Sneak peak inside refurbished Flying Handbag ahead of opening party

After seven weeks in the making, one of Blackpool’s most popular gay haunts is ready to swing open its doors to the resort’s nightclub scene one more following a £500k transformation.
By Wes Holmes
Published 26th Feb 2020, 17:00 BST
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The Flying Handbag on Queen Street will celebrate its grand reopening on Friday with a special live performance from X Factor winner Joe McElderry, and appearances from local entertainers, Karaoke World Championship winner Jenny Ball, and house favourites DJ Pudsley and DJ Carmen.

Improvements have been made to the club’s stage, the sound and lighting system, bar and DJ booths, and new toilets have been installed.

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The Flying Handbag: An exclusive first look at its fabulous transformation
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The new Flying Handbag
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General manager Neil Rutherford said: “The new-look building got handed back to us at the weekend and it looks amazing. People will see the difference straight away – and we are already getting so many comments from people on our Facebook page about how they are looking forward to visiting.

“I can’t remember the last time we had such an investment and it’s great to have this kind of support from Thwaites.

“We’ve got a fantastic opening night planned, as you might expect from The Flying Handbag, and then we will be opening from noon every day with a refreshed entertainment schedule, led by DJ Pudsley.

“Our old favourites like karaoke and the quiz will return, and we’re delighted that DJ Carmen will be back one night a week too.”

The new Flying HandbagThe new Flying Handbag
The new Flying Handbag
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As well as bringing back old familiar faces, the venue is set to introduce an evening food menu.

The Flying Handbag has been a key part of Blackpool’s LGBT community and wider nightlife economy since 1994. It was bought by Thwaites in 2019 from founder Basil Newby.

Andrew Buchanan, director of pubs and brewing at Thwaites, said: “Blackpool has a thriving bar scene so it’s really important for a venue to stand out from the crowd. Ever since we acquired The Flying Handbag, we have been in no doubt that it does just that and that is because it has developed such a strong sense of community thanks to Neil and his team.

“We’ve refurbished the venue from top to bottom. The opening night promises to be a fantastic celebration with live music and I’m looking forward to hearing the reaction from customers.”

The Grand Reopening Party kicks off at 8pm on Friday, February 28.

Related topics:BlackpoolJoe McElderryPeople