Monopoly has launched a new Elf-themed game that’s now available to buy here in the UK and it sounds absolutely brilliant.
Yes, it may only be September, but there’s no harm in getting into the spirit early - especially when it's for something this good.
The iconic board game has been reimagined in the world of Elf, the 2003 Christmas smash hit starring Will Ferrell and directed by Jon Favreau.
The film is an undeniable Christmas classic and often right at the top of the watch list for most people as the festive season begins to roll around.
Just like the iconic Elf, the game also follows Buddy the Elf as he travels from the north pole to New York City in search of his father, after finding out that he is actually a human and fleeing Santa's workshop.
Using key themes from the film, this customised Elf board game works just like the original Monopoly that we all know and love - with some festive quirks added in for good measure.
Suitable for those aged eight and over, you will travel around the board touring wondrous landmarks on Buddy's journey.
All of this is done using festive tokens like maple syrup - taking care not to be a "cotton headed ninny muggins" and end up in jail.
Further tokens referencing classics from the film include Santa’s bag, a mailroom coffee mug, a polar bear cub, Santa’s sleigh, and a Jack-in-the-box.
New festive additions to the board that nod to the film, meanwhile, include Santa’s Workshop, the Empire State Building, and Central Park Woods.
Featuring a host of iconic moments from Christmas favourite Elf such as custom hotels and homes, players of this special Monopoly edition will get to relive some of their favourite film moments through the new board game.
Elf Monopoly is now available to buy Amazon for £37.95here.
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
15th September 2021 
