Costume Parties

🌌Ever look up and marvel with insatiable curiosity at both the beauty and wonder of the **universe?** That wild sobering thought that somewhere in the chaos of creation - the emergence of life - the universe became **conscious** enough to look back and ask the existential questions; How it all started, our evolution and place in it, and where else in the cosmos other complex life might exist (we know almost every star you see has planets orbiting with up to **20 billion habitable exoplanets** easily in our galaxy alone!)? 🪐🌟🌟🌟 🌍Then RSVP to view the potential life harbouring moons of **Jupiter**, comets, the famous **Orion Nebula** where stars like our sun were born, the majestic rings of **Saturn**, the international space station, well known star fields, remnants of **supernova** witnessed by our early ancestors, multi-star solar systems (think the double sun in Starwars), the Tau Ceti star with **2 Earth like planets** orbiting in the habitable zone, plus a range of other fascinating celestial wonderments (comets, galaxies) over drinks and engaging chats and banter this Jan fully hosted by a passionate amateur astronomer and former global Journalist covering big picture stories including cutting edge science related ones. 🚀In between observing - we'll have **drinks and engaging chats** on all astronomy related topics for those inclined - space exploration, Fermi Paradox, Astrobiology, Cosmology, paleontology, SETI/Drake Equation (I have my own augmented version giving more realistic estimates of likely alien civilisations!), exoplanetology etc as well as non space chatter and banter too. No doubt we'll hear the usual jokes we've all heard before! If those don't make you laugh, my impersonation of Los Angeles ET will! 👽 And to help set the mood and make the night feel even extra galactic, I’ll put my DJ hat to play some space‑themed tunes and songs about the stars! **======= Joining Astronomers Group & Telescopes =======** I'm able to take a limited number of people (please only RSVP if you can make it) to join my friendly informal relaxed London amateur astronomers' club that have been for over a decade with their regulars made up of up to about 150 people. As there will be people attending from this private Astronomers group as well as others from one of my other groups - the total attendees will be far higher than rsvps here and the public liability insurance only covers a max number of people - hence I need to impose strict limits on attendance. Over the years we have enjoyed numerous social evenings of stargazing and thought provoking chatter with people of all ages and varying levels of astronomy knowledge - so complete beginners that are genuinely curious about the universe are very welcome. If you are just looking to meet generic randoms then there are others groups that will better cater for that. The world renowed **BBC Television Sky at Night** also attended our events pre covid and interviewed some of us for it's show that aired on BBC1 in Feb 2019. BBC **Radio London** (94.9 FM / digital) were there Aug 2023 to cover our meteor shower event broadcasting live to millions of Londoners for 3 hours You don't need a telescope as you will be able to view through scopes belonging to me and other club members (as long as you behave responsibly and don't temper with expensive equipment). If you have your own telescope/binoculars feel free to bring along and I can help you setting it up if you're a newbie **==== Food & Drinks With Seating From Warm Indoor Cafe ====** Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cider only), hot drinks and food/snacks will be available to purchase from an indoor cafe at the observation point which Regent's park keep open exclusively for the astronomers group so please don't bring your own drinks **==== ITINERARY =====** We will meet outside Camden Station. After a short wait for anyone delayed, I will escort everyone to our observation point in the local park 15 minutes walk away and brief you in terms of what to expect, observing etiquette, tips, equipment handling and take any questions you have - weather general or astronomy/cosmology related. **After Drinks:** Unless I have a very important 9AM Thursday deadline for a client presentation or something that I'm still gonna be writing 2 mins before start - most of us usually head our way back to Camden for another drink. If so - I will annouce the pub when we leave the park **==== What Can You Expect To See (this time of year)? ====** * Orion Nebula * Jupiter and 4 moons * Meteors * Andromedia Galaxy * Saturn, rings & moon * Star clusters such as the Pleiades & Owl Cluster etc * International Space station fly by * Venus & Mercury * Binary & tripple star systems (think planet *Tatooine in* Starwars!), * Neptune * Uranuus * Mars * Our moon * A look towards the galactic centre where that supermassive £22b Labour black hole sits (Sagittarius A) More here from Jodrell Bank Observatory/Astrophysics Centre: [http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/](http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/) Guide to viewing the cosmos for beginners: [https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp](https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp) **===Weather Dependent=====** The event is subject to clear skies forecasts on the night so if on the actual afternoon of the event the weather forecasts looks unsuitable beyond doubt then I will postpone so please check the event status on the day of the event . If this event is still listed here at 5PM on the day, it will be going ahead at the designated day and time! Happy Stargazing Lucas Skywalker - The Singin, Dancin, DJ-in Astronomer

