Leeds Showcase cinema is hosting an all-day Christmas film event this October and will be showing some of our absolute favourites - and tickets for all films are just £5 each.
Programming for the all-day festive film event features some absolute classics, including cult favourites Elf and Home and Alone.
Taking place two months before Christmas on Sunday 23 October, organisers at Leeds Showcase are hoping to encourage people to get into the festive spirit early year this year.
Guests at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Leeds in Gelderd Road, Batley, will be treated to a day full of back to back festive screenings - kicking things off with the animated movie Polar Express at 11 am.
Image: Warner Bros
Telling the tale of a young boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole to meet Father Christmas, it's a great one for the whole family to enjoy together.
In the afternoon, McCauley Culkin will take to the screen in his most famous 90s role as Kevin when Christmas classic Home Alone screens at 1.40 pm.
In the movie, he is left behind by his family as they take a Christmas vacation to Paris - and must fend for himself against burglars Harry and Marv, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, with some hilarious consequences.
Then at 4.20 pm, the cinema will show the 1946 classic It's a Wonderful Life for a matinee screening starring the legendary James Stewart.
Image: 20th Century Fox
The day will then round off with a screening of all-around festive favourite Elf starring the one and only Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human elf who's lived much of his life at the North Pole.
After escaping his orphanage via Santa's present bag as a baby one Christmas, he ends up being kept by Santa and the elves - until, that is, he realises his human origins and sets off to New York in search of his real father.
UK General Manager for Showcase Cinemas, Mark Barlow, said: “It’s been a tough time for everyone these past 18 months, so Showcase Cinemas wants to bring some early festive fun as we start the countdown to the most wonderful time of the year.
Suffice to say, it's going to be quite a jam-packed day at Showcase with plenty to get you into the festive spirit - which is exactly what the team intends.
UK General Manager for Showcase Cinemas, Mark Barlow, said: “It’s been a tough time for everyone these past 18 months, so Showcase Cinemas wants to bring some early festive fun as we start the countdown to the most wonderful time of the year.
“We’ve brought Christmas forward a couple of months so everyone can start to get into the Christmas spirit.
"We have picked four festive favourites and we’re looking forward to a busy day of Christmas fun in the middle of October.”
Feature image - Warner Bros
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Independent Leeds bookshop raises money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to ‘deface’ Harry Potter books
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Georgina Pellant -
28th September 2021 
