A nightclub on an Army base says a recently launched gay night has proved a success. Joe Willis reports.

LOUIS’ nightclub, which sits amid the barbed wire of Europe’s biggest Army base, says its gay night is here to stay after attracting a regular following among the gay and straight community.

The event, at the club in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire – known locally and usually without irony as The Camp – is run by David Parker, the group manager of Spindleberry Inns, which owns the club.

Ten years ago, the Ministry of Defence lifted a ban on homosexuals serving in the Armed Forces.

Not knowing what to expect when he launched it, Mr Parker believes the attendance of a small number of openly gay male and female soldiers could be a sign of the changing attitudes towards homosexuality in the military.

He said: “The nearest gay night is in Darlington, and we thought that with the change in laws allowing gays to serve in the Army, it might go down well.

“We have had some good turnouts – more girls than guys, although some gay male soldiers have come in with their straight friends.”

In recent months, the pub has toned down its posters advertising the night, removing the picture of a semi-naked man so as not to put off some customers.

The poster also no longer reads “Catterick GAYrison” and “Uniform Optional”.

However, the rainbow flags and picture of a feather and jewel encrusted drag queen leaves the viewer in no doubt about what is being advertised.

Mr Parker said the night had attracted visitors from as far away as West Yorkshire.

He said there had been comments made on the internet that gay visitors might get a hostile reception from Catterick’s military inhabitants.

However, he said that was not the case, and added: “Although it is a gay night, we welcome everyone – gay and straight. There is a sign on the door telling people what is happening, so people know what to expect and we do not get any trouble.”

He said his only disappointment had been the poor support from the non-military gay community in and around Catterick.

He said: “It has taken some building up, but we are slowly getting there. A lot of businesses are looking for the pink pound, but we also think we are providing an extra service as well.

“Hopefully, it might change some attitudes. People think you have to go through a checkpoint to get to Catterick.

“We are possibly a bit behind the times here and events like this might open the town up a bit to the outside world.”

The Tickle Your Fancy event is held on the second Tuesday of every month from 8pm until late at the club, in Kitchener Road.