It's that time of the year once again...and John Lewis have taken things in a different direction this year.
The most anticipated advert of the year has finally been released to the public this morning.
And this year, the company has taken things in quite a different direction to usual.
After John Lewis toned things down and took it back to basics with its annual festive commercial in 2022, choosing to “shine a light on the overlooked issue” of children in the UK foster care system amid the rising cost of living crisis, the meaning behind this year’s ad isn’t quite so poignant… or at least, we think?
Image: John Lewis
With a Venus flytrap being the star of the show, and an Italian opera song by one of the genre’s most-famous names providing the soundtrack, the retailer definitely seems to have switched things up for 2023.
Titled Snapper: The Perfect Tree, and with the promotional strapline ‘Let Your Traditions Grow’, John Lewis’ refreshed approach to its festive marketing this year is one that focuses on fostering and nurturing family seasonal traditions… but not it the most obvious way.
The advert follows a young boy who begs his Grandma to let him buy a seed in a box from their local market, before showing him lovingly-nurturing the seed into a plant with the belief he’s growing a spectacular Christmas tree.
Image: John Lewis
But to his surprise, it’s not a Christmas tree at all, and actually turns out to be a Venus flytrap with a playful personality – which the boy names ‘Snapper’.
Despite not being traditional, Snapper wants to join in all the fun of Christmas anyway, but he sadly grows too big for the living room and is then cast out into the cold garden outside.
As the two-minute ad continues, we see Snapper eventually welcomed back into the home, after he dishes out presents with such joy and enthusiasm that the family finds new joy in gathering around their unconventional Christmas tree.
So as you can see, it’s not what many were expecting.
The soundtrack of John Lewis’ Christmas ads are always another talking point, and are usually covers of well-known or under-appreciated songs and often performed by upcoming artists, but this year, the music is provided by the legendary tenor, Andrea Bocelli performing a song called ‘Festa’.
The Italian opera song was written and produced by Le Feste Antonacci specifically for the John Lewis advert.
Image: John Lewis
“Many of us have our own unique festive traditions and that makes them even more special,” explained Charlotte Lock, who is the Customer Director at John Lewis, “and this film celebrates themes of family and evolving traditions.
“It shows that a ‘perfect’ Christmas is finding joy together with loved ones, whatever your traditions.”
John Lewis’ Marketing Director, Rosie Hanley, says the retailer hopes the nation “falls in love” with the wannabe Christmas tree Snapper “as much as we have”.
“He embodies what’s magical about Christmas – bringing loved ones together, holding on to what we all love about Christmas traditions and embracing new ones.”
You can watch the 2023 John Lewis Christmas advert in full here.
Letterboxd can expect to hear from you after this trifecta.
The Leeds Cinema Crawl is a unique experience, aiming to bring like-minded film buffs together, for a full day of cinematic fun.
Whether you simply love film, you are a The Beatles super-fan or punk-rock is more your thing, this year's theme is The Beat Goes On, so all selected films centre around the celebration of music, rhythm and performance.
While fancy dress is not essential, guests are encouraged to fully immerse themselves by coming dressed as their favourite character from one of the three films, or in an outfit inspired by the The Beat Goes On theme.
The team are yet to release details on the exciting film related activities for the day alongside the screenings, though there is usually a selection of fun games and introductory activities to join in with.
5:30pm - Good Vibrations (15, 2012, 111 minutes) at Howard Assembly Room
To complete the whole experience - all three venues have a great range of both soft and alcoholic beverages on offer and some classic cinema snacks too.
However, the beauty of the crawl lends itself to exploration in the surrounding areas, in between screenings. The films are to be spaced out across the whole day and across various venues, allowing for time to stretch your legs and try out some of the fabulous local eateries that Leeds has to offer.
Each independent cinema selected for the crawl has something to offer that regular cinemas do not.
Our personal favourite of the three is Hyde Park Picture House, located in the heart of Hyde Park. The building itself has been recently restored to its former glory making it worth the visit alone, with the most ornate, charming exterior and fully equipped with an old fashioned ticket office and street lamp that transports you back in time.
Whether you live locally or you make a day of it, by visiting Leeds, this event is not to be missed out on.
You must be at least 18 to purchase a day pass due to some of the films ratings and there will be no allocated seating, so be sure to arrive in good time to nab the best seats.
While some cinemas are accessible for wheelchair users, some are sadly not, so it is advised to speak with the cinemas directly before purchasing tickets for the event.
A cross-venue full-day ticket costs £24 for access to all three films. However, students, those with a Leeds Card or seniors over 60, can access reduced tickets for £19. It is important to note that HPPH free membership tickets are not available on the day passes.
Tickets for individual screenings are also available for around £8.50-£10.
The event is on Sunday 27 September 2026, starting at 11:30am.
For further information and to book your tickets here.
Innovative Leeds music venue TESTBED announces launch party lineup
Thomas Melia
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
9th November 2023 
