Thursday, the dating app that only works once a week, is hosting one of its famous ‘secret singles’ parties at a bar in Manchester this month.
Designed for people who can’t stand dating apps, the infinite scroll and all the toxicity that comes with them (cough cough, The Tinder Swindler), this app comes to life just once a week at a secret location -usually in London or New York.
Specifically designed for those suffering from ”dating app fatigue,” its users are locked out most of the week to encourage them to meet someone in real life – but on Thursdays, they can choose to swipe right at a number of in-person, member-only events.
Image: DSW
After all, as the company maintains, most single people “just want to meet someone in a bar naturally.” If that sounds like you, then now is your chance.
This week the party is coming to Manchester’s Northern Quarter hotspot Ducie Street Warehouse, a trendy bar and restaurant that, ever so conveniently, just so happens to have a load of swanky hotel rooms right above it.
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It also happens to host and cater for weddings, if you end up getting really lucky.
This week, the popular space has announced it will be hosting the city’s biggest Thursday date night event to date, welcoming nearly 500 singletons onto its terrace to mix and mingle – all soundtracked by the best Neo-Soul, alternative RnB and Hip-Hop tunes, courtesy of Sweet Vibrations Radio from 5pm.
Taking place on Thursday 28 July from 7pm until late, tickets are available to purchase via the Thursday app priced at £5 for entry before 9pm and £7.49 after 9pm.
Once they are gone they are gone – there is no guarantee of entry post 9pm if the venue is at capacity.
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The dating app Thursday was first launched by George Rawlings in 2021 from his bedroom, born out of frustration with the seemingly never-ending swipe-and-chat cycle of existing dating apps.
By limiting his app to just one day, Mr Rawlings hoped it would give people a sense of urgency when it comes to organising a date – cutting down on small talk and encouraging spontaneity.
To date, over 750,000 people have downloaded the app.
Feature image – Sweet Vibrations Radio
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.