A BRADFORD DJ is bringing back singles nights that were “iconic” in the city in the 1980s and 90s, attracting people from around the UK.

The events are for people looking to find love or meet new friends, without swiping through dating apps.

Tony Sykes was a well-known disc jockey in the district in the Eighties and Nineties and ran Sunday singles nights at Bradford’s Midland Hotel. “It was an iconic night in the North of England, people came from all over the country,” said Tony.

Now he’s bringing singles nights for over-25s back to the Midland - as an alternative to online dating.

“We live in an age of social media and dating websites, but some people just want to meet up face-to-face,” said Tony. “A lot of people don’t have access to the internet, and they don’t want to meet people online. You can’t beat socialising and meeting like-minded people face-to-face, but it’s not really done any more.

“I led the singles night market for several years across the North. I was known as the ‘Mobile Maestro’. The nights were massively popular at the Midland - near on 1,000 people attended each one - and made me one of the most successful DJs in the North.

“People still want that social scene, not everyone wants to use a dating app. People miss human contact, there’s a big problem with social isolation and loneliness in society today.”

The party nights, every Sunday at the Midland, are for singles over 25. Starting on Sunday, February 2, from 7.30pm, they will take place in the hotel’s glittering ballroom. Entry is free, with a free supper, and there will be a disco, led by DJ Tony at the decks, and a late bar.

“The music will be from the 1960s to the present day - and I’m bringing back the ‘mid-session smooches’ that were popular first time around, said Tony. “People who are in their 40s and 50s may not be the best dancers, but they just want to get out and meet people of the same age. It’s not necessarily about meeting someone romantically; it’s just going out and listening to good music, having a dance and a laugh.

“It’s not a pick-up joint - it’s a place for like-minded people to meet up in a safe venue where they can have a free supper and feel welcome. It gets people talking together.”

Tony was the DJ at the Midland during its Pennington Midland era in the 1990s and has now returned to the hotel as the resident DJ. “We had an exceptional Christmas, and I’m really looking forward to getting the singles nights going again,” he said.

l For more about the Singles Sunday Party Nights call (01274) 735735, email events@midland-hotel-bradford.com or visit peelhotels.co.uk