Galentine’s Day 2019: The best UK events to celebrate your female friendships

From workout classes to Legally Blonde film screenings

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and we all know what that means: offers for romantic meals for two, soppy cards lining the entrances of our local supermarket, and countless mentions of “the one” flooding our Instagram feeds.

While there’s nothing wrong in celebrating love for a significant other – a study in 2018 found the average Brit now takes 25 more days to say “I love you” than they did in 2014 – it is important to remember that love can be celebrated in many different forms with many different people.

Enter Galentine’s Day: the occasion for women to champion friendship, no matter what their relationship status.

Scheduled to take place on 13 February – one day before Valentine’s Day – the event is a chance for women around the world to come together with their closet gal pals and reflect on the successes, aspirations and power of the sisterhood.

Amy Poehler’s Parks and Recreation character, Leslie Knope, is widely recognised to have “invented” the celebration for her female colleagues to celebrate “ovaries before brovaries” in 2009.

However, while Galentine’s Day might not have the weighty, historical origins of its counterpart Valentine’s Day, the growing strength of the #MeToo movement and the Women’s March has secured the day as an important moment in the feminist calendar.

With that in mind, here’s our round-up of the best Galentines Day events happening in the UK.

AllBright Galentines Day, London

London-based women's networking club All Bright is hosting a night titled “Taking Back Valentines Day For #thyself” dedicated to the women in your life.

The organisation is hosting a panel discussion with The Pinker Print author Chimmy Lawson and influencer Rebecca Penfold of body confidence YouTube account Oh My Garters, a love letter writing workshop, a guided mediation session, a mini photo shoot, and givining chance to network with like-minded individuals. Better yet, you don’t have to be a member of the club to attend.

14 February; Prices start at £10; Buy tickets here.

Galentines Day Dinner, Liverpool

If sharing a bottle of wine and a plate of warming grub is the definition of your perfect night out with friends, look no further for your Galentine’s event than here.

Food collaborative group Food Sketz x Chelsie Dawn is hosting a three course pay-as-you-feel meal at Liverpool’s Bold Street Coffee shop for all women, non-binary and queer people.

On arrival, guests will receive a Galentine zine, before sitting down to a meal (vegetarian and vegan options are available) as well as both alcoholic and soft drinks.

15 February; Price: £5.08; Buy tickets here.

Dear Damsels’ Galentine’s Day Get Together!, London

Dear Damsels is leaping from its online platform to celebrate the words and stories of women, IRL.

The female-focussed literary group is hosting an evening of discussions, readings and performances all around the wondrous topics of female friendship, connection, creativity, and breaking taboos surrounding female experiences.

Speakers on the night include women from poetry collection 4 Brown Girls Who Write, writer Sara Sherwood, and Becky Young from the anti-body shaming group Anti Diet Riot Club.

13 February; Price: £6; Buy tickets here.

Revolution and Bumble BFF Present: Galentines Sunday Brunch!, Glasgow

Grab your best mate and ready yourself for a Galentines Day brunch like no other.

Revolution is transforming itself from late-night party hub into a 90s teenage nirvana, with all-women DJ group Push providing tunes as you tuck into a brunch dish of your choice and four – yes, four – cocktails.

BFFs will also be invited to jump into the photobooth, the Bumble BFF bathtub, and take part in flash giveaways. There’s even a free Bumble BFF goodie bag in it for you if you have the Bumble app.

17 February; Price: £25 per person; Register here for tickets.

Galentines Pottery Painting, Bristol

If the names Cath Kidson and Emma Bridgewater mean anything to you, head down to Mini Potters this month for an exclusive late night pottery painting session.

Each ticket includes all bisque fired teapots, mugs, plant pots, bowls and more. However, if you bring your own porcelain you’ll receive a free glass of bubbly.

13 February; Price: £20; Buy tickets here.

Gallentine’s at Ballie Ballerson, London

If you haven’t been able to get Ariana Grande’s break-up anthem “Thank u, next” out of your head, listen up.

Shoreditch’s famous ball pit bar, Ballie Ballerson, is throwing a Galentine’s Party where guests will be able to sip on buy-one-get-one-free cocktails all night and enjoy a two-hour session in a pink ball pit underneath a canopy of hanging roses.

13 February; Prices start at £5; Buy tickets here.

Galentines workout class with PoPfit, London

What better way to let out your frustrations with the patriarchy than with an intense fitness class?

Fitness group PoPfit is hosting a dance class set to the tunes of Kylie and the Spice Girls. After the workout, attendees will be invited to relax in the lounge and enjoy a healthy meal (with cocktails), as well as nab a free goodie bag.

11 February. Find out more here.

"Legally Blonde" and "Mean Girls" Everyman screenings, Nationwide

Start practicing your bend and snaps and “I’m a mouse, duh” impresions because Everyman Cinemas across the country are showing cult classics Legally Blonde and Mean Girls this Galentines Day.

The event is in partnership with female-focussed community app, Bumble BFF, and tickets will include a cocktail to enjoy during the viewings.

13 February; Price: £10; Buy tickets here.

Florioscity Galentines Bouquet Workshop, Bristol

Give your best friend a hand-tied bouquet of flowers put together by yours truly this Galentine’s Day.

Flower enthusiast Florioscity, otherwise known as Beth, is hosting a floristry night involving tea, coffee, ckae and fizz. During the session, you’ll be able to choose your favourite flowers, bring them together and wrap them up for a loved one.

13 February; Price: £35.17; Buy tickets here.

Women Of Power, London

How many times have you felt self-doubt or zapped of energy today? If the answer is more than zero then you might be interested in a night devoted to learning how to harness female power and collectively celebrate women.

Socialising group Meet Up is hosting a night out for women which will include games, dancing, and a chance to take part in Secret Sista: the opportunity to give a gift (maximum spend £10) to an anonymous member of the sisterhood.

16 February; Find out more information here.

Galentine’s Day, Tonight Josephine x Benefit, London

Makeup. Check. Alcohol. Check. Fun. Double check.

Cocktail bar Tonight Josephine is hosting one of the best Galentines events this year. So good in fact you might only want to tell your closest gal pals to avoid missing out.

Your ticket to the event includes guaranteed entry, a free makeover by a professional Benefits makeup artist, a £20 Benefit Cosmetics voucher and two free cocktails.

14 February; Price: £40. Find out more here.