Poke Newcastle

Bend to a different beat. . .

Since its inception in 2009, POKE has firmly established itself as a much-needed alternative to the somewhat predictable musical offerings of the other gay bars and clubs that populate Newcastle's gay scene.

Originally created by 3 fellas who were adamant that they couldn't possibly be the only gays in the village that revelled in the kinds of music that didn't fall under the rainbow umbrellas of "cheese", "handbag house" or "god-awful remixes of already bad chart hits", they set about putting on their very own queer indie disco.

Although the DJs rightly consider themselves aficionados of "proper" music, they don't take themselves too seriously; always recognising that the dance-floor's needs are just as important as a DJ's need to appear really fucking cool. . . You can get a sense of their musical flights of fancy at http://pokeindiegay. tumblr.com/, where you'll find comprehensive playlists from previous events (also on Spotify under 'pokelist'); and now Instagram too.

POKE only happens around four times a year. It is indeed a special and precious thing. Having spent 2015 at the Globe bar, 2016 will witness its debut at the brilliant VAMOS! Social Club just in time for the Newcastle Pride festival.