As the cold weather starts to creep in, we're all becoming increasingly aware that summer is over for the year and it's time to start getting snuggly for winter - and these £14 'snuddies' from Primark are proving the perfect thing.
Shoppers have been quick to snap up the blanket and hoodie crossover - known as a ‘snuddie’ - since they've been returned to shelves this month.
The item flew off shelves in Primark stores last winter, with many shoppers keen to get their hands on the sought-after winter warmers in between lockdowns.
The must-have item comes in two colours: light grey and pale pink.
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of a ‘snuddie’, it’s essentially an oversized hoodie come dressing gown that’s made out of a fluffy, teddy bear-style blanket material.
The budget retailer's “comfy and cosy” item is a copy of the popular 'Oodie' which will you back a whopping £84, which explains why people are moving so quickly to snap up the £14 version.
Those who managed to get their hands on one last year gave it rave reviews, saying it was like “walking around with your duvet on your back.”
A Facebook post showcasing the ‘snuddie’ on the ever-popular Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK page this past week proved a hit, racking up thousands of engagements and an massive 18,000 comments - suggesting you best be quick if you want to get your hands on one this year.
And that's not the only page that has been posting about the wearable blankets. Facebook page 'Bag a weekly bargain' also shared the 'snuddie' saying:
"I came across these at PRIMARK and they look soooooo comfy. Pick up these Snuddies for £14."
That post also went viral with over 8.2k post shares, 47k comments and nearly 8,000 reactions.
Clearly, they are selling fast - and we can understand why. Extreme comfort for £14 is not something to be sniffed at.
Otley has announced its intention to bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Entering into the national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the West Yorkshire town is hoping to be the first-ever town to claim the title.
The Town of Culture competition invites towns across the UK to showcase their cultural story and develop ambitious programmes that celebrate local heritage, creativity, and communities.
The winning town receives a £3 million grant from the Government to deliver a major year-long cultural programme in 2028 designed to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Their bid is focused around the Otley 800, a year-long programme that will mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the bridge over the River Wharfe in 1228.
These two historic moments transformed Otley into the bustling market town that it is today, so it deserves to be recognised.
Work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years, with the council and Otley BID working with residents to put plans in place for the special year.
More than 70 organisations have been involved.
Mayor of Otley Cllr Paul Carter said: “Otley has always been a town that punches above its weight. This bid is about celebrating our history, but also about investing in our future — creating opportunities for our community, raising our profile and making sure Otley continues to thrive for the next 800 years.”
The shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is set to be announced later this year, with each chosen town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Fingers crossed!
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
Georgina Pellant -
22nd September 2021 
