A new (and free) Christmas movie channel showing festive favourites non-stop is set to launch in the UK this month.
After the events of last Christmas, we definitely need a little help getting into the festive spirit this year - and, by all accounts, it sounds like this new TV channel is set to do just that.
Called GREAT! Movies Christmas, it will be temporarily taking over the GREAT! Movies Classic channel for the next four months to bring us the festive cheer we all so desperately need.
Starting the fun early, the new channel will be showing all our Christmas movie favourites from 23 September, right up until 4 January 2022 - and there are some absolute classics set to be shown alongside new premieres.
According to reports in the Liverpool Echo, programming is set to feature some 'exclusive premieres.'
This will include the likes of Mariah Carey's A Christmas Melody, love story Just In Time For Christmas, 2001 made-for-TV American movie Call Me Claus (starrting Whoopi Goldberg and Nigel Hawthorne), and Crazy For Christmas - which tells the story of how a limo driver helps a wealthy man find his long-lost daughter on Christmas.
Image: Hughes Entertainment Fox Family Films
As well as these seasonal premieres, it's also been reported that the channel will showcase some themed collections like 'Christmas Presents' and 'Christmas Comedy Capers.'
Further titles confirmed to appear on the channel so far include A Christmas Melody, Just In Time For Christmas, Call Me Claus, and Crazy For Christmas.
Available on Freeview, Sky, Virgin, and Freesat for free from later this month, the new pop-up channel comes from Narrative Entertainment, which also owns channels GREAT! movies and GREAT! TV as part of its free entertainment network.
The Liverpool Echo also says that the channel will be "showing all of the much-loved Christmas classics" - so we're crossing our fingers that titles like Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, The Grinch, Love Actually, Home Alone and The Night Before also make an appearance.
GREAT! Movies Christmas will be available to view on Freeview: 51, Sky: 319, Virgin: 424, and Freesat: 303.
Feature image - Sony.
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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)
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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 -
2nd September 2021 
