*Love is in the air, doo, doo, doo*
Ahh… Once again the day of Valentine’s is upon us, and for many Bristol gals and guys, the evermore-predictable recipe for love: roses, dinner, a bottle of wine, just doesn’t quite hit the mark – we want excitement! Be gone the days of Pandora rings, #luckygirl, and embarrassingly huge, unpractical vulgar teddy bears. Nor shall us singletons stay at home, eat chocolate and ice cream, and drool over David Beckham with daughter Harper in witchly covens. Whether you are a single pringle or taken bacon, ask more of your significant other (male, female, or even feline). Take a look at our selection of alternative evening entertainment options that are bound to set the mood, or help you find that special someone this 2015 Valentine’s.
1. Riddim Cottage’s 1st Birthday w/ Mike Skinner DJ Set (The Streets)
Location: Blue Mountain (BS1 3PR)
Time: 22:00-06:00
On this annual romantic evening, why not rekindle your shameful 2004 crush on Mike Skinner as he takes to the decks at Blue Mountain for a 2 hour long DJ set (who knew noughties garage Brit-rap front-men could also spin some tracks?) With a selection of Bristol’s finest DJs (Patrick Nazemi & PAPERCHASE included) and 672 garage-heads already having clicked attending on Facebook, this is sure to be a good night. And besides, this may be your only and last chance to use the bant line: “I think you are really fit, you’re fit but my gosh don’t you know it”
What to expect: Garage, Grime, House, and Techno
Tickets: £8 http://tkt.co.uk/events/id/445
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/677127639067591/
2. Shapes presents: The Masked Ball
Location: Factory Studios (BS5 9TQ)
Time: 22:00-05:00
After its sell-out event last year, Shapes is back with an incredible event for 2015 Valentine’s and what better way to see (or not see) in the romantic holiday, than dressed to impress in a ‘50 Shades of Grey’ type mask. The Masked Ball takes place at one of Bristol’s most intimate and alternative venues; the Factory Studios, and as the Shapes team have yet to release many details about the event, the night seems to be ‘shaping’ up :/ to be one of mystery and romance. 10 DJs are already on the line up, including Matthew Styles and others of Bristol fame: DJ October, Chris Farrell, ELA 303, and Sleazy Sessions. Unfortunately all online tickets have sold out, but fingers crossed yours have been already purchased by your thoughtful and edgy significant other.
What to expect: Disco, House, and Acid Techno
Tickets: http://tickets.crackmagazine.net/checkout/view-event/id/21535/chk/33bc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1518619108412013/
3. Psyched presents: LONE (Live)
Location: START THE BUS (BS1 1RU)
Time: 23:00-03:00
*This one goes out to the one I love…* You’re in for a real treat this Valentine’s at START THE BUS. Matt Cutler of LONE fame will be soothing your soul with a mish-mash of house, techno, and hip-hop vibes perfect for any blossoming young love, first date, or friendly hang. With tracks from his June 2014 album, ‘Reality Testing’ (rated 4/5 in Pitchfork, The Guardian and RA), LONE will instil in you musical warmth and emotional expressiveness – its about time to tell that special someone how you really feel! But really, this intimate gig will have you swaying to the sensual and sexual feels, worthy of any TRUE Valentine’s event.
What to expect: Soft Electronic, Techno, House, and Hip-Hop
Tickets: £4 http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?668636
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1576726195895134
4. Rae Morris with support from Fryars & EKKAH
Location: Thekla (BS1 4RB)
Time: Doors open at 19:00
For something a little different, try seeing singer-songwriter, pop-electronic-folk artist Rae Morris at Thekla. Now only 21 she first grabbed a record deal at 18 (…questioning what I have done with my life… so little) and has featured on albums with Bombay Bicycle Club, as well as having toured with Tom Odell and Bristol’s own George Ezra. She is supported on the evening by Fryars and Ekkah – expect blissful psychedelic sounds. Romantic…
What to expect: Chilled, Folk-Pop
Tickets: http://www.alt-tickets.co.uk/rae-morris-tickets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/305889562942745/
5. Blind Drunk Date
Location: The Crofters Rights (BS1 3RW)
Time: 21:00-02:00
Does exactly what it says on the Valentine’s tin. Presented by Guilt Free Pleasures, this evening’s entertainment is in Stokes Croft, and is hosted by the one and only, Cilla Bloke (I’m not sure either?). The aim of the game is to get ‘blind drunk’ whilst competing in a series of challenges that will eventually, and hopefully, win you a date – what’s not to like? Competitors are also plied with free alcohol so if you’re interested, call ahead to get involved. If you’re looking for something a little different that will certainly provide many laughable memories for the future, this is your night. Entry is free before 10pm, £3 after.
What to expect: Drunken revelry, embarrassing next-day pictures, pleasant surprises
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1651586558402275/
Photo sources: http://buildingabrandonline.com/BrianElrod/10-ways-to-have-a-great-valen…
http://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/res/img/event/23/riddim-cottage-w-mike-skinner-23736_s4.jpg
http://ddjcg1q3gafvl.cloudfront.net/userfiles/event_image_21535_1421253917.jpg
http://www.residentadvisor.net/images/events/flyer/2015/2/uk-0214-668636-0-front.jpg
http://croftersrights.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook_event_1651586558402275-398×271.jpg