The most transient town in the NT is set to get acquainted at a speed dating event with a twist this Friday.
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The same rules apply with a couple of big exceptions.
For one, the event is about branching out and growing your social circle, not finding the love of your life – although, if romance blossoms, go for it.
The dress code calls for bright, bold and colourful, and over the course of the night everyone will be required to move seats – not just the men, which is typical of speed dating.
Welcome to friend dating, a new-ish craze that doesn’t care if you are married, single, young or old.
To be held at The Finch Cafe, the organisers behind Dîner haut en couleur, Phoebe Quilty and Gill Russell said the event is the perfect way to meet new people in Katherine where there is a constant churn of new faces.
“At the beginning of the year there are always new arrivals, and Katherine attracts interesting and dynamic people,” Ms Quilty said.
“We thought it was a good opportunity to host a dinner party and have people from all over town get together.”
The organisers originally wanted to host something similar to Diner En Blanc – an event where people dressed in white gather in one area for dinner, but are required to provide their own food, tables and chairs – they opted for a bolder, colourful option.
“The whole idea is people come in, have a glass of champagne and sit where ever they want along one big table. Then over the course of the night you will be required to swap seats and strike up a conversation with a stranger,” Ms Quilty said.
“It is not speed dating. It is an excuse for a great night out, where everyone can get dressed up. It is more like friend dating,” she said.
Tickets for the event can be purchased from The Finch Cafe costing $30 and include a drink on arrival as well as dinner.
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