Southampton Shenanigans formed in September 2023 and has quickly become Southampton’s fastest growing meet-up group.

With nearly 2,500 members, the group was founded by Aimee Knell, 27, as a way of meeting new people and seeing new parts of the city, having originally moving from Sussex to study law at the University of Winchester.

In less than two years, the group has become the largest of its kind in Southampton, with a diverse group of members enjoying dinners together, going to the pub, and taking part in countryside walks.

“I’m amazed it has taken off as much as it has,” said Aimee.

“Initially I wasn’t sure what would come of it, we’d have a few members go to the pub or take part in games afternoons, but it’s really grown in popularity over time.

“Lifelong friendships have been formed, and we have people from as far away as Bournemouth and London join us because there’s nothing else like this where they live.

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“Our youngest members are in their early 20s and the eldest are in their 80s.

“We’ve found that it’s been a great way for people to interact with each other, before joining us some people didn’t really know anyone and now, they’ve got a really big friendship group.”

Aimee even met her partner, Andy, through the group, with the pair now living together, having rented their first flat since January from a landlord who they also met because of Southampton Shenanigans.

Originally from Nepal, Aisha has been a group member since May 2024, and praised Southampton Shenanigans for being “warm and welcoming.”

She said: “There's no judgement or preference to race, gender and age. I met a lot of likeminded people. Previously, I used to struggle finding things to do on weekends but now it’s not a problem.”

Cori added: “I joined in August last year and was initially nervous, but I was made to feel very welcome. Since joining, I’m attending events on a regular basis and I’m feeling happier and less lonely.”

“We celebrated our one-year anniversary last year,” said Aimee.

“The group has gone from strength to strength, and we hope to welcome more members in the future.”