QueerSpace turned 8 this year, so our eighth birthday demanded something a bit different - we hit on the idea of throwing a birthday party with a Salsa theme.

50 friends joined the QueerSpace collective on the evening of the 1st June at the Shoe Factory in Union Street - but we weren't just there to enjoy a drink and some birthday cake! We were treated to some fantastic salsa dance moves from the gals and guys at Salsa Belfast - and then it was time for us to get rather warm and sweaty as we enjoyed over an hour of expert salsa tuition. (Evidence shown below!)

The evening was also our opportunity to announce the recipients of the QueerSpace Queer of the Year award for 2006 - Grainne Close and Shannon Sickels, nominated for blazing a trail and representing the LGBT community with courage, dignity and strength.

Thanks to everyone for coming along and making the evening so special. Thanks also to Salsa Belfast and the management and staff of Shoe Factory for all their help.