With Halloween on the horizon, Britain is looking at a pumpkin shortage due to a poor harvest impacted by the weather.
There's something about carving a pumpkin, popping a tea light in it and placing it proudly on your doorstep that really gets you in the spooky spirit.
Whether it's a toothy, triangle-eyed terror that you're hacking away at with a blunt knife or a detailed witch on a broom which you've carefully stencilled out, it's truly a right of passage when it gets to Halloween.
However, pumpkin lovers may be in for a serious scare as farmers across the UK fear there might be a pumpkin shortage in time for the autumn festivities.
Image: Unsplash
Bad weather has said to have ruined a whopping one third of the pumpkin harvest in Britain this year.
According to the experts, the hot weather has caused the orange fruit to ripen a lot earlier than usual, which has had a huge impact on it's quality.
Subsequently, the shortage may lead to higher prices on this year's harvest for those who want to get creative with a Jack-o-lantern.
Guy French, a pumpkin farmer in Basildon, told The Mirror, “We are selling at a higher price, but the main factor for that is our input costs. We always say to customers, if you think the price of filling up your car with diesel has doubled, think of what it does for a tractor."
“The quality of the pumpkin is good - the skin finish is good, they’re a really good orange. But the drought had a knock-on impact on yield. You just haven’t got the volume there."
It is said that a lot of farms have already sold out their crops due to a large number of pre-orders, possibly due to manufacturers pre-empting this shortage.
So keep your eye out for pumpkins early this year and if you can't find one, then you may have to settle for another spherical shaped fruit. Perhaps a watermelon might do the job?
The Glee Club is celebrating its first year in Leeds with a spectacular birthday celebration featuring internationally renowned comedians.
We hope you're ready to laugh your socks off Leeds.
Since opening its doors in March 2025, The Glee Club has made a name for itself as the city's best destination for a hilarious night out.
Welcoming huge crowds every weekend, it's now a must-visit venue if you're looking for a good laugh and an unforgettable night.
To celebrate their first birthday, they are pulling out all the stops and welcoming a lineup of world-class comedians to the stage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off on Monday 23 March, guests include the much loved comedian and TV presenter, Joe Lycett; German-American comedian, Mario Adrion; acclaimed stand-up Russell Kane; rising star and award-winning comedian, Michael Odewale; Birmingham’s funniest export, Lindsey Santoro; TV favourite Matt Richardson; plus London's number one original and longest running comedy clash show, World Comedy Clash.
And it doesn't stop there, as the venue will also be launching a brand-new food and drink menu to add to the ultimate Glee experience.
A spokesperson for The Glee Leeds said: "What an incredible first year it has been in Leeds. The city has embraced us with open arms and the atmosphere on our sell-out weekends has been absolutely electric.
“The birthday celebrations are just the beginning; we have a phenomenal line-up ahead and a brand-new menu to match. We are so proud of what we've built in Leeds, and we can't wait to raise a glass, and a giggle, to many more years of laughter in Leeds.”
You can see the full schedule and book your tickets here.
Inside Leeds’ newest vintage store that’s a Y2K-lover’s paradise
Clementine Hall
Yorkshire's favourite vintage retailer has just opened a permanent store in Leeds city centre.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop-up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is back with a bang having moved into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They've taken over the old Levi's site on Lands Lane and wow is it a beauty.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
If you're a fan of Y2K fashion then you're going to absolutely love their new shop, the entire top floor is dedicated to the era complete with rails stacked with baby tees, long skirts and iconic accessories.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's also an incredible selection of cowboy boots which we've got our eye on.
Downstairs you'll find a huge selection of big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
There's loads of changing rooms so you'll never find yourself queueing, and the prices won't break the bank.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Opening tomorrow Wednesday 18 March at 12pm, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Clementine Hall -
1st September 2022 
