The George marks 40 years with celebration today

The 40th anniversary celebrations for The George are set for this week. Since officially opening in 1986, the iconic nightclub has served as a safe space for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community for four decades.

Events have been happening all week, including a live broadcast of 98FM’s Big Breakfast, alongside live drag performances yesterday. Tonight’s main event starts with pre-podcast cocktails at 6pm, followed by a live recording of Petty Little Things at 7pm with drag queens Davina Devine and Victoria Secret, before a club night hosted by DJ Fluffy.

“An unforgettable night honouring 4 decades of Pride, community and legacy,” the venue wrote on social media.

When The George first opened, homosexuality between men was still criminalised in Ireland and LGBTQ+ people regularly faced violence and discrimination.

Darragh Flynn, General Manager of The George, said: “It is important to remember that in Ireland forty years ago, entering into The George was a big step. […] Gay bashings and hate crimes were rampant across the city, and the original patrons of The George faced this daily, before they found sanctuary in us, as their one safe space.”

Today, the venue operates seven days a week with events ranging from drag shows to the long-running bingo nights hosted by Shirley Temple Bar. Besides the nightlife, The George also supports awareness campaigns, HIV testing initiatives and fundraising events.

Davina Devine, who has performed at the venue for more than 20 years, said: “The George means something different to every person who has ever walked through these doors, but for so many of us it has meant safety, freedom and belonging. It has been our meeting place, our stage, our escape, our celebration and, on some nights, the place that held us together.”

Tickets for the live podcast have already sold out.