Valentine’s haters may want to look away now.
There’s no escaping it, shop windows are slowly turning pink and dine-in-for-two deals are cropping up everywhere, which can only mean one thing. Valentine’s day is approaching.
This year, we’ve done the leg work for you and hunted out some of the best date ideas, whether you’re doing Valentine’s, Galentine’s, Palentine’s or Singletine’s.
1. Watch A Romantic Film In A Railway Depot (From Feb 13)
A former railway depot will be converted into a cosy pop-up cinema where film fans will be treated to a programme featuring some of the best love stories, portrayed on the silver screen. Taking place in Mayfield Railway Depot Station, The Valentine’s Movie Experience will feature a selection of classics, which will be screened over five days.
Films will include Titanic, Pretty Woman, Beauty and the Beast and Notting Hill. And fans of Dirty Dancing will be in for a special treat as live dancers will perform during each screening, bringing those incredible dance moves to life. Book your tickets here.
2. See The Family-Friendly Circus (Feb 15-24)
Circus Funtasia will return to Wythenshawe Park from February 15–24 and organisers are promising a heart-stopping show set to an amazing soundtrack. With high-flying acrobats, flame-throwing fire eaters, and 360-degree motorcycle stunts, this ninety-minute show certainly packs a punch – and proves that the circus isn’t just for kids! Click here to book your tickets.
3. Celebrate Valentine’s Day At A Gin Festival (Feb 14)
This Valentine’s Day the Gin Society is bringing its unforgettable tasting experience to Manchester Cathedral, where festival-goers will have the opportunity to sample more than 120 different gins. The festival will include three exclusive gin bars where attendees will be able to sample world, British and fruit gins. Click here to get your tickets.
4. Learn To Paint While You Drink (Feb 14)
Since 2013, the mission of PopUp Painting has been to bring art out of the classroom and gallery and into the places people meet on a day-to-day basis. PopUp Painting is inviting budding artists to unleash their creativity – drink in one hand, paintbrush in the other!
No experience is needed. Attendees will be guided step by step by a practising artist, while they sip, paint and create their way to becoming an artist for the night! To book your place click here.
5. Listen To Chopin And Sip Champagne By Candlelight (Feb 23)
Treat your Valentine to a performance of Chopin, complete with complimentary interval Champagne! The evening’s talented concert pianist, Warren Mailley-Smith, recently became the first British pianist to perform the complete works of Chopin from memory in one series of concerts. His talent is limitless, but tickets aren’t! Click here to book.
6. Enjoy Valentine’s Day Treats At Dive NQ (Feb 14)
We know what you’re thinking, another day, another expense. But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be pricey! Head to Dive NQ between 5pm – Midnight and bag yourself a table for two and a bottle of prosecco for £20.
Choose from the tasty of BBQ pulled pork sliders, deep fried prawns, beef chilli tacos, chicken or waffle lollipops. And if you fancy something sweet after, there’s a choice of mini magnums, prosecco and red fruit jelly pots, petit fours, candy floss and macaroons. Can’t decide which to pick? Let your date decide! Click here to book a table.
7.Indulge In Fancy Cocktails At Grafene
Grafene represents a contemporary take on British fine dining, offering innovation, creativity and quality throughout. But their cocktails are actually what it’s all about and Fever is offering a special offer of two for £16.
You can pick your poison from three different cocktail menus ranging from the cool classics, the creamy patisserie cocktails or even the Manchester-inspired beverages from the Bar menu. Located in the upmarket business district, these cocktails are not to be missed! Click here for more information.
8. See The New Show By The Producers Of The Moscow State Circus (Feb 8 – 24)
Continental Circus Berlin promises an amalgamation of brilliant circus acts and music, with an international cast of breathtaking artists performing feats and skills so daring that circus-goers will be unable to believe their eyes.
Based in Event City in the UK’s largest climate controlled theatre-style big top, the spectacular will run from February 8 – 24 and will feature an unrivalled mix of genuine circus talent, scoured from every corner of the earth. Click here to book tickets.
9. Take A Chocolate Making Workshop
Learn the secret to making fabulous chocolates with a masterclass from the award-winning chocolatiers at the Cocoa Cabana. Delicious hot chocolate will be served on arrival followed by a glimpse into the world of chocolate.
The chocolatiers will then demonstrate how to hand temper chocolate, how to prepare a ganache and how to pipe, fill and hand roll truffles. Guests will also be able to make their own truffles and chocolates which they can take home to enjoy. Click here to book your place.