PinkUk's October's Newsletter; It’s sad that so many LGBTQ venues are closing

Issue No. 78 – October 2026

Taiwan Pride, Taipei, Taiwan, 30th October to 1st November 2026

It’s sad that so many LGBTQ venues are closing!

LGBTQ+ venues across the UK are in serious trouble. Greater London data shows London's venues fell from 125 in 2006 to 50 in 2023. Rising rents, gentrification, higher running costs and the cost-of-living squeeze are the main culprits. Brighton's R-Bar, along with Charles Street Tap, both citing dramatically rising costs.

Queer venues have had little access to grants or support schemes. These spaces matter because they act as community hubs, and campaigners want stronger planning protection and financial help. Meanwhile, pop-up queer club nights are emerging as an alternative.

Love and Spooky Pink Respect PinkUk xx

Business Opportunity : Build your future in Gran Canaria

Are you interested in managing your own business within the gay community in sunny Gran Canaria?

After nearly 20 years of existence and almost 100 published issues, Dunas Map, the official Maspalomas gay guide since 2008, is available for takeover. Invest in a renowned market leader and high-value platform that is easy to run, with strong growth potential and proven profitability.
Visit the link below for details and submit your application. dunasmap.com/takeover

Featured pride: Coast is Queer, Brighton, England

The Coast is Queer takes place from the 15th to 18th October 2026. It is Brighton’s annual festival of LGBTQ+ writing. The festival creates a space for queer readers,  writers and allies to come together in a celebration of the written word.

More info on Coast is Queer, Brighton, England >>

Would you like your pride on PinkUk? Add your pride/LGBTQ event.

Prides/LGBTQ+ events

In 2026, we have 334 prides/LGBTQ+ events in the UK, and 1,345 globally in 61 countries.
In 2027, we have 45 prides/LGBTQ+ events in the UK, and 165 globally in 29 countries.

See all the prides/LGBTQ+ events we have in October 2026,               Add an LGBTQ+ event to PinkUk

We have 3,207 LGBTQ+ venues listed in 79 countries. Add a venue to PinkUk

Featured venue: The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London, England

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) was built in 1865 and has been known as an LGBTQ+ cabaret venue since the 1980s. Open 7 nights a week we are recognised globally for providing an intimate venue in a theatre setting, with a fantastic centre stage, sound system and lighting system said to be one of the best in London.

More info on, The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London, England >>

Would you like to see your venue here? Add your premium venue.

Prefer to read this newsletter as a PDF? October 2026

If you are interested in advertising in our newsletter, please contact us: team@pinkuk.com

You can see this newsletter as a PDF magazine (this one) and previous editions on that page.

All our newsletters are archived.