Gay City Bowlers - Sheffield Bowling Social #1

Fresh off the successful launch of its first location in Yorkshire, Leeds, in October 2025, Gay City Bowlers is excited to announce that it will be kicking off 2026 with a second location: Sheffield!

The organisation will hold its first event in the Steel City on Wednesday, 11 February, at Lane 7 on Matilda Street in the city centre, hosted by local volunteer Carl. For those unfamiliar, Gay City Bowlers is a nationwide organisation dedicated to combating loneliness and social isolation among LGBTQ+ people through the medium of ten-pin bowling. It might sound a little unconventional, but it works: hundreds of queer people attend its events each month.

Sheffield becomes the eleventh city to join the GCB family and is the first of several new locations planned for 2026 — though the exact cities for future launches are still being finalised. Anyone interested in bringing GCB’s brand of high-fun, low-stakes “sport” to their city is encouraged to get in touch. Events are open to everyone under the rainbow, regardless of gender or identity, and are accessible to people of all ages and levels of physical fitness. As a result, GCB has helped countless individuals forge friendships within the community who might otherwise never have crossed paths.

For LGBTQ+ people in or near Sheffield looking to meet new friends and connect with their community, this event could be just the ticket. Spaces at each social are limited to ensure everyone gets time on the lanes, so tickets must be purchased in advance — and they’re on sale now. Each event includes two back-to-back games, and no bowling expertise is required! The only expectation is a sense of humour; gutter bumpers are officially outlawed at GCB events to level the playing field for those who enjoy a little competition. While the emphasis is firmly on socialising, some players can’t resist getting competitive — and medals are awarded to the night’s top scorers.

As preparations begin for the first Sheffield event, GCB extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended an event in 2025. The organisation is proud to have expanded into three new cities since January 2025 — Leicester, Glasgow, and Leeds — and looks forward to meeting even more participants in the year ahead. Special thanks go to the incredible volunteers and the National Lottery Community Fund, whose support is powering GCB’s expansion to even more locations.