I’ve Noticed You Around was unlike any “speed dating” experience I’ve had before, in Brighton or elsewhere – there were no restrictions on gender, sexuality, or age and more importantly, no one was drinking alcohol.
Brighton’s newest dating event was brilliantly facilitated at the stylish low and no alcohol Tørstigbar in Kemptown by Mags Houston and Dan Simpson of Connection Jam.
Connection Jam’s unique sober speed dating event in Brighton – 22nd November 2023
The sober and inclusive night promised fun, authenticity, meaningful conversations and positive vibes. It certainly delivered what it promised – drawing in a sparkling mix of open-hearted lovely humans, who were invited to state what they were looking for underneath their name badge and pronouns. I wrote “Open to connection” with a little Sharpied love heart as I clocked a couple of Hinge matches I hadn’t met in real life yet.
Tasty welcome mocktail in tow, the first activity was to dive straight into deep questions with my partner before bragging about them to another couple. Giving and receiving kind words helped warm up my heart (and cheeks) for the rest of the evening.
Co-creating poems and palm reading our partners were just some of the playful activities provoking silliness and laughter. Throughout the night everyone got to move around and meet different people – be it new friends or lovers.
These activities might be slightly outside some people’s comfort zones, especially without alcohol, but with a bit of eye contact and a smile, connections were made and sparks certainly flew. Everything that happened felt to me like the night had been thoughtfully and spaciously designed.
This dating event is far from traditional – there won’t be a wait for an email from the organisers the next day to reveal whether you’ve got matches or none. Attendees were encouraged to write notes to anyone who had caught their eye or ask Dan or Mags to be their wingman/woman on the night.
I arrived with no expectations and found the concept refreshing. I left having made some exciting new connections.
Keep up with Connection Jam’s latest news and events (more speed dating events in Brighton in the future): https://www.instagram.com/connection.jam/
The next Connection Jam (which is not a dating night) is on Tuesday 12th of December at West Hill Hall, Compton Avenue. You can find more details here: https://dandelion.events/e/u7rjp
