BURNLEY’S most renowned gay bar is to re-open under new man- agement this weekend.

Guys As Dolls, in St James’s Street, formerly known as the Garden Bar, closed earlier this year.

But the Oldham-based business partners Jonny Higgins and Danni Lee are set to revive the famous venue with a trio of launch events over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The club, which has also been known as St James’ Bar and Willobies Wine Bar since it launched more than 35 years ago, will welcome Britain’s Got Talent 2012 semi-finalists The Showbears tomorrow night.

Michael Bailey, Guys As Dolls’ publicity officer, said the new owners were ‘extremely excited’ about the potential for the venue.

He said: “They have experience in running clubs in Blackpool and Oldham and they can’t wait to open Guys As Dolls again.

“Hopefully we’re going to have live cabaret acts on every weekend and I know the old customers and the entire LGBT community in Burnley is very excited.

“Lots of people in the town need it because it’s a safe and friendly environment, not just for gay people but for all people.

“We’ve got a huge following on our Facebook group.

“And everyone is so very pleased about the pre-opening event tonight.”

Drag queen Lee Starr, a regular fixture in Manchester’s Canal Street bars, will visit Guys As Dolls on Sunday night.

Mr Higgins said: “We hope to make it a fun, relaxed and friendly environment and we plan to put in a bit of TLC.

“There will be a few modifications over the next few coming weeks.”