Why speed friending works

Friendships start face to face. A few minutes' chat tells you more than any profile: whether you laugh at the same things. Everyone there, all in their mid thirties to early fifties, wants to make new friends, so nobody breaks the ice alone.

The night

Wednesday 10 February, from 7.30pm, at Manahatta, Manchester, for people in their mid thirties to early fifties. Our host checks you in and gives you your Passion Passport™, where you note everyone you meet. Half the room stays seated and half moves round, so you meet everyone. Each chat lasts a few minutes, with a break halfway for a drink.

Your matches

After the night, log in to your Original Dating account, see everyone who took part and mark each person Friend or No. At 5pm the next day we work out the matches; get in touch through the website's private, secure messages. Nobody ever sees a No.

The venue

An area of Manahatta, Manchester, kept for us.

What a guest said

“I enjoyed the event and meeting new people in person. It was well organised by the host.” — a guest at speed dating in Manchester, June 2026.

Before you book

Tickets are sold separately for men and women to keep the numbers even; none on the door. Please arrive 15 minutes early: latecomers may not be able to join.

Good to know

Mid thirties to early fifties

Starts 7.30pm; doors open 30 minutes before

About two hours

Questions and answers

How many people will I meet?

Usually 12 to 20, depending on the night and the city. Everyone meets everyone.

I'm going on my own. Is that OK?

Most people do. Our host looks after you from the door, so nobody is left standing in a corner.

I'm just outside the age range. Can I come?

Most people are within the range shown, and a year or so either side is fine. People usually want to meet others of a similar age, so a night for a much younger or older crowd is unlikely to end in matches.

How do matches work?

On the night you note everyone you meet on your Passion Passport™. Afterwards you log in to the Original Dating website and mark each person Yes, No or Friend. At 5pm the next day you see your matches and can message them privately. Nobody sees a No.

Can a friend take my place?

Yes. Ask them to tell the host they are coming in your place.

Can I book for friends?

Yes, a ticket for each person. We'll email you afterwards for their names and details.

What happens after I book?

We'll email you to confirm your details, and those of anyone you've booked for, and set up an Original Dating account for each of you. Please reply: the account is how you see your matches after the night.

Can I get a refund?

Tickets can't be cancelled, changed or refunded, so please check the date and time before you book.

Description supplied by the event organiser.