It seems the spectacle of Valentine’s Day for couples has been blown out of proportion in recent years, but that does not mean that just because you’re single there isn’t anything to do.
There is plenty going on in Manchester this Valentine’s Day to save you from staying in alone and having a Bridget Jones moment.
Here’s MM’s guide to an alternative Valentine’s Day.
Cinema
Jane Austen’s beloved RomCom Emma is released on Valentine’s Day this year, so if you find yourself without your own match why not head to the cinema to catch Emma Woodhouse’s meddling and matchmaking in Autumn de Wilde’s latest film adaptation.
Handsome, clever, and rich. #EMMA. In theaters February 2020. pic.twitter.com/edN8fGUjHg
— EMMA. (@emmamovie) November 21, 2019
Equally, if you’re suffering from a break-up, you could check out how Harley Quinn is handling her own split from the Joker in Birds of Prey. Margot Robbie reprises her role from Suicide Squad (2016) as Harley Quinn teams up with Black Canary, Helena Bertinelli, and Renee Montoya to save Cassandra Cain from Gothan City crime lord Black Mask. The film hits cinemas on 7th February and will still be showing on the 14th.
Spa Day
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge yourself in a day of relaxation and pampering, and Manchester has plenty of tranquil oases dotted around the city.
The MacDonald Hotel is offering the Twilight Spa Package from £39 per person that includes:
- 25 minute Elemis treatment (Choice of; Freestyle Back Massage, Superfood Facial, Best Foot Forward or Salt Scrub)
- Glass of prosecco on arrival
- Use of spa facilities and includes fluffy robes, towels and slippers
- A £10 retail voucher in our spa store (T&C’s apply)
- 20% off any pre-booked spa treatments.
Or, Treatwell is offering a half price deal on the Exclusive Simple Spa Day at the MacDonald that includes the exact same services as the Twilight package, but for two people and only 50p more.
Night Out
YES is hosting the most depressing Valentines of your life this Valentine’s. The event is self-described as a ‘sad disco’ and ‘anti-valentine’s party playing power ballads, sad songs and breakup anthems for rejected, dejected and lonely souls’, but really it just seems like a great way to go out, let your hair down and forget your singledom. Tickets are £5.50 and can be bought here.
However, for those who are not willing to celebrate, or more likely wallow in, their single status this year and would rather entertain themselves with a bit more class and sophistication, the Rochdale Gin Festival is in town. The gintastic Valentine’s event is held at Rochdale town hall and tickets are only £12.50.
SoulTown Supper
If supper rather than shots is more your style, step into the swinging sixties at Bierkeller’s SoulTown Supper. The award-winning event includes a three-course meal washed down with a welcome drink and a night filled with Motown and Soul that will leave you dancing in the street. Although couples tickets are sold, single tickets are also available from £54.95, so why not round up your friends and enjoy a soul-filled night.
Axe-throwing
For those of you who need to vent your single-bitterness out, Manchester can even offer an axe-cellent way to do so. Located at the Great Northern Warehouse on Deansgate, Whistle Punks is an urban axe-throwing experience overseen by professionals that allows you to throw axes at targets, whether you would like to imagine it’s your ex or not is up to you.
Speed-dating
If you’re feeling brave this year and want to venture over to the romantic side, why not try speed-dating. The Aviary at Hatch is hosting a free LGBTQ+ speed-dating event from 7-10pm. If you’re ready to find the one, you can register here.
CabaGay
Following the success of its November event, CabaGay is returning to throw Pro-V’s Anti-Valentine event. Whether you love or loathe Valentine’s enjoy yourself with a night infused with comedy, live music, drag and burlesque. Tickets are available here from £12 or can be bought on the door for £15.
The Last Quiz Night on Earth
Wanting to test your head rather than your heart this Valentine’s? Then The Last Quiz Night on Earth is the show for you. Following two sold-out tours of Chip Shop Chips, Box of Tricks Theatre Company brings you their new explosive pre-apocalyptic comedy. The event is showing at The Welcome Inn in Salford from 11th-15th February, but tickets are on sale on The Lowry website from £12. So don’t miss last orders, grab a ticket, and let’s get quizzical!
