Draft:"Frien-do"
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Comment: In preparing this draft, I disclose that AI assistance was used as follows: I used ChatGPT to help structure and draft neutral, factual wording for this article based on the cited media coverage and source material. I reviewed the draft and sources before submission. Mia Bowler Curtis (talk) 11:06, 1 October 2026 (UTC)- Comment: In accordance with the Wikimedia Foundation's Terms of Use, I disclose that I have been paid by my employer for my contributions to this article. Mia Bowler Curtis (talk) 11:00, 1 October 2026 (UTC)
Frien-do is a friendship ceremony introduced by Butlin's Big Weekenders in the United Kingdom in 2026. The concept involves groups of friends making informal friendship vows to one another in a purpose-built "Chapel of Friendship". The name "Frien-do" is a play on the phrase "I do", associated with wedding ceremonies.[1][2]
Background
[edit]The initiative followed research commissioned by Butlin's Big Weekenders and conducted by OnePoll among 2,000 UK adults in August 2026. The survey reported that 41% of respondents spent extended periods of time with friends less than once a year or never, while 34% said they wished they saw their friends more frequently. Twenty-six per cent said they often discussed meeting friends without subsequently making plans.[3]
As part of the initiative, Butlin's appointed entertainer Chris Morley as its "Celebrant of Friendship". Morley was appointed to conduct Frien-do ceremonies in which participating groups make friendship vows to one another.[4]
Chapel of Friendship
[edit]The ceremonies take place in a "Chapel of Friendship" at Butlin's Bognor Regis resort. The chapel was announced in 2026 as a venue where groups attending Butlin's Big Weekenders could participate in Frien-do ceremonies.[5]
The Chapel of Friendship was scheduled to feature at the Back to the 2000s Big Weekender at Bognor Regis on 20 November 2026.[6]
The concept also featured during other Big Weekender events at the resort. Journalists attending a 1990s-themed Big Weekender in 2026 reported seeing guests participate in Frien-do ceremonies.[7]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Brits can now 'marry' their mates as Butlin's appoints first UK celebrant of friendship". Daily Star. Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ↑ "Butlin's Bognor Regis launches UK's first Celebrant of Friendship". V2 Radio. Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ↑ "Friends urged to turn 'we should' into 'we do' as friendship chapel launches at Bognor Regis Butlin's". Sussex World. Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ↑ "Butlin's Bognor Regis launches UK's first Celebrant of Friendship". V2 Radio. Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ↑ "Butlin's Bognor Regis to open new 'Chapel of Friendship'". The Argus. Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ↑ "Friends urged to turn 'we should' into 'we do' as friendship chapel launches at Bognor Regis Butlin's". Sussex World. Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ↑ "I went to Butlin's 90s weekend and there's one thing I wasn't expecting". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 1 October 2026.
External links
[edit]Butlin's Big Weekenders official website