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO TAKE PART? You just need to RSVP using the button on this page, and show up on Sunday. That is true for both DMs and players. You must be 18+ to attend. If this is your first time or looking to join a game, please find the Sunday Hosts Edward or Jason on your arrival. We will point you towards a game you can join. **Unless you have spoken to Jason or Edward beforehand about reserving tables/rooms at the pubs, you are NOT allowed to do so. I cannot state the importance of being able to rotate the availability of the rooms with other attendees/general pub goers in case the Pub needs them.** **The rooms should only be used by attendees who have a group plus DM or attendees who are DMing on the day. Otherwise I will assign you to the tables around the pub. This is non-negotiable.** TIMES Please ensure you arrive between 12:30pm and 1.00pm. **If you arrive later than 1pm, it may not be possible to find you a game.** I'VE NEVER PLAYED BEFORE, IS THAT A PROBLEM? Nope! You do not have to have previous experience of D&D or another tabletop role-playing game. We will have newbie-friendly games on Sunday. WHAT DO I HAVE TO BRING? Nothing. If you have dice, paper and pencil, and a Player’s Handbook, then bring them, but it’s not a problem if you don’t. We can lend you everything you need including a pre-generated character. I'M NOT FROM THE UK, THAT ISN'T A PROBLEM, RIGHT? Actually, we have loads of members from other countries; at times, we’ve had more ex-pats than Brits. We get a lot of people joining who’ve just moved to London from another country, left their old D&D friends behind, and who are looking for a new gaming group, so you don’t need to worry about not fitting in. The one catch is that your English does need to be OK. You don't have to be perfectly fluent, but roleplaying’s a language-based activity and if your listening isn't decent you may have trouble following what’s going on. Lots of our members speak more than one language, but we can't guarantee that we can place you in a game with someone who can interpret for you. DUNGEON MASTERS We are always on the look-out for DMs. If you would like to run a game, please PM Edward_w or Jason Sia. HYGIENE & ANTI-COVID GUIDELINES If you are symptomatically ill or suspect/know you have caught covid in the last 10 days but are asymptomatic, please do NOT attend. Please wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and/or a face shield whenever possible. This is not a rule, merely a request. Please avoid sharing food. Please wash your hands and/or use hand sanitiser gel frequently. Please maximise social distancing where possible and keep social mixing to a minimum. If you test positive for covid after attending an event, please contact Zander the Meetup Organiser, immediately. If possible, please let Zander know your Dungeon Master's name. If your venue has stricter rules than those outlined above, please follow those rules. **VENUES AND MONEY MATTERS** There is no charge, membership fee or subscription. However, a collection tin may be circulated by the Organiser/Assistant Organiser/Host towards the running of the Meetup. There is a recommended donation of £2 cash per attendee (DM or player), but contributions are purely voluntary: you are under no obligation. We do not track or record who donates what (and for that reason, donations by Paypal etc are not accepted). **The venues are businesses and, as such, rely on us spending on food and drink while we are there**. Our continued use of the venues is dependent upon it. Please spend as much as you reasonably can; if you are thinking of having lunch at your venue, please do. The venues have vegetarian and vegan options. Please do NOT bring drink from outside except tap water in a transparent plastic bottle. Please do NOT bring food from outside. Bringing food or drink (except tap water) from outside can result in you being permanently banned by the venue's management. Guide dogs are absolutely fine. Other dogs and pets may not be permitted subject to the discretion of the Pub Staff & Organisers. If you have any questions, please post it in the comments below or PM Edward_w or Jason, the Sunday Hosts.

