'I've partied all over the world and nowhere compares to lost Liverpool club'

Ravers have reflected on the “euphoric” times they've spent partying the night away in Garlands as the much-loved club hits a milestone anniversary.

Garlands quickly achieved legendary status in the city after it opened in 1993 on Eberle Street, becoming synonymous with taking risks with extreme entertainment and being the backbone of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Being the first after-hours gay club in Liverpool with five distinctive rooms of music, it welcomed an army of visitors from Merseyside and across the country for over two decades, hosting a huge line-up of DJs, as well as a number of famous faces.

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Clubbers followed the yellow brick road to its dancefloor as the trailblazing venue was a place for everyone and known for its infamous catchphrases: “Garlands made me do it”. After being a firm feature on the club scene for around 25 years, it closed its doors for good in 2019.

Like many, Paul German, from Walton, misses the “euphoric” atmosphere of the club nights. Paul, who worked at the venue as a bar manager for some time, told the ECHO: “It was just like home, like being with your chosen family. It was made up mainly of gay people and girls at first but as it progressed you had people from all different walks of life. As the times moved, so did the music - it was a real mixed bag.

“It was the safest place to express yourself as to who you wanted to be and there were not many places in town where you could do that. It was the best club I’ve ever been to and I have partied all over the world, there is no comparison.”

In its heyday, Garlands welcomed many famous faces, from actors to