The best places to meet local singles?

Well, to meet local singles, after exploring the possibilities of internet dating and speed dating, the next best answer is dedicated events.

Where are the best events held? Are they right for you? And what do you need to know before you go there? Let me tell you...

What singles events are out there?

This area of dating is expanding really rapidly at the moment. By the time I've written this, there will probably be another 3 methods launched! But essentially they break down into two categories:

Singles parties

Most likely held at a large club in an area near you. That's one of their advantages. They're an excellent place to meet local singles. Generally if people are willing to travel to a singles event, they're near enough you to have a serious relationship with.

These parties often have themes or activities to help you introduce yourself to other singles (Thank God!). Common ways include:

• Lock & Key parties - Women are given a padlock, men get a key. Then you have the ideal excuse to introduce yourself and see whether your key or lock fits!

• Wine tasting - Some variation involving alcohol! For instance, get given 6 glasses of wine, with each comes a potential partner. Trust me, by your 6th glass, they all seem attractive! ;-)

• Encounter walls - Your photo gets taken & posted up. Anyone who likes the look of you leaves you a little card. You can contact them by website or phone after the event.

• Flirt texts - Something to do with those 'mobily'-phone things! A way of texting people at or after the event without revealing your phone number.

Breaks & holidays

• Short breaks - generally around an activity of some type: skiing, kayaking, sailing - the list keeps growing!

• Long holidays - Singles holidays, cruises, etc.

Which are the best events to meet local singles?

Parties

Chemistry

UrbanSocial

Speeddater

Breaks & Holidays

Speeddater (click on 'Singles holidays' on the right side of the page)

UrbanSocial

The above are primarily in the UK. Like I said, that's where most of the organised singles events seem to be growing. But if you know of any big companies organising events or places to meet single people in countries other than the UK, let us know.

What are the pro's & con's of singles events?

Singles Parties

A fantastic creation. Hundreds of people in one place, all looking for dates. So there's no guessing about whether they already have a boy or girlfriend. And all the additional features they add make it much easier to talk to the people you want to meet. If you want to go out for a night on the pull, forget the pubs and clubs - go to a singles party.

The downsides? Well, it's still a growing market so you may not be able to find one local to you yet. As I said, it seems to be growing fastest in the UK but there's not much outside of here yet. And if you're still the shy and retiring type, like I used to be, then it can still be a bit intimidating to start with.

Breaks & Holidays

Well, yes they're almost certain to be fun. But they are definitely holiday first and dating second. Remember, dating is a numbers game. Go on a break or a holiday and you're going to meet a limited number of people and have to spend a long time with them.

The numbers/time ratio at a singles party is so much better that I can't really recommend the breaks - unless you just want a fun holiday! And there's always a slim chance you'll find a potential partner. Just probably not the right one.

Also if your aim is to meet local singles then the people going on the holidays can come from anywhere. Not ideal if you're looking for a potential long term relationship.