If you’re familiar with nights out in Lincoln, you’ll be familiar with The Scene. As Lincoln’s only LGBTQ+ venue, not only does it serve as a fun night out for both students and locals, but also as a safe space for those who need it. In tandem with LGBTQ+ History Month – running from 1st to 28th February 2022 – this article will provide a brief history of the club, along with what to expect when you visit.
History
The Scene opened its doors in 2012, an entire century since Britain saw its first “gay bar” – The Cave of the Golden Calf in London. As homosexuality became more socially acceptable throughout the 20th century, gay bars continued to appear. The number of venues skyrocketed following the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967.
However, in the past two decades, queer venues have started disappearing. Some believe this is due to society becoming more integrated, lessening the demand for predominantly gay venues. Another reason could be dating apps such as Grindr.
Venues that suffered included Molly Moggs and Candy Bar in Soho, along with the legendary nightclub Trade, which closed in 2008. In the same year, long-running club night G-A-Y was moved to superclub Heaven. Yet, four years after the closing of Trade and seeming demise of queer bars, The Scene opened at 35 Newland Street.
What to Expect
When you walk into the club, you’ll be greeted by neon lights, disco balls and walls covered in rainbows and sparkles. Recently refurbished, the club now features two floors, as well as a beer garden with its own private bar and sound system. The second floor, Attic, is available for private hire. It features a staging area, its own bar and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Club nights at The Scene mean three things: cheap drinks, drag queens and a live DJ. Students nights are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Expect to hear music from Lady Gaga, Shania Twain, S Club 7 and Nicki Minaj – plus many more. The ‘Scene Queens’ include Dani, Sperm Donna and Lin Gerie.
Events
Over the years The Scene has been home to a variety of club nights, including The Big Saturday Night Out, Quids In and Beat the Clock. Every Wednesday since the beginning of the month, Attic has been home to viewing parties for the brand new television series Drag Race UK vs. The World.
The club regularly hosts performances and meet and greets with famous drag queens, such as Victoria Scone, Chorizo May and Lawrence Chaney – all known for appearing as contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
The current club nights include Camp Karaoke, KiKi, Fierce and SaturGay. For more information, click here.
The Wider Community
The Scene is the only club in Lincoln open nightly from 10pm until 5am. Not only is it home to newfound memories for party-goers staying out until the early hours, but the venue has also been organising and sponsoring Lincoln Pride since 2013. The annual event transforms Lincoln into a melting pot for all open-minded individuals – the gay community, locals, students and allies alike.
At the end of this month, Attic will also see the launch of Yellowbelly Records, a record label focused on assisting local artists in the production of media and merchandise to invest in their careers. Along with the promotion of HIV testing on their social media, this event is another example of how The Scene continues to aid the wider community in Lincoln.
Through opening a club that caters for the LGBTQ+ population in Lincoln, The Scene has ultimately created an environment and safe space that allows anyone with the right attitude the freedom to express themselves on night outs they’ll never forget.
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