Whether you're couple up or a singleton, there's little escape from Valentine's Day on Saturday. Expect restaurant prices to be hiked for 'special set menus', an abundance of red and pink hearts across town, and garage forecourts to be out of wilted flowers.
Luckily Saturday is only 24 hours long - and there's plenty to do in the county this weekend.
Here are our top 10 suggestions:
1. Spring is in the air
Fancy a bit of fresh air and getting close to nature? Head to Cotswold Farm Park from Saturday for lambing live. As well as being able to see gamboling new lambs, there will also be crafts and games including a special lambing trail, making your own fluffy sheep picture and the mum and lamb matching game.
On from Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 22. Open 10.30am - 5pm. Free with entry to the park - Adults £9.25 Children £7.8.40 Seniors £8.65 Family £31.50
2. Fun for petrol heads
It's the 40th Wydean Forest Rally on Saturday. 175 cars will take the start and use tracks through the Forest of Dean. The first car leaves Chepstow Racecourse at 08.01 and, having completed eight special stages totalling 45 miles, none of which is used twice, is due to arrive back there for the finish at 14.40.
3. Mingle with singles
Singles aged 20 and over are invited to Café René for a Finders and Keepers night. The £10 ticket prices includes a complimentary drink on arrival, canapés, ice breakers, games, drink promotions and entry into a raffle.
In the cellar bar, it's on from 8pm to 10pm and afterwards guests can stay for a set from DJ Bounce.
Tickets £10 (20 per cent donated to The British Heart Foundation). Tickets must be booked in advance on 07886 691017 or call jojo@caferene.co.uk.
- 4. Get crafty with the family
Throw your own pot alongside Taurus Crafts artists or choose to paint one on Saturday and Sunday. Painting sessions are from 11am to 1pm, while throwing pots are from 2pm to 4pm.
It costs £5 to throw a pot and £6 to paint pots or other items. Taurus Crafts, Old Park, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 6BU, 01594 844841
5. Compete against your partner (or someone you love)
Virgin Active Brockworth are challenging couples to run 5k over a flat course on closed roads and footpaths. They can choose who gets the headstart and let the chase begin and the first one over the line wins a T-shirt with bragging rights.
Both runners will receive a medal and a free day pass to Virgin Health & Fitness at Brockworth along with a goody bag. There are prizes to be won for the fastest on the day. Registration opens at 9am inside Virgin Active Health and Fitness Centre. and the First Wave will start at 11.00. Warm showers and changing facilities are available at the centre along with refreshments. Entry £15 single, £20 couples. 01242 890604 for more.
6. The film everyone will be talking about
Cineworld Gloucester have dedicated seven of their 10 screens this weekend to Fifty Shades of Grey film.
7. Cook this
Rib-eye Steaks with chilli butter and homemade chips for two by James Martin
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 50g butter, softened, plus a little extra
- 1 red chilli, finely chopped
- juice and zest ½ lemon
- olive oil
- 2 x 200g rib-eye steaks, seasoned
- 2 handfuls mixed salad leaves
- 450g floury potatoes, such as Estima, King Edward or Maris Piper, peeled and cut into chunky chips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- For the chilli butter, mash the parsley into the butter with the chilli, a squeeze of lemon juice, the zest and some seasoning. Chill until firm.
- Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. For the chips, toss all the ingredients on a baking tray, then season. Roast for 35-45 mins until golden and crisp.
- Heat a good glug of oil in a frying pan. Add the extra butter and the seasoned steaks, fry for 2-4 mins on each side, then transfer to plates. Toss the leaves with olive oil and lemon juice. Divide between the plates, add the chips and top each steak with a piece of chilli butter.
More information here
8. Eat out
Head to Blossom Oriental on Southgate Street - always a favourite with us for good value food, accommodating large parties and tasty buffet food. You order what you fancy from the menu and it arrives freshly cooked at your table - and keep ordering until you're full! Adults evening prices at weekends is £17.90.
9. Watch this with the family
Last chance to see Aladdin in Hucclecote on Saturday at Hucclecote Methodist Church. Performances start at 2.30pm or 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £5 from Alison Elvey on 07760 234629, Sara Sired on 07854 808500 or Dorothy Dwight on 01452 627390
10. Dads get discount at this attraction
Prinknash Bird and Deer Park is open on Saturday and Sunday - but on Saturday mornings, dads get a discount and freebie. It's the park's 'Desperate Dads' offer - they can bring their children along and receive a 15% discount on entry fees and a free hot drink.
The offer is available from 10am til noon. Tickets should be purchased on the park's website in advance, printed and produced at reception.
