A new monthly LGBTQ+ night is launching in Shepton Mallet following the success of the town's Pride celebrations earlier this summer.

The Art Bank will host the first event at its High Street venue on Saturday, 19 September from 7 pm to 11 pm, with free entry for over-18s.

The night will be hosted by Sasha Silk from Haus of Silk and is being billed as a relaxed and welcoming evening for LGBTQ+ people, friends and allies.

Plans for the launch night include open-mic and drag spots, Happy Hour and a disco to round off the evening.

The Art Bank said the new regular event had been inspired by the response to Shepton Mallet Pride in July, which drew strong support from the local community.

Organisers said: "Following the huge success of Shepton Mallet Pride in July, we're very proud, and ridiculously excited, to announce the start of our brand-new monthly LGBTQ+ night at The Art Bank."

The venue said the aim was to create a space where people could take part as much or as little as they wanted, whether that meant performing, dancing, meeting new people or simply stopping by for a drink.

Online forms are also due to be made available for anyone interested in applying for an open drag spot at future nights.

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The launch event will take place at The Art Bank, 13 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AA.

Further details will be available through The Art Bank website.

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