When Basil Newby opened the first gay club in Blackpool, lawyers had one question

Blackpool is known for its extravagance, flamboyance and celebrations of individuality – but there was a time when the city and the world looked very different.

In 1979 an unknown artist took it upon himself to change this landscape and create the scene and corner of Blackpool that is known and loved by thousands today. Basil Newby MBE started his career as a bluecoat at Pontins in the early 1970s before making a name for himself in the business world.




As the 1970s drew to a close, he took over The Flamingo, a nightclub in Blackpool. In his mid-20s, Basil reopened as the city’s first gay nightclub. It was the start of an incredible journey.

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Today, you’ll still see Basil’s name in lights as the founder and owner of Funny Girls, a cabaret bar with burlesque drag shows and an eclectic restaurant. It will celebrate its 30th year in 2024.

Basil, now 72, from Blackpool, told Lancslive: “When I bought the old Flamingo in 1979 I went to the lawyer to get the license and he said are you going to be openly gay about it? I said yes! who I am!

“He said well, you will be the first openly gay person to be licensed in Britain and you will be classified as an unfit and inappropriate person to be licensed. He said don’t let the police or anyone know that you are gay.

Basil Newby (right) started Funny Girls in 1994(Image: HIVEArts gallery)

“I did, but there was bigotry and hard work in the beginning, but it gave me the inspiration to keep going.”

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