at 9am from www.livenation.co.uk and are priced at £35.00 Regionally and £40 & £37.50 in London (subject to booking fee).

For meet & greet & VIP packages visit livenationexperience.co.uk
or phone 0207 009 3484 for further information.

The Ultimate Collection is Out Now on Sony Music.

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]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:42:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=48 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=48 McFly have announced that they will be hitting the road once more in March/April 2012 for an up close and personal 26 date tour that will see them stopping in all corners of the UK. McFly Tickets will go on sale on Saturday 26th November from www.livenation.co.uk (full dates below).

McFly’s fifth studio album ‘Above The Noise’ was released to huge acclaim in November last year and spawned the band’s biggest single to date ‘Shine A Light’ which sold over 300,000 in the UK. A DVD filmed at the Wembley date of their UK Arena Tour earlier this year is due out early December from Island Records. McFly are currently writing for their 6th Studio album.

Don’t miss one of your chance to catch one the most successful young bands up close and personal in a venue near you.

MARCH 2012
Wed 7 March Portsmouth Guildhall
Fri 9 March Sheffield City Hall
Sat 10 March 02 Manchester Apollo
Sun 11 March Oxford New Theatre
Tue 13 March Margate Winter Gardens
Wed 14 March Folkstone Leas Cliff Hall
Fri 16 March Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Sat 17 March 02 Leeds Academy (Mcfly on stage at 8:30 pm)
Sun 18 March Stokes Hanley Victoria Hall
Wed 21 March Southampton Guildhall
Thu 22 March Swindon Oasis
Sat 24 March Plymouth Pavilions
Sun 25 March Torquay Riviera
Mon 26 March Bristol Colston Hall
Wed 28 March Ipwsich Regent Theatre
Fri 30 March Birmingham 02 Academy (Mcfly on stage at 8:30 pm)

APRIL 2012
Sun 1 April Lincoln Engine Shed
Tue 3 April Norwich UEA
Wed 4 April Southend Cliffs Pavillion
Fri 6 April Reading Hexagon
Sat 7 April London HMV Hammersmith Apollo
Tue 10 April Cambridge Corn Exchange
Wed 11 April Preston Guildhall
Fri 13 April Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
Sat 14 April Newcastle 02 Academy (McFly onstage 8.30pm)
Sun 15 April Leicester De Montfort Hall

Tickets go on sale 9am on Saturday 26th November 2011 priced at £27.50 (subject to booking fee) and are available from www.livenation.co.uk.

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]]> Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=47 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=47
Organisers of Benidorm’s first Gay Pride event – On the Beach, which takes place from Friday, October 21st until Sunday, October 23 rd 2011 – today unveiled a unique charity wristband scheme for those wanting to attend the three-day extravaganza.

The Benidorm Pride Committee and Benidorm Gay Business Association  in association with ALGTB Benidorm have devised a scheme that will enable revellers to buy €10.00 pledge wristband vouchers ahead of the event – available online, or from a large number of participating bars, clubs and other businesses in Benidorm’s Old Town.

The vouchers can then be exchanged, a few days ahead of the event, for the PledgeBands themselves, which will grant visitors access to the main stage, located on Mal Pas beach, as well as all satellite stages and participating bars and clubs.
Explaining the advantages of the scheme, Julia Grant, a key figure in Benidorm’s Pride event, said that – by buying PledgeBands visitors would be spared the need to pay a €2.00 charge each time they wanted to access the main beach and satellite stage areas, or when visiting any of the participating bars or businesses, where they would be asked to make a €1.00 donation on each occasion.

“People will not only be saving money by buying a PledgeBand, they will also be contributing towards three worthy charities,” she said.

All monies raised through the sale of the PledgeBands will be split among three Spanish charities: ALGBT , (The Association for Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals and Bisexuals);  the HIV/AIDS charity Amigos, and 26th of December, an organisation established to provide assisted accommodation services for elder gay men and lesbians.

