Last Tuesday, The Birdcage hosted one of the yearly highlights of Manchester’s gay clubbing scene - Poptastic’s birthday party. Eagerly anticipated by the gay and straight community alike, the evening certainly didn’t disappoint. Despite a last minute no-show from “star” turn Pete Burns, Poptastic hosted a party to be remembered by all in attendance.
I found myself weaving through the throngs on Canal Street, en route to the main event, surrounded by a group of 25 girls. It was with some trepidation that the heterosexuals among us made our way through the city centre, unsure of what awaited. By the end of the night we were singing the praises (quite literally) of the Poptastic organisers who put on such a fantastic event, and enthusiastically declaring that we would be in attendance at the regular Poptastic evenings on a weekly basis.
On arrival at The Birdcage guests were greeted with a photographer who captured their image before a night of drinking and dancing took it’s toll on the perfect make-up, pristine hair and carefully chosen outfits. And, with many drinks priced at just £1.50, this was definitely a wise idea! The £10 entry fee payable on the door caused a sharp intake of breath from some of the students used to discounted rates, but on exiting the venue in the early hours of the morning I didn’t hear one person say the entry fee wasn’t worth it.
The chosen 80s theme was well received by all partygoers; big hair and loud eye shadow (from both the girls and the boys) filled the club. The accompanying eighties soundtrack combined with current chart hits and the mandatory camp classics really got the crowd going; the atmosphere was one where everyone was out to have a good night, forgetting the stresses of their nine-to-fives or the looming spectre of deadlines and exams.
The event was extremely busy and, if word spreads about the success of it’s twelfth birthday party, Poptastic can expect an even higher attendance at next year’s bash. Great music, cheap drinks, fabulous company and an excellent venue made for a top-class night whether you were male, female, straight, gay, bi or prefer simply to be left unlabelled. It’s just a shame that birthdays come only once a year!
8/10
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