Time to Save One of London’s Most Legendary Queer Spaces
It’s official—Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (BGWMC) is fighting for its life, and they need you to help keep the lights on. This iconic venue, which has been the beating heart of East London’s creative and LGBTQ+ scene for decades, just launched its ‘Fighting Fund’ Crowdfunder. The goal? Raise £12,000 by 8 April 2025 to stop developers from taking over this historic space.
This isn’t just about saving another building—it’s about protecting a century-old cultural landmark that’s been home to drag royalty, cabaret legends, and indie icons. If you’ve danced, laughed, or felt totally yourself under those nostalgic wood-panelled walls, now’s the time to give back.
Why Is Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club So Important?
First off, let’s talk legacy. BGWMC has been doing its thing since 1888—yes, it’s older than your nan’s vintage teapot. Originally built for local working men (shocking, we know), this place transformed into a creative haven in the early 2000s. Since then, it’s become an irreplaceable pillar of London’s LGBTQ+ and arts scene.
Think drag shows, wild cabaret nights, indie gigs, and comedy legends. Icons like Paloma Faith, Tom Allen, and Bimini have all graced its stage. It’s also been the backdrop for Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, Liam Gallagher music videos, and birthed legendary events like Sink the Pink and Mighty Hoopla.
In short? This space isn’t just a venue—it’s a sanctuary for creatives, queers, and anyone looking for a little magic in East London.
Credit: Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
What’s the Threat? Why Now?
Despite BGWMC’s cultural significance, the fight to save it is getting urgent. In June 2024, the venue was hit with a brutal two-month eviction notice. While a petition (with over 13,000 signatures) and a day-of-eviction rally bought it some time, developers are still lurking.
The club is now recognised as an Asset of Community Value and officially certified as a cabaret theatre. However, that doesn’t mean developers can’t swoop in. Without the funding to build a solid case and buy the building, the club risks being swallowed by gentrification and turned into—let’s be real—a soulless luxury flat complex.
What’s the ‘Fighting Fund’?
Here’s where you come in. The Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club—a passionate mix of locals, performers, and cultural workers—have launched a crowdfunder to raise £12,000. That cash will cover a professional building survey, valuation, and planning application costs.
But why stop there? If they hit an extended goal of £18,000, the campaign can go full throttle—covering consultancy costs, financial projections, and creating a serious business plan to secure community ownership of the space.
Why You Should Donate (and What You Get for It)
It’s more than just warm fuzzy feelings—though you’ll definitely get those too. Every donation comes with sweet rewards:
•£20+: A Save BGWMC campaign postcard (perfect for your fridge flex).
•£30+: A BGWMC beer mat—imagine the bragging rights.
•£70+: An exclusive A3 art print of the club by Lawrence Brand—a true collector’s piece.
But the biggest reward? Knowing you helped save one of London’s most iconic creative spaces.
Donate here before 8 April 2025—because the clock is ticking.
A Timeline of the Fight So Far
Let’s break down what’s gone down so far:
•June 2024: Eviction notice served.
•July 2024: 13,000-strong petition leads to a major rally on eviction day—successfully staving off closure.
•August 2024: BGWMC becomes an Asset of Community Value.
•January 2025: Officially recognised as a cabaret theatre by Tower Hamlets Council.
•Now: The community is gearing up for a final push—to take control of the venue’s future once and for all.
Why This Venue Deserves to Stay Open
Saving BGWMC isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about protecting a space that has supported marginalized voices and fuelled London’s creative engine for over a century. It’s a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, a launchpad for artists, and a cultural heartbeat for Tower Hamlets and beyond.
As campaign supporter Nick Keegan from Equity puts it:
“BGWMC is a crucial and irreplaceable fixture of London’s cultural heritage… It’s vital we protect BGWMC for future generations and allow its legacy to live on.”
How to Get Involved and Make a Difference
• Donate to the BGWMC ‘Fighting Fund’ before 8 April 2025.
•Share the campaign with your friends, flatmates, and that mate who always drags you to drag bingo.
•Shout about it on social media using #SaveBGWMC and keep the conversation alive.
Let’s not lose another beloved venue to gentrification. It’s time to fight for London’s creative soul.
