Taking the last bit first, yes, the larger the local gay scene, the easier it would be. You have Manchester.
There is a market for straight escorts having gay male clients (whereas there isn't if you were looking for female ones) but they will tend to be wanting to suck / bottom for you rather than the other way round.
For generic advice, see saafe.info and for more local support, mroom.co.uk works with men up to age 30.
Being drunk is not going to help you stay safe or anything else.