We spoke to the brains behind 500 of London’s most spectacular singles parties.
Inner Circle is the dating-app-come-events-expert that’s now officially hosted 500 singles events. It's a huge milestone, and after 10 years of singles parties there are plenty of crazy stories to tell. We caught up with the app’s Event Manager, Oceane Krugel, for all the gossip.
Oceane, first, how would you describe your role at Inner Circle?
“Getting people off their phones and meeting up IRL. We know everyone’s done with dating apps, so it’s about creating a safe and fun space to meet other singles without that endless swiping”
Oceane at Inner Circle X Taste of London festival, London
500 events is a lot, what Inner Circle event stands out for you most?
“Definitely the last Summer Polo Festival. An amazing outdoor day with a stunning venue, exciting polo matches, and outrageous party. It was very cool because everyone was there for the same reason: dating, but it just felt natural. At one point it started raining, but as always Inner Circle members brought great energy and you had 1000 dressed-up people dancing in the rain, bare feet in the mud. It was lush.”
Oceane at Inner Circle X STRAAT museum, Amsterdam
Can you pick your top 3 memorable moments from Inner Circle’s events?
“It’s a tricky one, but probably:
1. We were hosting a rooftop party in Barcelona when our sax player lost his cable. I had to frantically run around the city asking venues if they could lend us one. No one could help us out until eventually I ended up borrowing the cable... from a strip club.
2. Spontaneously, we hosted a summer party in Battersea Park. We simply organised a couple of summer games and music but surprisingly about 500 people turned up. It was a great afternoon of music, games and drinks in the sun, and one of my favourites.
3. At one of the Summer Polo parties we gave out wristbands for an after party, thinking we’d be lucky if half the guests wanted to come. But so many turned up that the official afterparty reached its venue capacity! So then Inner Circle members filled the 2 bars next door and it was almost like an Inner Circle neighbourhood takeover.”
Inner Circle at Inner Circle X The Little Blue Door, London
What events can we expect next from Inner Circle?
“We’ve got a series of summer fun lined up in London and Amsterdam. Think sun soaked rooftops, beachy vibes, and festival fever. Watch this space.”
Sounds great. What would you say to anyone who’s nervous about trying a singles event?
“It's normal to be nervous and quite frankly I think most people are. However, most people come alone to our parties, and we make sure you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in. Welcome drinks, icebreaker games and fabulous people will make you forget your nervousness in no time.”
So, what do you think? Want to see one of these flirtatious fiestas in action? Course you do.
Here’s what to do:
Head to the Discover section and see what event takes your fancy
Grab a ticket, turn up, and prepare to party hard