How to Live Your Best Single Life in Newcastle this Valentine's

If you’re a student in love, Valentine’s Day is always a banging time. But if you're like us, and you’re unlucky in love, then all you’ll feel like doing is hibernating away from the PDAs and love-sick couples.

But, just because Cupid hasn’t struck just yet, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a fab time being single in Newcastle this Valentine's Day. Here's what's on near you.

Spend time with your celebrity crush

Even though both Tom Hardy and Megan Fox are both taken, that doesn't mean you can't pretend. It's time to stock up on the popcorn and let the box set rerun of Peaky Blinders commence!

An evening with Peter Andre

If 90s' pop stars are more your thing, then celebrate 25 years of Peter Andre at Newcastle City Hall. Grab your tickets (£30 - £51 each) and reminisce on that Mysterious Girl water scene you’ve not been able to get out of your head.

Laugh uncontrollably at a ‘fabulously filthy’ novel

Kate Davies’ debut novel, ‘In at the Deep End’ is the ‘frank, funny and fabulously filthy’ coming-of-age-story everyone needs if you're alone this v-day. Join Kate as she reads from, and discusses, the novel with Stacy Gillies, Senior Lecturer in Twentieth-Century Culture and Literature at Newcastle University. Find out what you’ll be letting yourself in for with this hilarious extract from the book.

Gather your girlfriends for Galentine's 

If your mission to find ‘the one’ over the past 12 months has failed miserably, then it's okay; you're gal pals are here. Get WhatsApping your girlfriends and head over to theirs for a game of Tinder Roulette (which will soon become your favourite drinking game ever...). You never know, the squad might just find you the man of your dreams.

Host an anti-Valentine's party

If you hate Valentine’s (and all the commercial crap that comes with it) then it’s a great excuse for a party to celebrate... exactly that. Organise a SAD (Single Awareness Day) party with those who are just as over it as you are. Decorate your pad with black and broken hearts that even cupid will know to stay away from, and compile a playlist of empowering numbers including Taylor’s ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’.

If you can’t be bothered to go to the effort, then Colonel Porter's Emporium on Dean Street are ready to do the hosting for you. Their 'Free as a Bird' event means you get entry and a cocktail for just £5, or head over to our Facebook page to enter our competition to win tickets! There’s even the promise of no love songs or romantic lighting in sight.

Boys & beer night

The lads might claim to be ‘loving the single life’, but trust us... most just want a big soppy cuddle and a laugh with their mates. And, because you’re reading this, it’s down to you to organise a boys night-in. Make sure it's full of beer pong and bants, with the night inevitably ending with a Google search for Things To Do With Beer Besides Drink It.

Do something your ex hated

Have an indulgent day of doing ALL THE THINGS your ex moaned about. Watch back-to-back episodes of Friends. Crank up the music. Binge on your favourite snacks that you used to hate sharing. This a day to love yourself.

Go on a date

If you can’t beat them, join them. Time to get Tinder out and see who else is mindlessly swiping right... you never know, cupid might strike just in time.