A new series of matchmaking events for singles who have “dating app fatigue” is coming to Manchester next month.
Started by as a way for people to form new relationships in a more organic setting, Bored of Dating Apps (BODA) is a series of in-person events that focus on the joy of community, put mental health at the heart, and create an environment where friendship is considered to be just as important as romance.
Previous BODA events have been going down a storm over in Liverpool, and so, very soon, Manchester is set to host its own series.
Appealing to all genders and ranging from people in their 20s and 30s to their 40s, the BODA team explains that its past events have generally seen an equal split of males and females – with around 90% of attendees rocking up solo to “embrace the experience to the full extent”.
The series of events will include dumpling making masterclasses, pasta workshops, cheese and wine supper clubs, hikes, quizzes, yoga socials, an autumnal singles weekend retreat.
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But first on the lineup is the Manchester launch event at GRUB – a ‘Sip & Paint’ evening.
Hosted by local artist Libby Ayres, Sip & Paint nights are a fun way to learn to paint in a relaxed, fun, and sociable environment.
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During this unique session that’s suitable for people of all abilities and set to be “full of singles”, Libby will guide you through processes and techniques for using acrylic paints to create a beautiful canvas to take home at the end of the night.
“There is going to be a rebellion against dating apps and doing everything online,” explained Jessica Evans – founder of BODA.
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“People don’t want to feel constrained to just social media, dating apps, and WhatsApp anymore.”
Bored of Dating Apps (BODA) is a series of in-person events where friendship is considered just as important as romance / Credit: BODA
To sum it all up in a nutshell, whether you meet someone or not, each of the Manchester BODA events are varied, full of “welcoming and genuine” people, and promising to be “a good night no matter what happens”.
Tickets will set you back £35 and include a complimentary drink, all necessary art equipment, your artwork to take home, and of course, a “wonderful” social evening with BODA.
Shayne Ward relaunches music career with Manchester gig and box set album
Daisy Jackson
Shayne Ward is heading back out on the live music scene in support of his box set album ‘Anthology’, with a Manchester gig in the works for this year.
The former X-Factor star, originally from Tameside, had stepped back from music to join the cast of Coronation Street in the role of Aidan Connor.
His character was killed off in 2018, in a highly-praised storyline that was written with the help of CALM and the Samaritans.
His acting career has also seen him performing on the West End in Rock Of Ages as Stacee Jaxx in London’s West End as well as the touring productions of The War of the Worlds and Band of Gold.
Shayne Ward first shot to fame as the winner of the second series of X Factor, and released three albums – a self-titled debut in 2006, Breathless in 2007, and Obsession in 2010.
Shayne Ward is heading back out on tour. Credit: Publicity picture
His debut single That’s My Goal was the Christmas number one in 2005 and sat at the top of the charts for four weeks.
Those first three albums have been released in their entirety as a new box set, Anthology, along with bonus tracks, remixes and unreleased recordings.
To support Anthology, he’ll be heading out on a mini-tour, with two UK headline shows in 2023.
He’ll perform at the O2 Ritz in Manchester on 9 April, and at the O2 Academy Islington in London on 15 April.
Tickets go on general sale Friday 3 February at 9am and will be available from See Tickets.
Featured image: ITV
What's On
Where to watch the Six Nations in Manchester
Danny Jones
It’s that time again, the Six Nations is just around the corner and we can practically taste the pints already. That being said, we thought it only right to put together a list of where to enjoy those pints.
With the tournament kicking off on Saturday, 4 February, we don’t want you scrambling around to find places showing the Six Nations in Manchester; we just want you to sit back and enjoy the games.
So, without further ado, here is our list of the best places to watch the Six Nations in Manchester:
1. Guinness Fan Zone at Escape to Freight Island – Mayfield
Guinness and the Six Nations go hand in hand — I mean, their name’s literally on the trophy — so what better place to start than the official Guinness Fan Zone at Escape to Freight Island? It’s the biggest outside of London and it’s got plenty more on offer than just the games:
Next up, a tried and tested favourite of any punter who frequents sports bars in Manchester. Shooters Bar inside the Bierkeller at Printworks. Showing the Six Nations every year, this place always draws in a big crowd so best get your booking sorted early HERE.
You’d be forgiven for thinking a place called Calcio only shows football, but au contraire mon frère (one for those few France fans among you): this new hotspot just on the edge of Northern Quarter and not far from Piccadilly has all kinds of sports, tonnes of retro games, plenty of pints and some seriously whopping burgers. Give it a try.
As far as Irish bars go, you can’t go wrong with Mulligans. A go-to for sports fans and punters in general, not to mention Guinness’ second home in Manchester, this traditional Irish pub sandwiched just across the road from Spinningfields will be showing the games and promises live music every night. It’s always good craic in here.
No list of Manchester sports bars would be complete without Tib Street Tavern, one of the most popular in NQ or the city centre in general, for that matter. With booths for you and all your mates to pile into, massive screens filling the walls and solid grub, this place is packed out noon till night, so give ’em a ring to sort your sort whilst you still can.
6. Waldorf – Piccadilly
Now, if you’re looking for something right next to the station so you don’t have to walk far for your first pint or, equally, can make a quick exit if the result doesn’t go your way, the Waldorf is the one for you, Spanning aross multiple floors with the upstairs usually dedicated to rugby fans, you’ll catch many a face watching the sport in here most weekends. Again, it fills up quick so bag yourself a table while you can.
Another all-time classic Manchester sports bar, The Directors’ Box just off St Peter’s Square in the city centre has plenty of pints, an absolutely mint menu full of sharing platters perfect for watching the game with your mates, as well as a pool table to keep you occupied during the breaks. Book HERE.
8. Kiely’s – Great Northern
Whether you’ll be cheering on Ireland or not, Kiely’s is prime location to watch the Six Nations. Yet another place for Guinness lovers and showing live sport all week-round before the rowdy live music kicks off in the evenings, we’ve spent many night in here and can heartily recommend it for the rugby.
9. BOX – Deansgate
One of the newest bars on this list, BOX on Deansgate brings a real sense of the American sports bar culture with shuffleboard, giant steins of booze, banging food and TV on every wall — including a big 360-jumbotron screen so nobody misses a second. Even with two large floors, this place packs out quick, so we would get booking your place now.
10. Walkabout – Printworks
Last but not least, Mancunians have made memories in the one and only Walkabout. The massive pub, club and local nightlife institution has plenty food, pints and screens to cater to the hordes of punters. Better still, with its Australian roots, there’s a real love for rugby in here, whether you’re an England fan or otherwise. Book you place HERE.
So, if you’re still wondering where to watch the Six Nations in Manchester, that should be plenty of options for now. It’s one of the biggest competitions on the sporting calendar so we’re looking forward to similar festivities to the kind we saw for the World Cup.
It may be a fairly frosty February but we’ve never been the type to let the weather put us off going out and having a good time.
The first match between Wales and Ireland starts at 2:15pm on Saturday, 4 February, with England facing off against Scotland at 4:45pm that same day. Who do you fancy for it this year?