A selection of iconic romance films are returning to cinemas across the UK today to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
In case you missed it the other day, it was revealed that cult-classic late 90s sitcom 10 Things I Hate About You would be making a cinema comeback nationwide this week in a bid to properly – and quite rightly – celebrate 25 years since it was first released, as well as the international day of love itself, Valentine's Day.
And now, two other massively-popular films are set to join the Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Heath Ledger-led gem for one night only.
That’s right – Titanic and Notting Hill are back on the big screen tonight (14 February).
Image: Universal Pictures
To kick things off, you and your loved ones can head to your nearest Vue cinema, grab some popcorn, and sit down to watch the timeless love story of Jack and Rose is back set against the ill-fated maiden voyage of the so-called ‘unsinkable’ Titanic – which we all know, at the time, was the largest moving object ever built.
James Cameron’s multi Academy Award-winner will be on the big screen in 3D 4K HDR and at a high-frame rate, which means you can see the magic of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s performances up close like never before.
For lovers of musicals, the 2012 film adaptation of on one of the most celebrated productions of all time, Les Misérables, is also being screened today.
But, if you’re looking for something a little more uplifting to watch, and fancy seeing a film where the title doesn’t literally translate to ‘The Miserables’ with your Valentine tonight instead, then surely is doesn’t get much better than Notting Hill?
Image: Touchstone Pictures
Often dubbed ‘the ultimate romcom’ by film fans, the 1999 Richard Curtis-directed flick stars Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in two of their most famous and best-loved leading roles, and is known and loved by people the world over.
And it’s also another classic that’s turning 25 this year too, so that’s even more of a reason to celebrate.
Speaking on the films’ Valentine’s Day returns, Mike Anton, who is General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said: “We’re thrilled to be showing these classic romance films this Valentine’s Day, but no matter who you choose to spend the day with, these titles are sure to bring back fond emotions for lovers of film.
“There’s nothing quite like the magic of the big screens to celebrate Valentine’s.”
Tickets are available from as little as just £4.99 at select venues, and you can find out times at your selected cinema on the Vue website here.
A Yorkshire-born and bred artist and his creative team have earned the huge honour of creating the official FIFA scarf collection for this year's World Cup.
Nothing short of massive for anyone from our part of the world.
The local legend in question is Tom Pitts, who was born in Sheffield and is now based just beyond Leeds, leading the campaign right from the helm.
Hand Drawn Pixels is a graphic design and digital studio based in Otley, and while you'll see plenty of folks wearing football shirts and even the odd scarf on the town's famous pub crawl, these lot are venturing on an entirely different kind of run this summer.
In fact, the work has very much already started, with Tom and co. collaborating directly with FIFA and US manufacturers, Global Scarves, to create the World Cup collection.
With this year's tournament obviously taking place across America, Mexico and Canada, they've joined up with a big LLC, but they describe themselves as "a true English custom scarf company with American parents."
In their words, "We knit scarves for clients all over the world", with a presence both near Leeds and over in Seattle, Washington.
The fixtures themselves kick off next month (England's first game coming against Croatia on 17 June), and so Hand Drawn Pixels have been hard at work meeting the briefs for each of the nations taking part.
Here's a quick breakdown of how the opportunity came about, their vision for the project, and how everything starts for them as a whole process.
You can see more of their work HERE, but as the brand name would suggest, it's pretty simple to begin with: nothing more than a pencil.
It's worth noting that the 2026 World Cup also featured the largest number of teams in the competition's history: 48 qualified national squads, to be exact. So, technically, they've had even more designing to do than they theoretically would have in any of the previous years, too.
Tom confessed that winning this bid is obviously a big deal on its own and that seeing his creations being worn in person by supporters at the stadiums will be a "surreal" experience.
Speaking exclusively with The Hoot, he said: "It’s been an amazing creative challenge for us to truly reflect the individuality and diversity of the nations competing in this prestigious tournament on such an iconic product as the football scarf."
He went on to add that "the whole project has been a huge learning experience, gaining deeper cultural insight into every nation involved."
We can't wait to cast eyes upon a sea of colour and finely crafted fabric in unique but somehow universally familiar patterns, all designed right here in 'God's Own Country'.
Pretty Woman The Musical will be returning to the stage in Leeds next year
Emily Sergeant
“Big night out. Big. HUGE.”
This is your chance to experience one of Hollywood’s best-loved romcoms of all time, as following a record-breaking run in the West End and a sell-out first UK tour in 2023, Pretty Woman The Musical is heading back out the road again next year, and it’ll be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages.
With direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, an original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton, it’s no wonder Pretty Woman The Musical is one of the most popular productions of the 21st century.
Image: Supplied
Just like the 1990 film of the same name, Pretty Woman The Musical tells the story of Vivian and Edward, two unlikely soulmates who overcome all odds to find each other… and themselves.
The musical – which is described as being a ‘dazzlingly joyous love story for the ages’ – lets you experience all the moments you know and love from the movie, all while getting to know these iconic characters in a whole new way.
Image: Supplied
Stopping off at Leeds Grand Theatre next summer, the show will be in our city from 27 July through to 31 July 2027, before visiting other northern cities like York, Sunderland, Hull, and Liverpool, as well as major locations like Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.
You can find out more about when to buy your tickets for Pretty Woman at Leeds Grand Theatre here.
Clementine Hall -
14th February 2024 
