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
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Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year
Emily Sergeant
Digital driving licences are set to be introduced across the UK later this year, it has been announced.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle has announced today that, before 2025 is out, Brits will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person, as well as proving their right to drive.
A mobile driver’s licence is set to be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK wallet app that’s being launched later this year.
— Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) January 21, 2025
The new wallet will allow users to securely store Government-issued documents on their phone, such as DBS checks, Veteran Cards, and loads more, as well as driving licences, and use them easily when needed by making use of a range of security features that are built into modern smart phones – including facial recognition checks.
According to the Government, the new service means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.
Traditional physical documents will still remain available, however.
Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year / Credit: GDS
The mobile driver’s licence will be piloted later in 2025, and all Government services will have to offer a digital alternative, alongside paper or card credentials, by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital Government.
“This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”
Featured Image – Pxhere
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Plans to bring Greater Manchester’s rail services onto the Bee Network unveiled
Emily Sergeant
Ambitious plans to bring all rail services in Greater Manchester onto the Bee Network have been unveiled this week.
After the success of all the region’s buses returning to local control at the start of the year, Mayor Andy Burnham has set out Greater Manchester’s step-by-step plan to bring rail into the Bee Network by 2028, working alongside the rail industry to do this as the next part of his joined-up ‘London-style’ public transport system, which is intended to boost passenger numbers, and drive growth across the region.
Developed in partnership with the rail industry, Department for Transport (DfT) and Shadow Great British Rail, Mr Burnham says his plan is aimed at not only improving transport but unlocking major regeneration and housing opportunities on land around the region’s stations too.
Greater Manchester’s proposition is for eight commuter rail lines, covering 64 stations, to be brought into the Bee Network in three phases over the next five years.
Under the plan, the first two lines – which will work to connect Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge, in Tameside – will join the Bee Network by December 2026, and then a further 32 stations, and all lines within Greater Manchester, would join by 2030.
Not only that, but Greater Manchester leaders have also committed to working with the Government and the rail industry to “improve reliability” and “implement service changes” to help drive growth too.
If all goes to plan, the first branded Bee Network train will be running by the end of 2026.
Bus, tram and train will finally be united in a tap-in, tap-out payment system with a daily cap offering much better value for money than existing rail fares.
Another major change is that TfGM has said it will work with the rail industry to accelerate the delivery of accessibility improvements – with more than 60% of stations on the eight lines set to have step-free access by 2028, compared to 43% at the end of 2024.
“Our rail system today is acting as a brake on growth and, as the UK’s fastest growing city-region, Greater Manchester deserves better,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, as he unveiled his plans this week.
“We need a railway that is reliable and fully integrated with the rest of the Bee Network to drive growth and deliver new homes with public transport connections on the doorstep.
“Our plan puts passengers first by delivering a simplified, joined-up public transport network, with better services, stations and overall experience. Only by making travel by train more reliable, simpler, flexible and accessible to everyone, will we convince more people to leave the car at home and make the switch to the Bee Network.”
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2022 
