A magical Narnia Christmas wonderland has opened in Yorkshire, inviting guests to 'step through the wardrobe' this season and experience a taste of C. S. Lewis's iconic tale right here in God's own country.
Hosted at Castle Howard in north Yorkshire, just under an hour's drive from Leeds, the impressive building has been transformed into a spell-binding Christmas wonderland with icy twinkling lights and sparkling trees.
The Castle has been transformed into Narnia with the help of lavish decorations, 'dramatic installations, lighting and soundscapes' that help bring the famous story of Narnia to life.
Image: Castle Howard
Promising a full day of entertainment, there's much to see here - from a 25-foot high Christmas tree adorned with over 3,000 baubles in the Great Hall, to an array of indulgent winter treats on offer inside the cafe.
Guests are invited to 'warm yourself by roaring log fires', find a special present in the gift shop or garden centre, and explore the adjoining farm shop for locally-sourced ingredients to enjoy over the Christmas period.
And last but definitely not least, you'll also be able to visit Father Christmas himself - with the Castle assuring visitors that the big man himself will be 'making some very special visits to Castle Howard this year.'
Image: Castle Howard
A listing on the Castle's website reads:
"Step through the wardrobe into an enchanting adventure this festive season. An icy spell has been cast on this mystical land where it is always winter, but will Christmas spirits be restored and will warmth and joy return?
"Whilst Castle Howard is open from 10am daily, Twilight is one of the most magical times to visit. Icy twinkling lights at dusk, sparkling trees against the dark sky, and an indulgent winter warmer in our cafes, all make your Christmas visit that bit more special.
Image: Castle Howard
"See the lavishly decorated interiors of Castle Howard transformed. Enjoy breath-taking dramatic installations, lighting and soundscapes evoking everything we love about this special time of year. Marvel at the 25-foot Christmas tree adorned with over 3000 baubles providing a magnificent highlight in the Great Hall.
"The magical winter world of ‘Christmas in Narnia’ is waiting for you."
Tickets for the Narnia Christmas wonderland at Castle Howards on sale now, available to book via the stately home's website. Prices vary depending on whether you choose to book on a peak or off-peak date.
First Bus is partnering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to support vulnerable women during pregnancy.
The bus operator is providing an incredible 1,000 day tickets to help vulnerable mums-to-be make appointments.
The free travel passes can be provided by maternity teams to women mainly from minority or disadvantaged communities, helping them to attent important check-ups and appointments.
A recent review of records estimates that 100 pregnant women every month struggle to make hospital appointments as they have no access to funding support or face other barriers to transport.
Image: Supplied
First Bus will provide 100 day tickets per month until March 2027 for midwives to distribute to women based on travel needs following a financial assessment which is carried out during their initial appointment with the maternity team.
Nada Abdul-Majid, Specialist Midwife Health Equity at the Trust, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how women struggle to get to their hospital appointments if they don’t have enough money to use public transport.
“Our Haamla team carry out home visits to these vulnerable women however, it is important that families are able to travel to the hospital for scans, doctors’ appointments, labour and obstetric emergencies.”
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising which includes the West Yorkshire region, said: “Supporting communities in the areas we serve means, where we can, being able to assist people in all stages of life. Nothing can be more important than helping to ensure the health and welfare of mothers-to-be and the benefits this will bring to their newborn children.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Trust and seeing the positive impact our travel support can make to the lives of vulnerable women in Leeds.
“We’re really grateful to First Bus for providing these tickets for women so they can receive maternity care without worrying about the cost of travel to and from appointments,” added Nada. “This will make a real difference to mothers and babies.”
Channel 4 is looking for adult virgins with ‘intimacy issues’ for next series of hit reality show
Emily Sergeant
Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.
If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before.
First hitting screens back in 2024 and having run for two successful seasons now, Virgin Island follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.
Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.
Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.
A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”
You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.
You can find out more and register your interest here.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd December 2021 
