Dandy turns another year older (don't ask, not telling), so we're throwing a big birthday bonanza over the Bear Bash weekend! BELLY RUB is Dandy's big, beefy, annual party for the bears, the dads, the cubs, the chubs, and those who love 'em. It's where we let it all out, let our bodies take up space, and celebrate our physical diversity - soft, slender, muscular, hairy, smooth, cuddly, jiggly, old, young; this is for YOU! Come down to The Brewers on Canal Street on 4 May 2025, and party with us from 10pm right through to 3am. As always, we promise ONLY the very BEST in alt. dance, indie bangers, hyperpop, disco faves, nu rave throwbacks, gay icons, queer noise and anything else that takes our fancy.

Your resident DJs Deany Sevigny, ADBT, Adaimia, and Sugar Puff Daddy will be keeping you moving right through the night. We promise everything from Lady Gaga to Lady Sovereign, Charli xcx to Chvrches, Kylie to Kim Petras, Rina Sawayama to Rammstein, Peaches to Pendulum, SOPHIE to Skrillex and much more.

PLUS we've got some extra special guests flying into town to help us celebrate - more on that very soon, but we promise they are not to be missed!

As always at a Dandy party, the drinks will be cold, the pizza will be hot, and the tunes will be hottest of all. We're excited to see you there.

Advance tickets go on sale at midday, Monday 24 February 2025, for 8 (+ booking fee). Tickets on the door at the event are 10.
If you are a GBBB weekend ticket holder, or work in Manchester's LGBT Village, and intend to pay on the door, you will receive 10% discount if you show proof of either of the above.

Ticket link

Visit Show Website

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now