The Disney store in Leeds' White Rose Shopping Centre has closed for good in a move that is sure to sadden many parents and children who've visited over the years.
Following previously leaked suggestions that the brand would close stores to focus on online shopping instead, it has now been confirmed that the White Rose branch shut its doors for the final time on Sunday.
Many loyal customers have been left disappointed by the closure, which follows reports circulating on social media that suggested Disney planned to close all its UK stores except the flagship Oxford Street shop in London.
So upset at Disney's loyal fans, that a petition has even been started to try and keep the stores open. So far, it has been signed by more than 15,000 people.
"Disney is planning to close all their UK Disney stores except for their flagship store in Oxford Street and go fully online," it reads.
"The stores will all be closed by September 2021. This means all of the magical Disney stores that have been on our high streets for many years will soon disappear.
"Not everyone is fortunate enough to live near the Oxford Street store and the UK doesn't have its own Disney Park. The closest being Disney Land Paris.
"These stores are our gateway to the magical world of Disney. It allows the people of the UK to experience the Disney magic first hand!
"We can't let these magical places disappear. It would be a crime not only to ourselves but to all the children who can't experience this magic."
Elsewhere, people have been sharing their memories of the Disney store in a more positive way - with former employee Callum Martin taking to Facebook to remember the good times he enjoyed as part of the team:
“I’ve been lucky enough to work for Disney for four years, in Aberdeen, Leeds and Orlando, and the memories I’ve made will last a lifetime," he said.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the most incredible, unforgettable and caring people you could ever meet. I owe it to every one of you I’ve met over the years for making me the person I am today.
“It’s been an absolute blast, and while it’s heartbreaking to see our store and most other stores closing, I know I’ll look back on my time at Disney with nothing but amazing memories.”
If you would like to sign the petition, you can do so here.
News
Beloved gig and music venue hits out as ‘some random’ files multiple noise complaints
A much-loved pub and live music venue is struggling with a series of 'malicious' noise complaints, prompting a huge outpouring of support from music industry insiders.
The Golden Lion over in Todmorden is facing uncertainty amidst the complaints from 'some random'.
Matthanee 'Gig' Nilavongse, who runs the venue and its live music offering, said he's 'had enough' and believes The Golden Lion is being targeted.
He stressed that nothing in the venue - the sound system, sound proofing, or anything else in its set-up - has changed since the noise complaints started.
Gig also added that people have been travelling from across the UK and even further afield to attend its events, benefitting the wider community of businesses and local economy.
He added: "Bank holiday next weekend and I'II not tolerate the threat from anyone."
Hundreds of people, including industry names like Sacha Lord, Luke Cowdrey, and Hot Chip's Joe Goddard, have voiced their support for the grassroots venue.
Sacha Lord offered his help fighting the complaints, then added: "I'm sick to death of these NIMBYS who threaten businesses and jobs."
Chelsea Teesdale, head of marketing for the Warehouse Project and Parklife, said: "Sorry you're going through this. The golden lion means so much to many. I go to all kinds of gigs and venues, nothing is quite like the magic of your home."
And Nite School Manchester wrote: "So sorry to hear you're going through this. What you've built at The Golden Lion for the people of Tod (& far beyond!) is a guiding star to us Gig, and we'll be doing everything we can to support you & the team."
Following on from this heartwarming display of affection for the venue, Gig added: "Thank you for all supports near and far, you're close to my heart.
"The show must go on, I'm not back down until the door is close."
Cheap flights up for grabs as easyJet’s ‘Big Orange Sale’ is BACK for 2026
Danny Jones
If you're in need of a holiday, there's no better time to book than now with easyJet's 'Big Orange Sale' returning to the UK.
Not only can you get affordable trips from the likes of Leeds Bradford and Doncaster Sheffield, specifically, but there are discounts across the board by the operator.
The Big Orange Sale is becoming an increasingly popular annual occurrence for Brits, with countless holidaymakers, rather fittingly, making the most of the offer.
In fact, you might have already seen the advert yourselves:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgGG1AciY3I
Just as the ad explains, those travelling via easyJet can get up to 20% discount on flights to a load of different destinations across the globe.
Yes, the company are knocking up to a fifth off the price on flights over the course of nearly 10 months' worth of travel from the UK, provided the trip is booked within the right window.
Seeing savings on more than 730,000 seats, the time frame itself is also one of the longest cut-price periods you'll come across this year, not to mention well into 2027.
Better still, it doesn't just stop at flying itself...
Get this, the flight operators and travel agents are offering up to £400 off on package holidays, meaning those old faithful all-inclusives are about to become even more bang for your buck.
Featuring not only countless mainland European favourites on the list, but also the likes of the Canary Islands, Morocco, and numerous popular skiing hotspots, just to name a few.
As reported by our friends over at The Manc, there are loads of cheap seats from the likes of Manchester Airport, Liverpool, Leeds-Bradford and more as part of this year's sale.
Allowing you to book trips departing between 1 May 2026 and 14 March 2027, it's a huge travel window for you to get extra value-for-money deals on your next getaway.
You can find the full list of flights and package holidays on easyJet's Big Orange Sale right HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
7th September 2021 
