Workington is set to get its first official gay bar.
Previously known as Rewind Bar and Lounge – the night spot on Market Place has now been transformed into Rewind Gay Bar.
Manager Rhys Cavanagh, 22, of Workington, is behind the rebrand and said he hoped it would offer a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
He added: “We just kind of felt like Workington needed something a bit different and we thought it would be a good idea to create a place where people can come and be themselves and not worry about anything.
“It can feel like we’re very behind the times in Workington and there are things popping up in other towns like Whitehaven, but Workington’s got nothing like this at the moment.”
As well as the overall rebrand – the bar has also been fully renovated over the past few weeks.
Rhys said: “We’ve kept the bar in the same place but everything else has changed around it, basically we’ve made it more camp.
“We haven’t got a massive space but we do have a decent sized dance floor and a few tables.”
Performers including singers and drag queens will also be doing regular shows at the new bar.
Rhys added: “We’ve got two performers coming for opening night including singer Annemarie Jackson and drag queen Mariah Moment.
“We’d like to do something similar every four to six weeks but we don’t want to do things too much as we’d like to keep it all exciting.
“I do drag myself and I’ve been doing it for the past three years with friends and going to cities, so I’ll be doing drag behind the bar also.”
Rewind Gay Bar is set to officially open its doors on Friday April 26 at 7pm.
From 7pm until 7.30pm welcome glasses of prosecco will be handed out on entry.
A happy hour will also take place from 7pm until 8pm where all draft pints and single spirit mixers will be £3, cash only.
Rhys said: “We’re just getting all the finishing touches done before Friday now, I think it’s both exciting and nerve-wracking.
“But we’ve had a lot of shares and likes and support on Facebook, so we’re hoping once people realise that it is for everyone that it will be really good.”
