Kilmarnock's Howard Park Hotel hosts Anti-Valentine night

Feb 5 2010 by David Wynn, Kilmarnock Standard

CUPID’S arrow faces being snapped as one Kilmarnock Hotel prepares for a Valentine’s night with a difference.

Fed-up singletons and disenchanted couples are being encouraged to get along to the “Anti-Valentine’s” bash at the town’s Howard Park Hotel.

Dress code is as much black as possible and music on the night will include classic hits such as “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac and “Single Bed” by Fox.

Manager Karin Rock said: “From talking to our customers, many people are fed up with all the mushy, over-commercialised nonsense that happens on Valentine’s Day.

“If you're single, Valentine's Day can be one of the worst days of the year. Everyone else seems to be in a relationship except you and the horrible feeling of being all alone really sinks in.

“And if you are a couple, you’re put under a lot of pressure to have the most romantic day of the year.

“So instead of arranging a cheesy function for couples, we’ve arranged an alternative Anti-Valentine night where you can skip all the stuffed cupids, teddy bears, chocolates and pink hearts and celebrate being single.”

The Anti-Valentine’s night is on Saturday, February 13, 7.30pm until midnight at the Howard Park Hotel in Kilmarnock. Tickets are £6 and can be reserved by calling 01563 531211 or else they can be bought at the door on the night.

Karin offered some advice to those planning on coming along. She added: “Wear as much black as possible to cancel out all the yukky pink and red that’ll be surrounding you. You might look like a goth or an assassin, but at least you’ll distract attention away from soppy couples.”