Find your perfect match at Redcliffe Markets

Forget Tinder and Bumble - would-be lovebirds can step back in time when the Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan Markets set the stage for classic ’80s television dating show Perfect Match on Valentine’s Day.

Market organiser Mark Power, of Goodwill Projects, says he’s wanted to reprise the popular dating show for a few years and Redcliffe seemed like the right place to do it, with the beautiful bayside as the backdrop.

Mark says Perfect Match is well known among the over-45 age group and he’s looking forward to introducing younger people to match-making ’80s style.

Pioneer dating show

Long before The Bachelor, Farmer Wants a Wife and Married at First Sight hit the small screen, Perfect Match paired lovelorn couples in 30-minute episodes before sending them off on a “honeymoon” to destinations such as the Sunshine Coast, Tangalooma or South Stradbroke Island – accompanied by a film crew.

Mark says couples paired during the market’s Perfect Match will be spared the embarrassment of being accompanied on any dates and he’s working with local operators on prizes.

“We’ve got great prizes – a lot of local businesses are getting on board,” Mark says.

“We’re having a lot of fun promoting it.”

Dexter returns

As well as an emcee taking on the hosting gig made famous by Greg Evans (who’s now a marriage celebrant) Mark has lined up a set designer to recreate Dexter, the robot that calculated the compatibility of each matched couple.

“Keeping it faithful to the ’80s classic, our contestants will be hidden from each other’s view as they find the one that sets their heart on fire,” he says.

As well as prizes for dating participants, Mark says there will be a prize for south-east Queensland’s worst date story.

The markets run from 7am-1pm on Sunday, February 14 and Perfect Match starts at 10am.

Nominate now

To register yourself or a single friend to enter Perfect Match Redcliffe-style click here.

For more local news click here.