For a good chunk of us Brits, Christmas can be quite the boozy affair - and there’s absolutely no denying that.
No matter how your Christmas tends to pan out, if you’re partial to an alcoholic tipple, then there’s an extremely good chance that one or two - or considerably more - are going to be sipped on throughout the festive season.
But with the Christmas drinking usually comes the all-mighty Christmas hangover.
It turns out though, that us Leeds lot are set to be feeling the fuzzy heads more than others this year, as research conducted by CBD and supplements brand, fourfive from 2022 revealed which UK cities are likely to be the most hungover this Christmas - and Leeds has got itself a spot in the top five.
According to the research, searches for ‘hangover cure’ increase by 34% on average each December as Brits clamber to ease sore heads and waves of nausea brought on by the party season.
The data reveals that Newcastle made the most searches for ‘hangover cure’ on a per capita basis - with 889 searches per 100,000 people during the festive period.
In second and third place are Belfast and Manchester, respectively, with Leeds and Norwich also securing their place in the top five most hungover cities.
Leeds will be one of the most hungover city this Christmas / Credit: Sandy Hibbard (via Unsplash)
Top 10 Most Hungover Cities in the UK
Newcastle
Belfast
Manchester
Leeds
Norwich
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Nottingham
Bristol
Birmingham
According to the survey, on average, the term ‘hangover cure’ generates 22,200 average monthly searches, but they typically increase in December.
Other queries that typically see an increase at Christmas include searches for ‘hangover remedies’ and ‘best thing for a hangover’, so, with so many of us searching for the illusive hangover cure, what is the best way to tackle post Christmas party side effects?
Clinical neuroscientist and nutritionist, Dr Elisabeth Philipps, from fourfive says proper hydration is the key to swift recovery this Christmas, explaining: "Alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water and by taking a hydration tablet before drinking alcohol and after a heavy drinking session the next morning. B vitamins are also crucial to helping with your energy levels, and topping up your electrolytes will help to replace the lost water in your body.
Searches for ‘hangover cure’ increase by 34% on average each December / Credit: Andisheh A (via Unsplash)
“Make sure to eat before drinking too.
"Healthy fats are the best option to line the stomach, which is where alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. Try an avocado smoothie, hummus salad. or even cheese on toast to set yourself up for the night.
"It can be tempting to try and sweat out the hangover but too much exercise will only worsen dehydration - keep it light with a winter walk or simple yoga session.”
Classic FM will be back playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks season.
Bonfire Night may be loved by us humans for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it… but sadly, the November holiday isn’t quite so fun for our four-legged friends.
Loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives are just some of the reasons why fireworks are frightening to pets.
Not only that, but with multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays across this time of year, pets are rarely able to pinpoint when and where the booming explosions are coming from, therefore creating even more anxiety around this time of year.
Classic FM will play calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
Which is why, for the ninth year running now, Classic FM is once again teaming up with the RSPCA for two Pet Classics programmes packed with ‘the most soothing and comforting classical music’.
The music has been handpicked to help calm and settle any anxious pets.
A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) of animal owners reported their pet was distressed during fireworks season, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm or prepare their animal.
Presenters Dan Walker, Aled Jones, and Dawn O’Porter will each host a night of the specially created programme to help keep the nation’s pets calm through the whizzes and bangs.
Dan will present the first programme on Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), and then as celebrations continue throughout the weekend, Aled will be on hand to bring some peace to Friday 6 November, and Dawn picks up the baton on Saturday 7 November.
All three Pet Classics programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, and you can listen on Classic FM or Global Player available across the UK.
Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation
Clementine Hall
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
Emily Sergeant -
17th December 2023 