Cosmos Social Football invite members of Single and Social to join our events. We play Football every week on Sunday in Hyde Park. This event is for this weeks Football Join our WhatsApp group to get all access, to get all info send you number to 07531368319. This version of meetup events only allows 10 attendees, but there will actually be more than 10. Come and join the guys who do it best and do it on a social level. We play every Sunday in Hyde Park, the nicest central Park in London. Easy access to and from everywhere. It is all free. You need to bring football boots, your clothing that includes 1 black top ( or very dark) Plus 1 red top. Meet friends, get some adrenalin out and score goals that you dream about. message me on 07531368319 for live location before the event I will upload an image of a map of our location next to Speakers corner.

**Please note~ RSVP will open one week before each event. This is to avoid no shows. If you are unable to attend please mark yourself as ‘not going’ so someone else can attend in your place. Thank you. ** It's a board games club with a twist! We have a variety of games to play as well as the usual titles and favourites like Secret Hitler, Exploding Kittens and Uno so come on down if this sounds like fun to you! The games will be easy to understand as well, so don't worry about your level of board game experience! And remember to BYOBG (bring your own board games) if you have any that you would like to share :) We will meet inside TCR Bar for around 1pm. We will be seated in the boths at the back of the bar. Food and drinks are available from the bar. It would really help the venue if you could make a small purchase from the bar. Thank you.

Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mix-match-mingle-a-fun-valentines-evening-in-chelsea-tickets-1979629768929?aff=oddtdtcreator A fun, no-pressure singles social at PJ’s Chelsea Brasserie featuring games, quizzes, and easy mingling—perfect for meeting new people! On 15 February, we’re bringing singles together at 📍 PJ’s Chelsea Brasserie for an evening of games 🎲, quizzes 🧠, and easy mingling 💬 - all designed to help you meet people organically. ✨ Whether you’re looking to make new friends 🤝, spark a connection 💫, or simply enjoy a lively night out 🎉, this event is all about great conversations, laughter 😂, and good energy. 🌟 No awkward dating vibes ❌💘 - just a fun, relaxed social experience you’ll love. 🎟️ Early bird tickets: £15 - grab yours now before they’re gone! ⏰✨

Venue: Civil Service Club Date/Time: Sunday 15 February, 3-8pm and possibly beyond! First timers - please kindly read below about bringing your board, meetup fee, purchasing drinks and food, Etiquette etc Dear Backgammon Lovers, A warm and grateful thanks to Lydia for hosting backgammon at the Gest Restaurant on Sunday. Social Backgammon Whether you're a seasoned backgammoner or a newbie looking to learn this fabulous game, our social event is open to all. This is also the perfect chance to sharpen your game, and share a laugh (or a lucky double six!) over backgammon. Add in a drink, maybe dinner, and you’ve got the recipe for a fun and relaxed evening. Venue Food and Drink Just a little reminder that when we use the Civil Service Club, we’re asked to buy at least one drink whilst we’re there! The Club also has a nice range of food and snacks on offer, all at really good prices, so it’s a great chance to relax and make the most of the day. About our backgammon social group Our group has been running for 10 years since June 2015 and we have held over 450 official backgammon meetings - along with a further 200 off-grid (non meetups) since then. We are the largest backgammon group in the UK with just over 2,000 backgammon members. What makes our group special are its members and the warmth, humour and friendliness whilst playing this splendid social game over a few drinks... usually fortnightly, and on a Sunday. We have about 30-odd regular members who play socially and we very much welcome new players too - so do come along. Dinner Time and Drinks and Food In between the rounds of backgammon many of us sit for a meal around 6pm, but you can order drinks and food whenever you like. RSVP Please RSVP asap - . Often I need to provide the Club with an indication of numbers. Bring your own Backgammon Board - no problem if initially you don't have one. Love seeing the different styles and size of boards - my boards have somehow gotten larger over the years. Please bring your own backgammon board and should you not have one please let us know in advance via the Meetup message board so that others can make the effort to bring theirs. Meetup Fee I will ask for £4 as the meetup fees etc have increased substantially over the past year or two. This also assists paying other admin costs including Club membership and tips. Other Games We sometimes play other games in the evening such as Rummikub, Yahtzee, and a type of Gin Rummy... so ask and watch this space! Etiquette Just a quick reminder- it’s always nice to say thank you to the staff at the CSC when you can. Let’s also keep things warm and friendly with each other and enjoy the game. If anything comes up, please feel free to have a word with me or whoever is hosting that day. Backgammon Rules With one or two exceptions our group plays international backgammon tournament rules. I have outlined these rules on our meetup page. My Contact Should you get lost or need to get in touch my number is: 07956 263451. Would advise you not to post messages two hours before the meetup commences as there's often chance I will not see it. Best wishes again to all you Backgammoners for 2026! Chris Sattaur

