Oxford's gay nightlife is relatively small, but nevertheless, very popular with the local community.

Gay pubs and clubs in Oxford City support one another and it is this friendly atmosphere that attracts people from the whole of Oxfordshire.

The Oxford Gay and Lesbian Community Centre (OLGCC) has been open since October 1991 and is tucked away down St. Michael's Street in Northgate Hall (adjacent to Cornmarket Street).

Who goes to the centre?

"We are a Co-Op and limited liability company, owned and run (almost entirely voluntarily) by and for the lesbians, gay men and bisexuals of Oxford and surrounding areas."

The OGLCC has a membership of about 800 people with 40-50% being students.

Described as a "friendly and social club" that "provides a service to all minority groups", the centre welcomes any new faces.

OGLCC is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with different theme nights. Counseling services also operate three evenings a week.

We would like to offer a drop in centre, a day time cafe, and make the community centre available to anyone who needs it during the day

Mark Whittacker

The newly refurbished centre is more like a nightclub than a community centre.

Nevertheless, the centre hosts many services and projects including 'The Oxford Friend' .

Events are also a big part of the community centre such as the forthcoming fashion show and cabaret.

Mark Whittaker (Secretary of OGLCC) Danny Jones and Trevor Cain.

Mark Whittaker, Secretary of the Oxford Gay and Lesbian Centre told BBC Oxford about their future plans.

"We do propose to open the centre during the day, but after the recent fire we are still getting back on our feet."

A fire which started in the ladies toilets in August 2001, caused a lot of damage and the centre had to close for eight months.

Ayear later, the centre has a new and fresh look with warm colours and trendy lighting. There is a stage, a good size dance floor and two bars.

Are there any specific 'ladies only' nights in Oxford?

The OGLCC holds 'Essence' once a month on a Friday at 22:30 which is a ladies only night.

What gay pubs and clubs are there in Oxford?

The Castle Tavern (Pub/club)
24 Paradise Street
Oxford

Open:The main bar is open from 12:00 to 23:00
The Rainbow Room is the Castle's downstairs bar. It is open late until 12:00 on Thursdays 02:00 Fridays and Saturdays, and 23.30 on Sundays.
Contact number: 01865 201510

The Coven II (Club)
Oxpens Rd,
Oxford

Flawless - Friday
Website.

The Jolly Farmers (Pub)
20 Paradise Street
Oxford

Open: 12-11, Sun 12.30-10.30
Contact Number: 01865 793759

Old Fire Station(Club)
40 George Street,
Oxford

Open: Monday night is gay night and is called 'Flirt'.
Price: Free admission with flyer (or before 22:00 without) otherwise £2.
Contact Number: 01865 297190.

Oxford Gay and Lesbian Community centre.
Northgate Hall,
St. Michael's Street,
Oxford

Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 22:30
Thursday - Members £1.50 Non-members £3
Friday - Members £2 Non-members £3.50
Saturday - Members £2.50 Non-members £4
Contact Number: 01865 200249