We get a bit bored with the same old layout and we found that things needed a bit more colour. The result is a revamp on our news page with a format change and additional colour graphics. Very soon we're going to be bringing a comprehensive Sheffield Gay Venue guide that will tell you everything about your favourite places. Each venue will have its own dedicated page packed with the latest info and facts. While you're waiting check out our existing Sheffield Gay Venues page.

Indie Kid/Pop Queen night Poptastic has confirmed it will be returning to Sheffield with Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve pencilled in at Club Sanctuary. The Manchester event has been in talks with the new city centre venue for several weeks and a deal has now been struck.

Poptastic runs nights in Manchester, Belfast, Nottingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Looking back over its ten year reign as the UK's most popular gay clubbing destination, Poptastic came into being as a one-off event in the basement of Blooms Hotel in Manchester. Promoter Jon Hamilton wanted to offer an alternative to Manchester's house-obsessed, muscled-up Gay Village and hit on the unthinkable - a clubnight where Indie Kids and Pop Queens came together to dance, drink and get leathered while dancing their favourite tunes.

Poptastic previously had nights at the former National Centre for Popular Music (now Sheffield Hallam University's Student Union) and the former Fuel nightclub on Eyre Street. Confirmation for their return is expected in the next few weeks.

It is understood that Affinity may also form part of the plans for the new Poptastic night.

DJ Pete Martine is returning to his Yorkshire roots with regular slots at Club Sanctuary. Pete needs little introduction having remixed way in excess of 100 chart hits, most notably as the Sleazesisters enjoying major crossover hits in his own right with Lets Whip It Up and Work It Up. Pete's DJ credentials include past residencies at venues in Nottingham, numerous Radio 1 dance parties and with international appearances in USA, Dubai, the Far East, and Australia along with regular invitations to perform in Ibiza and across Europe.

Among his impressive artist roster for remixing tracks are the likes of Steps, Christina Aguilera, Anastacia and Atomic Kitten. His latest dance release Feel U Feelin Me', from Pimp & Jam featuring Norma Lewis, is the latest incarnation of DJ producers Martine and James St James.

DJ John Dixon has sounded the first changes to Sheffield's gay scene by switching to newly opened Club Sanctuary. The local DJ has been hosting Lions Lair's popular after parties but will be moving to nearby Club Sanctuary with immediate effect. Dixon is a big name on the city scene with a monthly residency at the Red Room's one nighter SpeedQueen.

Dixon will be playing at Club Sanctuary on Thursdays in a new themed night called Sins. In addition he will host their Friday after parties between 3am and 6.30am.

Lions Lair has lined up DJ Nick Davy for the Glitterball After Party on 20^th December. This bright young talent is the second big name to be added to the roster following news that Paul Tyronney will headline at Lions Lair on ** November.

Davy has an impressive list of appearances around the world. In the UK he has been heard at Firefly, The Bomb, Blueprint and Stealth in Nottingham. Sheffield audiences may also be familiar with his sets at arguably one of the best underground club nights - Urban Gorilla. Internationally Davy has appeared in Rome, Bulgaria, the Ukraine and at Ibiza superclub Space. His meteoric rise means he can boast playing alongside the likes of Sasha, Darren Emerson, Groove Armada, Eddie Halliwell, Fergie and Adam Freeland. Dance fans may also know Davy as the turntablist and keyboard player for Psylence with whom he spent 3 years.

The appearance marks another milestone for Lions Lair who is keen to introduce gay audiences to top DJs at the same time as introducing new talent. The venue has recently launched Beat the DJ, a competition for aspiring DJs, where the winner gets the chance to play live in front of Lions Lair after party crowds.

Visitors to Sheffield's gay venues are being urged to carry proof of age identification following a crackdown by enforcement officers. South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield City Council are visiting venues to check that under age drinking is not taking place. Random checks include asking customers to provide valid proof of age documentation. A recent citywide check revealed that a certain amount of documentation was being used and this is also being targeted by enforcement officers.

Most venues are now checking for proof of age documentation as customers enter premises and failure to provide this may result in individuals being refused entry. Both Dempsey's Bar and Club and Lions Lair have been subject to investigation by police and council officials, but both were found to be operating a responsible policy. No evidence of under age drinking was found in either venue. Advice given to bar and club owners is to operate a Challenge 30 policy where anyone looking under the age of 30 is asked to provide proof of age. This can take the form of a Driving Licence or Passport, both of which provide photographs of the holder.

The clampdown is not targeted specifically to the gay scene and is common across all Sheffield's bars and clubs. In another move South Yorkshire Police are paying random visits with sniffer dogs to detect possession of drugs on customers. Recent visits to mainstream premises have netted a number of people in possession of illegal substances.

The message to customers is always carry identification to ensure entry into licensed premises.

Dempsey's Bar and Club has introduced a computerised membership system. The move is designed to speed up the entry process now that membership is approaching the 14,000 mark. The venue is keen to speed up entry particularly at busy times and reduce the queue time for members. According to Dempsey's the problem tends to be when members turn up without membership cards and the new system will allow door staff to look up membership in a matter of seconds. The new system has been installed in a staged process but is now fully operational. There is no change for customers visiting Dempsey's but they are urged to always carry their membership cards as not only will it mean quicker entry, but they can take advantage of reduced pricing (£2 weekdays and £3 on Friday and Saturday).