ryan

On returning back from a weekend away in Manchester to wreck havoc on the City and the infamous Queer As Folk Canal Street I look back with disappointment. I last trekked to the second largest city in 2000, at that point as a young impressionable lad of 17-years-old - running off to stay with my 21 year old boyfriend to hit the gayest street in the UK.

Back then I remember glam, sophistication, and was overwhelmed by the style of the City and of the Street. But the weekend just gone I rediscovered none of the charm I had received the first time. Instead I felt out of my depth, so out of my depth water was barley touching the soles ;-)

While there are loads of bars, pubs and the odd club the atmosphere is somewhat different to most other UK cities. It's not solely men, it's not solely gay, instead it is the most eye-opening mixed experience you can get in England. There is the 50:50 balance between men and women and there are a great deal of straight people out. So many straight people the street had been invaded by Stag Dos and Hen Parties - which explains why it was dead on Friday and was packed on Saturday.

Canal Street certanly does not seem to be the place for gay men looking for a "good time". It's an excellent place for lesbians to meet a whole wealth of women, but in all honesty it was a little young, a little poppy and a little, well, limited in options.

The music was the same in every single bar!

The drinks were cheap!

There was no cover charge!

There were only two clubs - both advised by many locals not to go to!

The food on the street was totally disgusting!

Really - only go for the city, don't expect anything much from Canal Street. It seems the curtain has fallen on the good times! Farewell queers of Folk.