A viral craze has yet again struck the internet, and this time it’s a cute plush collectible toy character even causing one particular shop in Leeds to sell-out of its stock.
Who is the culprit of this shop’s constant restocking? An adorable collectable plush toy character that goes by the name of ‘Labubu‘.
In Britain it’s safe to say we are accustomed to a queue or two, but over in Manchester, this newest line which has started forming for Labubu toys outside a collectibles shop on Market Street has left us puzzled.
The queues aren’t appearing from nowhere either; social media users describe how they’ve walked past the store as early as 7:30am and seen dozens of people standing outside waiting.
Image: Pop Mart
If your follow-up question is, “What is a Labubu?”, don’t worry because we asked exactly the same thing before we ended up nose-deep in the world of these widely popular plush toys.
Labubu is the name of the viral plush toy created by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised designer Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from his love of fairytales to make this worldwide cuddly phenomenon.
Recognised by their bunny-like ears, large eyes and big smiles (which some people find off-putting), Labubu has become a bit of an overnight superstar and shows no signs of slowing down.
The general public aren’t the only ones all over these famous fur-balls either, as celebs and stars alike have been attaching them to their handbags and sporting them like a prized possession.
Image: Pop Mart
And these are some pretty big names too, everyone from global superstar Rihanna to pop princess Dua Lipa have been pictured with a variation of Labubu dangling from their handbag.
People don’t just want to buy these viral toys as they are, part of the reason people are so obsessed with Labubu is the surprise element as you’ll find thousands of unboxing videos online.
Avid TikTok users will come across plenty of unboxing style videos, where collectors predict which colour or variation of the viral toy they will get before inevitably find out for themselves.
Previous Love Island contestant, reality TV star and model Olivia Attwood has got involved in this current Labubu trend, making lots of videos on social media expressing her love towards these plush collectables.
Attwood has become an unofficial mascot for Labubu through her various videos on social media, where she either unboxes or makes reference to these ‘monsters’.
This adorable plush toy character has even made its way into the rap field with UK drill act Central Cee not only having one but five variations of Labubu.
Each Labubu falls under a category or ‘series’, Cench seems to be a fan of the ‘Have A Seat’ range with all his collectibles in a sitting position.
The series all have their own names and limited edition style characters too including ‘Wings Of Fortune’, ‘Big Into Energy’, Pop Mart even launched a collaboration with household brand Coca Cola.
Our friends over at The Manc have an excess of these cuddly-fluffy companions and are set to get even more thanks to the recent announcement of a Trafford Centre site.
Labubu toys are exclusive to Pop Mart and available in their stores nationwide including Manchester Market Street and London - but Leeds’ high street also has a contender too.
Forbidden Planet, the UK’s largest cult comic and entertainment retailer, who are working tirelessly to secure as many Labubus as they can at The Headrow site.
This Leeds vendor is constantly trying to order in more stock of these Labubu dolls which have blown up online so if you’re after one, think fast.
Chow Down, a huge open-air event space in Leeds, is set to reopen this autumn for a whole new era.
The popular site will relaunch as BAR Events Leeds, kicking things off with a month-long Oktoberfest celebration.
Chow Down was a hugely popular hangout in the city, from summer beer garden pints to cosy winter cocktails - but closed its doors for good back in 2023.
Now, it's set to reopen as a brand-new venue, from the team behind BAR Events UK.
Situated just a 10 minute walk from Leeds train station, the new venue will be home to a giant teepee beer hall, complete with live Oompah bands, authentic German street food, a huge bar with two-pint steins of beer, and a lively festival atmosphere.
And with tickets priced at just £5, it'll be one of Leeds' most accessible seasonal events.
The Oktoberfest celebrations will run Thursday to Sunday throughout October, kicking off on Friday 2 October - but they've said that Oktoberfest is just the beginning.
There's a calendar of themed pop-up events in the works year-round, as well as operating as a private-hire venue.
Owner of BAR Events UK and BAR Events Leeds, Dan Lakin, said: "I've been running events for decades, and BAR Events UK has now been creating memorable experiences for over 11 years.
"During that time we've delivered thousands of weddings, festivals, corporate events and private celebrations across Yorkshire and beyond.
The old Chow Down will reopen in Leeds this autumnThe outdoor space will reopen with a huge Oktoberfest celebration
"I'd been looking for the right venue where we could create something permanent, hosting regular public events as well as private functions.
"I never expected to find such an incredible open space right on the doorstep of Leeds city centre, and when this opportunity came up I knew I had to take it.
"Oktoberfest is just the start. We've got lots of exciting ideas planned for the site over the coming months, and we're looking forward to creating a venue that people return to again and again.
"Whether it's a night out with friends, a corporate event or a private celebration, we hope BAR Events Leeds becomes somewhere the city can really enjoy."
The venue will open to the public on Friday 2 October then run every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout, with one session on Thursdays and Fridays and two sessions each Saturday and Sunday - tickets are on sale now via Skiddle.
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
The Hoot -
12th May 2025 
