A radio station playing non-stop Christmas bangers has launched in the UK, giving everyone an excuse to get into the festive spirit extra early this year.
Yes, that’s right – a radio station dedicated entirely to Christmas songs.
We know, we know, Halloween hasn’t even happened yet – but some folks just can’t wait to get stuck into Christmas this year, and who can blame them?
Considering what a flop Christmas 2020 was, if people want to get into the full spirit extra early this year then that's fine by us.
The Heart Xmas radio channel has now gone live for 2021 / Image: Wham / Vevo
If you’re the type that’s got Mariah blasting in September, then you should be absolutely made up to hear that a festive radio station playing non-stop Christmas music has launched in the UK this week.
Launched by Heart, the radio giant’s annual Heart Xmas radio channel has now gone live for 2021, and it’ll be playing festive feel-good tracks 24/7 from now until 27 December.
Soundtracking your Christmas right up until after Santa’s visit, listeners can expect to hear heaps of Mariah and Wham!, The Pogues, and more from the festive radio station throughout the next couple of months.
For a seasonal pick me up, tune in, and be reassured that there’s nothing better than a bit of crooning Bing Crosby of Frank Sinatra to lift your spirits. Trust us, their dulcet tones will certainly get you in the mood for some mulled wine and pigs in blankets.
We fully expect to see Christmas trees popping up in windows well before the start of December, as Brits seek to make up for that Christmas that wasn’t last year – and for those looking to get into the spirit early, this radio channel will do all your festive soundtracking for you.
To get involved, all you need to do is tune into the Heart Xmas radio channel via DAB radio, Global Player, or via the Heart website.
It’s the best time of year, so we might as well get stuck in early – it’ll do you some good.
Feature Image – Mariah Carey / Vevo
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Leeds United among Premier League clubs with the cheapest pints, new data reveals
Leeds United fans looking for a crisp pre-match pint, you're in luck.
Why? Because new data has revealed Leeds United as one of the Premier League clubs offering the cheapest pints.
It's al down to credit card provider Zable who analysed the average price of a pint at pubs near every Premier League stadium, revealing which fanbases pay the most, and least, for their pre-match drink.
You'll be glad to know that Leeds United ranked a very respectable fifth among the Premier League teams with the cheapest pre-match pints, with fans paying an average of £4.74 at pubs near the Elland Road Stadium.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, if fans are looking to grab a drink inside the stadium, they face a higher price tag, with a pint costing £5.60, a difference of over 18%.
Newly promoted Coventry supporters are getting the best deal in the league with the average pint nearby to the stadium costing £4.16, whilst Sunderland came in second please (£4.41), followed by Hull City (£4.70).
The top 10 most expensive pre-game pint prices at nearby stadium pubs:
Coventry (£4.16)
Sunderland (£4.41)
Hull City (£4.70)
Bournemouth (£4.72)
Leeds United (£4.74)
Liverpool (£4.95)
Newcastle United (£5.07)
Manchester United (£5.18)
Ipswich Town (£5.27)
Nottingham Forest (£5.34)
Adam McAllister at Zable says: "For many fans, grabbing a pint before kick-off is part and parcel of the matchday experience, but our research shows that where you choose to drink can make a noticeable difference to the price. While stadium pints are often assumed to be more expensive, that's not always the case.
"With the cost of attending football continuing to add up, from tickets and travel to food and drinks, small differences like these can make a real impact on the overall cost of a matchday. Taking a little time to compare prices before heading to the stadium this season could help fans make their money go further, whether they choose to have a pint at the pub or inside the ground."
Leeds has been named one of the UK’s best-value stag do destinations for 2026
Emily Sergeant
Prague, Amsterdam, Benidorm, and now... Leeds?
Jetting off to some of Europe's cheapest capital cities for a boozy night out with your mates before tying the knot is pretty common-place in the world of stag do culture nowadays.
But some new research has now revealed the UK cities that deliver a legendary last hurrah without the price tag, or the need to hop on a plane.
Chillisauce, the UK's leading hen and stag organiser, has analysed 81,000+ recent group bookings alongside survey feedback from 4,738 stag groups, cross-referenced against live 2026 travel fares, accommodation, and pint prices.
To devise its top 10 list, real price data has been blended with verified group satisfaction to guarantee stags and their pals the best experience.
With the pull of a major city with music, sport, food, and nightlife without London prices, Manchester was crowned the best-value city for a stag do in 2026 overall, tying with fellow northern city Newcastle for the top spot, but Leeds follows right behind them both claiming third place.
In Leeds, the research found that the average accommodation price each night is £69.77 per person, while the average price for a pint sets you back £5.50.
A recurring theme across the winners noted that Britain's student cities - including Leeds and Newcastle - drive the most competitive drink prices.
"We send thousands of groups to Prague, Amsterdam, and Benidorm every year," said Robyn Davis, Head of Stag and Hen at Chillisauce.
"But the UK keeps delivering nights out that groups tell us beat their expectations."
Georgina Pellant -
22nd October 2021 
