Valentine's Day alternatives in Highgate

We took a look last week at some of the more conventional ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Highgate - but what if you're looking for a more unusual evening out, aren't currently coupled, or want to have a bit of an anti-celebration this year? That's fine, we've got that covered too!

There are some great non-floral parties coming up at the weekend - kicking things off in lively fashion are two events at the Boogaloo near the station. On Saturday, get your 60s groove on with the Sonny and Spare club night from 9pm to 2am - expect lots of soul and bring your dancing feet. On Sunday, enjoy a live gig by the Northern Heights Skiffle Squad led by Pretenders guitarist James Walbourne. Perfect for lovers who are also music lovers.

If you're in the mood for something a little more romantic (if only in the chronological sense), head over to the Red Hedgehog for a beautiful piano recital from James Brawn. A showcase of four Beethoven piano sonatas, this special evening will include performances of the popular Sonarta No. 14, the "Moonlight Sonata", and Sonata No. 23 "Appassionata". So maybe we did mean romantic in the other way as well.

If classical music and doomed romance are what moves you, perhaps The Merry Opera Company's production of La Traviata will float your boat - Verdi's enduring classic retells La dame aux Camelias and includes the popular chorus Libiamo, which to readers of a certain age will always be about happy motoring with Esso. Bring your hankies for the final act.

Feeling gloomy about the prospect of a dateless night? Embrace that grey cloud and head to Feeling Gloomy at the O2 Islington - this weekend there's a special "Down With Dating" event with speical anti-dating activities including Speed Hating and a Valentine's misfortune teller. Once you've had your fill of chagrin, shuffle all night to the sounds of The Fall, The Cure, The Smiths and all your other miserable favourites.

Have we missed any of your favourite Valentine's - or anti-Valentine's - favourites? Let us know below.

Image: kreg.steppe