By Helen Clarke

This Sunday marks another year of overpriced flowers, expensive meals and panic buying gifts for your partner. It also marks another year of single-shaming. Men and women who don’t have a date do everything possible to avoid the dreaded question: “What are you doing on Valentine’s day?”

Well this year you’ll be prepared, because we have a list of amazing things to do this Sunday; so when someone asks what your plans are you can say: “I’m going to the circus, what about you?”.

Charity Fashion Show
7pm – 12.30am | Free
Tribeca Bar, 50 Sackville Street Manchester M13 WF

Fancy doing your bit for charity and enjoying beautiful clothes from Uellas Closet, chatting to Wolverine and Wonder Woman, catching a magic show, murdering Katy Perry on karaoke and eating cake with a chance to win prizes? If so, the charity fashion show is for you. All proceeds go to The British Heart Foundation so even if you’re on a budget, you know any contribution makes a big difference.

Cultivate Film Club
6pm – 10pm | Free
Joshua Brooks, 106 Princess Street Manchester, M1 6NG

If you’re a film buff and you have no interest in romantic comedies why not head down to Joshua Brooks and watch some very anti-Valentine’s films. First Wake In Fright takes a look at a holiday gone wrong as John Grant finds himself in the company of some very violent alcoholics. Spasmo is next, with a series of strange events occurring after a couple find a dead body.

Circus Funtasia
Showtimes 2pm & 5pm | Book here
Wythenshawe Park, Altringham Rd Entrance, M23 0AB

Jugglers, a clown, aerialists, acrobats, drums, dancing… All the fun of the circus for under a tenner. Whether you want to relive childhood memories or you’ve never been to a circus before, try Circus Funtasia for a valentines day with a difference. You can book tickets online with a choice of two performances. Experience what customers are calling “wonderful” “amazing” and “fantastic from beginning to end”.

Comedy Special
7pm – 11pm | Book here
The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, 102 Oldham Street, Manchester, M41 1LJ

If you’re up for a laugh with your mates The Frog and Bucket have a comedy night for you. Five comics come together to help you laugh your way into Monday morning, featuring Alun Cochrane. He has previously featured on Mock the Week and 8 out of 10 Cats. With £7 concession tickets you can book online and save yourself £6 instead of paying on the door.

The Great Valentines Funfair
12pm – 5pm | Free admission
Heaton Park, M25 2SW

If candy floss, white-knuckle rides and fair ground attractions sounds like a great way to spend your afternoon, we have the perfect place for you. For one friend or fifteen, there is plenty to do at The Great Valentines Funfair. Entry is free however prices do apply to rides. So get down to Heaton Park and scream your way round a funfair for all ages.

The Pub Quiz
8:30pm | £1
Pub/Zoo, 126 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL

Take your competitive spirit with you to The Pub Zoo. For just a pound you can gather up your mates and have a pint (or seven) and try to win a cash prize or more beer! A reasonably priced student pub just across the road from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Films

Planning on a more typical Valentine’s day but want a film without a soppy love story? Well we’ve thought of that too.

The Odeon at Manchester Printworks is full of brilliant films, here are a few alternative ones:

How To Be Single – Catch the preview of Rebel Wilson’s (Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids) life lesson on how to be a single girl in New York. Watch Dakota Johnson (50 Shades of Grey) debut in another Valentine’s Day film that breaks the traditional romantic story line. A hilarious twist on Dakota’s previous role sees her as a shy and timid Alice who needs to learn how to have fun.

Showing at 12:40 15:20 18:00 20:40 – Book now to avoid queues and get student prices.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies – Yes you read that right. Jane Austen’s classic novel is re-imagined with one slight adjustment… a tonne of zombies. So do away with a weepy film and sit your butt down for a ‘classic’ you will not forget. Who said old books were boring?

Showing at 16:45 19:15 21:50 – book online now.

If you don’t want to spend Valentine’s Day Solo, Star Wars The Force Awakens is still showing in 2D and IMAX.

However if you fancy a quiet night, here a few choice TV picks:

Legally Blonde
4:15pm – 6:10pm on ITV2

Reese Witherspoon plays Elle Woods, a girl just dumped by her boyfriend who decides to follow him to law school and win him back. Does she really have the brain to make it in his world?

The Tourist
9pm – 11pm on More4

Whether you want to oggle Angelina Jolie or tell your friends you’re spending Valentine’s Day with Johnny Depp, The Tourist lets you do both. It also lets you watch high speed chases, gun fights and did we mention it has Johnny Depp in it?

The British Academy Film Television Awards
9pm-11pm on BBC1

To judge film for yourself, tune in to the BAFTAs and see whether your favorite film made the cut, who wore it better and if Leonardo DiCaprio gets to win something before the Oscars, (Come on Leo!).

Whatever you’re doing, have a great Valentine’s Day!