The Civil Partnership Act which came into force on the 5 December 2005 is now one year old. This of course, gives us the right to register our same-sex relationships and have a civil ceremony to celebrate our unions with out nearest and dearest.
However, with our new rights comes another extremely important obligation that has a long and glorious history with our straight counterparts. Namely getting a gang of your best buddies together, dressing up silly costumes and hitting the bright lights for the night to end all nights – although handcuffing your legless best mate to a lamp post in nothing but a tiara and heels is purely optional!
No, we aren't talking about your local Pride Parade! We are, of course, referring to the grand Stag and Hen event, or as we prefer to call them our Buck and Beaver Parties!
These events have become more like mini holidays of mayhem for our straight brethren, with ever more far flung and exotic destinations being chosen to celebrate those last nights of pre marital freedom.
So, if you’re the one person lucky enough to be chosen as best man or woman for a commitment ceremony, you can make sure the wedding starts with a bang with our top destinations for the perfect Buck 'n Beaver hysteria!
Amsterdam
This is one city whose reputations precedes it as one of the most liberal, fun and entertaining (read debauched) cities in the world. So, heading there with a group of friends hell bent on celebrating one of you numbers last nights of freedom can only be a recipe that is sure to taste yummy. There are so many bars that you won't get through them all unless you get your clogs on! Plus, walking around the city is a pleasure - just watch out for those bicycles. Nightlife continues into the early hours every night of the week and, of course, there are always the infamous cafes which are bound to bring a little hilarity into the proceedings.
Read our guide to Amsterdam.
Barcelona
We just love Barcelona and who could fail to have a weekend to remember in one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Just two hours from most UK airports and a great choice of hotels, from budget to luxury, this really is one of the best destinations in Europe for an all out party weekend. With a whole host of venues choc full of hot Latin types this is one destination where the temperature will surely hot up and the party is sure to get into full swing. Barcelona also has one of the best gay hotels in the world in The Axel, situated a convenient stagger from most of the gay bars and clubs, so you couldn't really be closer to the action in any city.
Read our guide to Barcelona.
Blackpool
Blackpool has long been a Mecca for Stag and Hen do's and with a thriving gay scene there's a good chance that many a Buck and Beaver will also be heading here for their fun and frolics. The pleasure beach has more than enough thrills and rides to keep anyone's day busy and you can always test your nerve on the Big One, the tallest fastest roller coaster in Europe. 235ft high and over one mile of twisting and turning tracks at speeds of up to 87mph is sure to get the party started. There are also plenty of inexpensive gay B&B’s so a weekend of revelry is within everyone’s budget. With evening venues as legendary as the Flying Handbag and Flamingos, to mention just a couple, your nights could be more hair raising than the days!
Read our guide to Blackpool.
Bournemouth
Oh we do love to be beside the seaside and with all those sexy South Coast boys and girls, Bournemouth is one of the hottest destinations for a weekend of fun. Of course, this seaside town has long been a favourite with the gay community and there are plenty of hotels and guest houses that will extend you a warm welcome and plenty of venues in which to let you hair down for a fun evening. If you’re looking for some quality time to spend with your mates then there are plenty of activities to make sure you have a packed weekend full of excitement. Why not get the adrenaline racing and try a day of quad biking, off road karting, hover crafting, kart racing or even some archery for all of you budding Robin Hoods and Maid Marians. All this and more is just moments from the thriving metropolis that is Bournemouth.
Read our guide to Bournemouth.
Brighton
Brighton is probably the most cosmopolitan town on the South Coast and it also has some of the best bars and clubs in the UK, which are mostly within an easy walk of each other. Activities here are not to be sniffed at either with a whole host of games and sports to enjoy in the day. There are excellent water sports facilities, karting and off road driving or perhaps you just fancy a day of pampering and relaxation in a luxury spa for the day. If you fancy hotting up that honeymoon ladies, why not take a pole dancing lesson which could really get the nuptials started with a bang!
Dublin
With cheap flights from most UK airports, or a short boat ride if you are lucky enough to be on the West of our fair isle, Dublin makes for an appealing destination to celebrate a Buck or Beaver weekend. The friendliness of the people here is legendary and with the gay scene spread out on either side of the river, a meandering pub crawl over and back each side of the Liffey makes for a great beginning, middle or end of a weekend in Dublin. Why not get the party started with a night at the greyhound tracks and a bit of dog racing. An evening at the "dogs" is an excellent night out, even if you've no interest in racing or betting. There are restaurants and bars available at both Dublin racing venues as well as comfortable indoor viewing areas where you get an excellent view of the races.
Read our guide to Dublin.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of those cities that you have to visit at least once in your lifetime - whether it’s for the renowned Hogmanay celebrations, one of the many festivals that takes place here, or to let your hair down with a group of friends, this city just oozes personality. You can dip into each spot briefly, until you find out which one suits your tastes. And with them being open all hours, there’s something for everyone to discover. There are also not may cities where you can go natural white water rafting, canyoning, off road driving and cliff jumping within driving distance of the centre. In fact the area boasts some of the most diverse range of outdoor activities in the country which makes Edinburgh the perfect destination for a real full on weekend in every respect.
Alternatively, for a sublimely Scottish gay experience explore the Merchant City district of Glasgow. Most of the best pubs, clubs and cafes are located in the square blocks that constitute the area, making an evening of bar-hopping perfectly possible.
Read our guide to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Prague
Full of Eastern charm - not to mention Eastern lads and ladies too - Prague has long been a favourite destination for our straight friends for a weekend of revelry. Certainly the Czech capital has a scene to suit every taste and you’ll be certain of an entertaining visit. There is plenty of variety within the gay and lesbian bars and if you can't get up to no good in this fantastic city then there isn't much hope I am afraid. Prague also has some centrally located gay guest houses so you’re sure to get some good local advice on where to go and where’s best to avoid.
Read our guide to Prague.
Find out all the latest gay travel information by buying the 2005-2006 Spartacus International Gay Guide. Get it online and save some money to put towards splashing out on your next trip!