THE only gay bar left in town has vowed that the annual celebration of Swindon’s gay community will still go ahead, despite the loss of the Mailcoach.

Matt Hearn, the manager of the Pink Rooms, in Regent Circus, said that they will do all they can to ensure that Swindon and Wiltshire Pride 2011 goes ahead as planned.

The Mailcoach, which has played a big role in the event since it started in 2008, closed last week due to financial pressures.

“Unfortunately the Mailcoach has closed but we’ll do everything in our power to make sure this year’s event takes place,” said Matt, 33.

“It’s a shame it has closed, especially for the gay community. I get on very well with the owners and they feel that the team will be coming back.

“We were going to work together this year to make a great event and I will keep to my part of the promise.

“Whatever happens we will pull together and ensure that this year’s event is a success.”

The loss of the Mailcoach will leave a big hole to fill in festivities as it hosted the launch party for the event and an “after party”on the day with live bands and drag acts performing until the early hours.

The Pink Rooms will be launching its first fundraising event tonight – a karaoke night hosted by drag queen Miss Matrice.

The Sing While You’re Winning night, which runs from 6pm until 2am, will be raising money, with the bar donating cash for every singer taking to the microphone.

Last year’s Pride event, which was held in Old Town Gardens, was a huge success and Matt, who has been the manager of the club since September, thinks it is important that the event keeps going.

“This event is very important not only for the gay community in Swindon but for the surrounding areas such as Oxford, Bath and Bristol,” he said.

“It draws everybody in. I attended my first one last year and it was fantastic.

“Plans for this year’s event are now under way and I will be talking with the chairlady to see what we can do to add to the event.

“I am hoping this karaoke night will be a success and we have invited the old customers from the Mailcoach along, which should make it a fun night.”

For more information on this year’s event, or to make a donation, log on to www.

swindonpride.com.