The magic of the Harry Potter universe is coming to Yorkshire after fans voted in their thousands for a gigantic display of magic wands to travel to the region as part of a UK tour.
A week-long light display will bring nine 15ft tall wands from the fantasy world of witches and wizards to Hull later this year.
Originally, they should have arrived in the city last November as part of the Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them launch, but the display was delayed by the pandemic.
Now, a new date has been confirmed creating excitement amongst Harry Potter stands across the region.
They will appear in Hull's Queen Victoria Square from 2 March as part of a week-long light show, accompanied by thrilling music from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series.
Image: Wizarding World
Created in support of Harry Potter creator and author J K Rowling's Lumos Foundation, which works to reunite children in institutions with their families, the giant wands previously appeared in London in 2019.
Illuminated near St Paul's Cathedral, they lit up the walkway between the historic house of worship and Millennium Bridge every night from 6.45pm.
Now, they'll be coming to Hull as part of a new UK tour that will also take the glowing magic sticks to Birmingham, Stoke on Trent and Reading later this year.
Hull reportedly had more votes than any other city in the UK, and as such as been chosen as the first city for them to visit outside of London.
Image: Wizarding World
The wands' arrival has been timed to coincide with the launch of the newest Fantastic Beasts film, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, which will land in cinemas on 8 April.
Towering up high at 15ft tall, they'll be held in place in concrete bases and light up the sky every night to create a magical spectacle that's sure to appeal to fans of all ages.
Polly Cochrane, Country Manager WarnerMedia UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted that this stunning installation will be touring for the first time next month and the magic will be shared with even more fans.
“Following a nationwide vote, it’s exciting to know that we’re bringing the wands to the biggest Wizarding World fans across the UK as we celebrate the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.”
Meadowhall has just welcomed a brand-new JD Sports Store - and it is absolutely mega.
Trainer and sportswear lovers, this one's for you as JD Sports has just opened the doors to its newest store.
Located in Meadowhall shopping centre on the Lower Level of the High Street, the new store is almost triple its previous size and spans a whopping 29,225 sq ft.
Shoppers can now browse an ever bigger selection of clothing, footwear and sportswear from big brands like Nike, Montirex, New Balance, Adidas and Berghaus just to name a few.
Image: The Sheff
To make your shopping experience even smoother, the new store features self-service tills so you can be in and out within a flash.
To celebrate the opening, Chunkz and Kenny from popular Youtube collective Beta Squad officially opened the store today and held a meet and greet for fans.
Image: The Sheff
And the celebrations don't stop there, as from Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August customers can get involved in JD's Spin-to-Win, with the chance to win gift cards, trainers and JD-branded merchandise.
Not only that, but Montirex will be hosting games all-weekend-long.
And if you can't make it that weekend, then do not fear. As on Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August, The Crep Protect truck will be rolling into Meadowhall giving out free goodie bags for customers who sign up to JD Status and follow Crep Protect.
Image: The Sheff
Sneaker Throne will also be offering a shoe-cleaning experience, with demonstrations showing customers how to keep their trainers fresh using products available in-store and goodie bags will be on offer which will also include tokens to play the Cop & Flop game.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you there for a fresh new fit.
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
Clementine Hall
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Georgina Pellant -
9th February 2022 
