February Is For Couples, March Is For Singles!

St. Valentine's Day - the highlight of the romantic year with a history stretching back to the courtly love of the High Middle Ages, or the most depressing date on the annual calendar?

UK Singles FestivalSingle people, fed up with all the hype of a day usually associated with couples, not to mention a month geared towards leap year proposals, can take heart and look forward to the first ever UK Singles Festival, taking place at Worcestershire's picturesque Three Counties Showground at Malvern on Saturday March 22!

Unlike most singles events in Britain, many of which focus simply on connecting people with similar hobbies or specific, mainly outdoor, pursuits, this brand new festival aims to revitalise the singles scene, with a diversity of innovative activities and an emphasis on interaction, networking and meeting lots of other single people for fun - all in the space of a day.

Most unique is the relatively new idea of team dating, where small groups meet and chat in an easy quiz-type format, which is far more relaxed and less like the 'interview' method of speed dating.

Speed dating, however, will also be on the day's agenda for those who prefer the whistle-stop route to meeting lots of new faces. Anna Freeman of Anna's Parties of Cheltenham will be running this feature.

Other activities include a fun salsa class for both beginners and experts with the brilliant John-James and singles workshops run by an experienced dating and relationships coach.

There's also a chance to party the night away with lots of fun, games and magic, and even a sunrise walk to the summit of the Worcestershire Beacon on Easter Day for those who want to stay over.

Said UK Singles Festival organiser Simon Vaughan-Spencer: "The number of single people across the country is growing fast, but organised opportunities for them to meet are still relatively scarce.

What's special about this new festival is the sheer diversity of activities, arranged as one day, with the lovely Malvern Hills and the surrounding countryside as a backdrop.

It may be that visitors will meet that special person, but the real point of the event is to enable like-minded people of 30+, to engage in conversation with others from all walks of life, socialize and have fun. They can come on their own, with a friend or with a crowd, and all they need to bring is a sense of humour!"

The cost of the weekend is £47.75 (there are discounts available) which includes all events, a programme, parking, prizes and surprises. Camping is available on site for just £10 per unit per night, with indoor camping available at the same rate.

There are refreshments (using local seasonal produce and catering for vegetarian and special diets) available throughout the day, disabled access and many excellent b & b s, guest houses, hotels, pubs and restaurants in the area.

For ticket bookings and/or general information, go to the web site at www.singlesfestivals.co.uk or call 0845 4588199 (local rate).

Released: 19/02/2008