Furthermore, €1.00 from every alcoholic beverage sold on the beach by the BGBA in association with ALGTB Benidorm during the three days of Pride will go towards the nominated charities. Soft drinks will each yield a 50c donation.
“The price of drinks will be kept to a minimum, and not escalated over Pride!” Julia stressed. “We don’t want people thinking they are being ripped off.”

She added that the ground-breaking pledge band scheme had the potential of being adopted by Pride events in other parts of the world. “There are so many advantages to it, not the least being the ability to collect funds ahead of the events for chosen charities. At the same time it makes life so much easier for visitors.”

You can buy your pledge wristband vouchers here.

The charities will also benefit substantially through a deal struck with Hotels.tv. The company is the preferred provider of accommodation in Benidorm for the event, and has negotiated special rates with over 100 hotels and apartment owners, and has kindly agreed to donate a large percentage of the booking fees to the nominated charities. It is essential that anyone wanting to book accommodation for the event does so through Hotels.tv as they are the only hotel provider that is supporting Pride financially, as a result we recommend you contact them right away to discuss your requirements.

There is also an additional direct link to Hotels.tv on the official Benidorm Pride website – www.benidormpride2011.com

Should visitors require any help then call the friendly, expert advisors on 0870 922 190 (9am – 9pm GMT) for assistance in booking accommodation, flights, transfers and car hire.

The BGBA in association with ALGTB Benidorm After the Parade, Pride will swing fully into action! The main event stage on the Playa Mal Pais will be the main point of focus in the Old Town, and will feature acts from all over Europe. There will also be satellite stages in other nearby parts of the gay village. With late-night licenses being granted to bars for the event.

Acts already confirmed include: Boy Banned, Kelly Wilde, Angie Brown, Zoe Fuller, Jo Frances, Eva La Diva, Jason Prince, Nikki French, Sam Solace, Jordan Rivers – (Drag Queen from Rich Bitch Showbar. Performing and presenting), The Boy George Experience, Mandy Gap (Drag), Baga Chipz (Drag), Ikenna Benney, La Kokito Simpar, Las Grecas and Ivan Banderas.

Benidorm Pride 2011 is shaping up to be a brilliant 24/7 community celebration that is likely to put the city on the map as a premier Pride destination for years to come.

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]]> Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:56:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=46 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=46 Stonewall today welcomed new amendments to the Protections of Freedoms Bill tabled by the Government. The Bill will remove records of gay men convicted of offences involving consenting sex that would now be lawful. The new amendments, called for by Stonewall, would also allow gay men maliciously convicted of ‘loitering with intent’ under Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 to have them removed from their criminal record too.

‘We warmly welcome the Government’s decision to table these amendments and will encourage all parties to support them,’ said Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill. ‘Stonewall lobbied hard for gay men to be able to apply for convictions for consensual gay sex to be removed from their records. Not only were those convictions unfair but their presence on people’s records has dissuaded many of those men from applying for jobs or volunteering their time to good causes.’

‘We’re grateful to Home Office officials who have worked on this issue ever since we first met them as long ago as 2003,’ said Ben Summerskill. ‘Many police forces across Britain were until the recent past often highly creative in the way they unfairly prosecuted gay men. Consequently, we strongly welcome these provisions being extended to men prosecuted for what was often a trumped-up charge of loitering with intent.’.

Stonewall gave evidence to the Public Bill Committee considering the Protection of Freedoms Bill on 24 March 2011

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]]> Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:59:00 +0000 Graham http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=45 http://www.gayradiouk.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=45 We are delighted to announce that Pride In Brighton & Hove including the Parade, Preston Park Event & The Pride Street Party will be held on the weekend of Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of September 2012. It will be Pride's 20th Anniversary! There are various aspects to be finalised and as yet we haven't confirmed the ticket prices or entertainment line-up. We are working on your feedback from the 2011 park event; food and drink prices and entrances/exits to the park are at the top of our list. As soon as we have confirmed further details we will post on our website www.brightonpride.org.

The date for Pride in Brighton & Hove 2012 has been chosen after consultation with statutory bodies, to work around the Olympics. (Who'd have thought it would be this hot in October, so fingers crossed for a scorcher on the 1st September 2012).

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]]> Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:21:00 +0000 Graham