We're coming to Manchester
Supper clubs, socials, game nights, climbing, pottery. The London events that fill up every week — now for gay men in Manchester. Meet people in person, the way it used to work.
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Check your inbox — your confirmation is on its way. One quick question so we plan the right first events for Manchester:
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You'll be first to know when Manchester tickets drop. Follow @friend.of.dorothy.wellness for the venue reveal.
Loneliness is the gay epidemic nobody's curing
Even in Manchester, a city with one of the best gay scenes in the country, it's easy to feel like you're on the outside of it. Canal Street is brilliant, but it's not for every night or every guy.
Same crowds, same bars, same scroll. So we build rooms where the whole community can show up — try something new, meet people who aren't on the apps, and leave feeling lighter.
Every ticket is heavily subsidised so cost is never the reason you skip community.
This is what we do in London
A taste of what's coming to Manchester. The events that fill up every week in London.
What it looks like when it actually works
Photos from past events. No models, no staging — just guys from our community having a good time.
Real moments. As they happened.
Tap to play · swipe for more →
Everyone. And we mean everyone
Too many gay groups turn into gatekept little cliques — only six-packs, only 20s, only couples. Ours are the opposite.
Most guys come alone. You'll leave with new friends.
Bring your partner. Or come without them.
Roll up as a crew. Always more fun in a group.
24 or 64. Our events span generations.
Skinny, jacked, soft, scarred. All of it welcome.
Never been to a gay event? Start with us.
Manchester is global. Our rooms will reflect that.
Mobility, dietary, sensory — tell us, we'll adapt.
Most of our guys showed up solo too
You won't be the only solo guy
More than 60% of our attendees come alone. The room is built for it.
We greet you at the door
Tell us it's your first time and we'll introduce you to people straight away.
The activity does the work
Board games, pottery, a three-course dinner — built-in conversation starters.
Leave when you want
No pressure to stay till the end. 90 minutes and home is totally normal.
We made the events we wished existed
I realised the apps weren't community — they were a slot machine. I wanted rooms where you could meet someone over a flower arrangement or a board game, not over whether you were each other's type.Azamat ValiyevCo-founder
We wanted the opposite of the cliques: everyone welcome. Single or partnered, 24 or 64, jacked or not. If you're here, you belong.Oliver JamesCo-founder · Events
Real reviews, real receipts
Finally a gay event where I felt seen
I'm 47 and most gay events make me feel ancient. The flower arranging night had every type of guy — single, coupled, all ages. Left with a bouquet and three new Instagram follows.
— MarcusMy first gay event ever
Was so nervous to come alone. Within 10 minutes someone introduced themselves at the bar. By the end I'd swapped numbers with four guys. Coming back next month.
— TheoNot what I expected (in the best way)
Came expecting a Grindr-style scene. Got a board game night where people actually talked. So refreshing.
— DavidKayaking was a vibe
Didn't expect to find community on the Thames at 11am on a Sunday but here we are. The pastries after were chef's kiss. £15 for all of that — unreal.
— JamesWorth every penny (which is barely any)
£10 for a wine tasting that would cost £40 anywhere else. And the sommelier was patient with my zero knowledge. Class act.
— CarlosThe rooftop party was the best of summer
200 of the loveliest guys, free flower crowns, a DJ that knew what they were doing. Already buying tickets for next year.
— AlexBe in the room on night one
Launch events will be small and they'll go fast. Waitlist hears first and books first.
That email doesn't look right. Try again?
We'll email you about Friend of Dorothy events in Manchester, plus the odd bit of news. Unsubscribe any time.
You're on the list 🌈
Check your inbox — your confirmation is on its way. One quick question so we plan the right first events for Manchester:
Nice. Noted 👊
You'll be first to know when Manchester tickets drop. Follow @friend.of.dorothy.wellness for the venue reveal.