[Follow 👉this link👈 for more info, no tickets needed](https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/nordic-noir-works-paper-edvard-munch-mamma-andersson) Explore the macabre, melancholy and sometimes provocative themes that run through aspects of Nordic art in Room 90. Featuring over 150 works on paper by 100 artists from the Nordic countries from Edvard Munch to contemporary artists. Time permitting we can also visit the 'Sufi life and art' exhibition in Room 43a. Followed by social at a cafe nearby. See comments below for updates.

*📣 Meetup RSVPs do not reflect actual attendance! We usually have around 20-30 people at every single event. 📣* **[🎟️ Sign up here to grab your ticket 🎟️](https://luma.com/london2ftst)** 🎫 **RSVP ≠ ticket. A paid ticket is required to attend.** 🔗 On your phone and can’t click? Click the link in the comments :) F\*ck the Small Talk has travelled the world across Berlin, Mexico City, Melbourne, Lisbon, Medellin, Vienna, and now back to London for its 3rd year in a row! 😎 **📦 WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?** FTST is a **one-of-a-kind social experience** where strangers come together for an afternoon of meaningful, fun, and deep conversation. It’s also a different & cool way of meeting new people by getting a bit out of your comfort zone and skipping the small talk! Join us for **games**, **talks**, and **connections** with **friends you haven’t met yet**. Join if you get annoyed after being asked what you do, where you are from, and how long you've been in London every single time you meet someone. If you feel that there are better questions in life, this is the place for you. 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** We start with a short & sweet intro talk followed by a few light-hearted group games to warm up. After that, we split you up into small groups and start with the conversation rounds (with 3-4 people). We'll have awesome question cards that will guide the flow of the conversation. You’ll never have to speak in public if you don’t want to. **📣 NOTE**: We won't validate your payment unless you've been accepted! (which you most likely will ❤️) **🕹 HOW TO JOIN?** **[Take 1 minute to sign up 👈](https://luma.com/london2ftst)** 🔗 On your phone and can’t click? Click the link in the comments :) Our events are **limited to 30 handpicked guests** to ensure a cozy atmosphere. We aim to curate events with similar age and gender groups *wherever possible.* If you're invited you'll receive a confirmation within 48 hours via Luma (our ticketing platform) **🧧 HOW MUCH IS IT?** The cost to attend is **13-15£** and includes the following: ⏰ 3 hours of facilitated and curated activities 🍎 Light snacks to keep the energy going (only if outdoors) 👥 A space to meet new people in the least boring way possible 💛 Supporting our mission to spread human connection events around the world *(🎫 also includes those annoying ticket fees!)* We're also happy to give out student discounts! 🙂 **🌳 WHERE IS IT?** We host our events in awesome pubs & parks across the city! We will reveal the exact location to ticket holders 24 hours before the event. This edition will take place in a nice pub near **Waterloo**. **💛 WHAT THEY SAY** 🗣 “This is the kind of activity humanity needs every weekend. Thank you for all.” - Sonya 🗣 “F\*ck the Small Talk changes the narrative from "Where are you from?" to "When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?" and I think that's beautiful.” - Monika 🗣 “I loved F\*ck the small talk, I was a little bit nervous at first but they are pros at making you feel comfortable with the rest of the group, the activities are really fun and I enjoyed every second (consider that the one who's saying this is very, very shy). Give it a try!” - Brenda 🗣 “Lively, interesting, introspective, completely open, and no judgment. Everyone that joined was ready for great conversation and helped with different perspectives. So much fun! I can't wait for the next one! “ - Yaz Check out our other [reviews on Google here](https://goo.gl/maps/TpZy77bfPFkGoikn7) 🫶 🤓 FAQ **• Can I come alone?** Of course, in fact, we encourage it! **• Can I be late?** Please don't! "Doors" open at 11:45am and we start at exactly 12:00pm! Late arrivals will disrupt the floooooooow. **• I signed up but never got an invite. Why?** We usually get a high volume of sign-ups yet we like to keep it cozy & only invite around 25 people. We believe this is a good number to ensure an awesome experience, and we’ve learned that it’s easier to build connections with smaller groups! Please try again next time if do not receive an invite - no hard feelings 💛 **• Why do you charge?** We value our time and put a lot of love, planning, and effort into creating & designing these experiences. 💛 This is our project/business and what we give to the world and we think everything should be a fair exchange! 🎈 However, money should never be the reason for people not to attend. If you can’t afford it simply get in touch with us :) **• I'm digging this! Can I get involved somehow?** Sure thing, send us a message! **• Can I bring my pet (llama)?** 100% yes (depends on the venue, ask us!) -- 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙. ✨ * Age guide 22 - 40ish\* (only a reference, never a limit 💃) * Only 30 spots available * Location is only revealed to ticket holders! 🙅‍♀️📱This event is a no-phone experience. Keep them tucked in your pocket 🙅‍♀️📱 We started in Berlin back in 2019 and there are now chapters in Mexico City, Lisbon, Medellin, and Vancouver! 🌏 **Stay in touch 👇** [Website](https://epicllama.com/fuckthesmalltalk) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/epic.llama/)

