Pattaya, Thailand: couples kiss during a competition for the world’s longest continuous kiss in the hope of breaking the Guinness world record, and to receive prizes totalling more than 200,000 Thai baht (£4,300) and a diamond ring
An aerial photograph has revealed that thousands of oak trees planted as a labour of love by a farmer as a tribute to his late wife have a heart-shaped meadow at their centre.
Winston Howes, 70, planted the oak saplings after his wife of 33 years, Janet, died suddenly 17 years ago.
But of course that’s not all we’ve got for this global celebration of all things mushy and romantic - here’s a roundup of what’s on our site so far today in honour Saint Valentine:
“Last summer I ventured into Cif belief and noticed a commenter there that had the same views as my own. She was full of confidence as she posted. Naturally, I would look out for her posts as I did with other commenters I came to respect over the following months, catching glimpses of her personality as she debated the topic at hand.”
“Today – and the day after and the day after that – remind yourself, and your partner, of all the good and extraordinary and lovable things about them.”
Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions, but the celebration as we know it today really took off in the Victorian era. This advert from February 1853 is for Hyam’s tailors, in Manchester. Guardian Archive looks back at Valentine’s Day through the decades as seen in Guardian print. Photograph: Guardian
I ❤ romance. When I was about 17, I cycled 10 miles across London at 3am to declare my undying love to a girl I fancied but who didn’t fancy me. A modern-day recreation of the balcony scene in Romeo & Juliet would surely – I reasoned – win her round. Sure, it was way creepy. Sure, she lived in a basement. And, sure, it turned out she was with another boy. But I’m a die-hard romantic, and you will have to rip my heart out before I renounce such gestures.
Patrick Kingsley on his top romantic moments. G2 are looking for more…