Please aim to turn up for 1:00-1:30 when teams are being arranged. The Hunt starts at 1:30. You're losing search time if you're late! This Sunday Picture Hunt will have different images to the Monday one and is primarily aimed at people not available during the weekdays. **We meet outside the new Sainsburys entrance further down the building. I’ll be wearing a red Meetup cap. If you’re late, we’ll be in rooms 9-16.** The National Gallery was founded in 1824, after the British government bought a collection of 38 pictures from the banker and collector John Julius Angerstein, consisting of Italian, Dutch and English works. We have a unique take on Treasure Hunts that broadens your art knowledge while sleuthing around gallery rooms. You are all presented with a sheet of 20 part images taken from paintings in a few adjoining designated rooms. You will also have a map of the Gallery. The selected adjoining rooms are listed P, Q, R and S. The clipboard holder enters the room letter to note the image location. Your collective mission is to find them. Usually it’s groups of three to four depending on numbers. Or bring a team of up to three guests with you! Check previous winners and Hunt sheet in the pics below. Dead simple, right? Well, yes, if you can spot them all. Generally though, results are always close. Check photos for the previous Hunt sheet. If you’re new, you can see what your team has to do. Stella said " I was apprehensive about trying this, but once I did, I loved it, our team was great fun". We are a happy and friendly group whose membership for some now goes back ten years. It’s very addictive wandering around looking at famous artwork. Our events make you see new parts of a painting you hadn’t noticed before. Or that fresh work has been introduced. We’ve done quite a few in the last two years and feel very much at home here. We never get tired looking at famous art. I think we come here more often than paying Gallery members! There's plenty of seating around to take the odd rest and look at the same time. Our Treasure Hunts are interesting and challenging, bringing out the best of your teams detecting skills. We meet outside the Sainsburys entrance further down the building. Look out for me under a red Meetup cap! The starting process is as follows. The earlier your team sets off, the more time you have. So turning up early ready for a 1.30 start is a bonus. Team answer sheets have to be back by 3.15. We meet back in the area next to the Espresso cafe where we mark up. In case of a tiebreak, there will be a general art knowledge numerical question where the “nearest to” wins. First team prizes are interesting varieties of chocolate. There is also a prize for the funniest/outrageous team name judged by Sue, my glamorous assistant. So there’s everything to play for. Some players are thinking of team names before they turn up! We always pop into the local Silver Cross in Whitehall for a quick drink after if anybody so wishes. Hunts are good fun and the proven experience so far is that members get to know each other better after working in teams as you all have to communicate. Great icebreakers. This is what Meetup is all about. Come and join us. **There is a £7 cash/card charge on the day. I supply a pen and clipboard but it helps you to bring a pen as well to mark your own sheets.** **Rucksacks now have to be worn front of body.** Items left in the cloakroom are charged at £3 per item. Contact number on the day is 07422334411 if your transport is delayed. If texting leave your name. **Don’t forget to cancel via the “Edit RSVP” button if you can’t make it. Please do this well in advance when you know, so it allows good notice for someone else to take your place, and minimizes waiting about time on the day for other attendees.** **Your consideration is greatly appreciated.**

**Back By Popular Request!** Spend an evening exploring the ins and outs of flash photography and off-camera lighting techniques. We will be in the studio for this meeting and will learn how to use supplemental lighting to improve our images! **Meeting Schedule:** 1. 4:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 4:10 - Old Business 3. 4:20 - New Business 4. 4:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 6:00 - Break 6. 6:05 - Continue Presentation 7. 7:00 - Adjourn

Join us for a CMG Discount Tuesday event to see the hilarious, action-packed and absolutely-bonkers-looking sci-fi-action-comedy, GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE! The film follows a man from the future who recruits diners at an LA restaurant to help combat rogue AI. Here’s a description, trailer and our plan for this event: GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE: A man from the future arrives at a diner in Los Angeles where he must recruit the precise combination of disgruntled patrons to join him on a one-night quest to save the world from the terminal threat of a rogue artificial intelligence. The film is directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean series) and stars Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkFW7BZyqkI EARLY BUZZ AND REVIEWS: Early reviews have been stellar with the film earning a 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes! “It offers laughs, thrills, and it’s a thinker; you will not be disappointed.” It’s a “laugh-filled yet incredibly dark and poignant fever dream that pleads for a safer AI tomorrow” and director Gore Verbinski's “command over utter chaos is nothing short of marvelous!” PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:20pm showing and meet in the bar area between 5:45 and 6:00pm! A smaller theater so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! (If we fill it up, we can sometimes persuade them to move it to a larger theater.) One you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. Should be a fun one, Dan

**Back By Popular Request!** Once you have spent an evening in the studio, you need some refreshments. Join us at Local Cantina in Bridge Park to recharge your energy! **Meeting Schedule:** 1. 7:10 - Chips and Salsa

Join us for a vibrant gathering that honors the heart and hustle of local entrepreneurs. It Takes a Village is more than an event it’s a movement to uplift and spotlight small business owners who pour passion into their craft and creativity into our community. From authors and bakers to jewelry makers, t-shirt designers, candle crafters, and beyond. This is your chance to meet the makers, support their work and celebrate the spirit of collaboration. **_Expect_** * Local vendors showcasing handmade goods * Live demos and storytelling from featured creators * Food, music, and community vibes * Opportunities to shop, connect and be inspired * Celebrate the power of small businesses and we all rise