A selection of iconic romance films are returning to cinemas across the UK today to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
In case you missed it the other day, it was revealed that cult-classic late 90s sitcom 10 Things I Hate About You would be making a cinema comeback nationwide this week in a bid to properly – and quite rightly – celebrate 25 years since it was first released, as well as the international day of love itself, Valentine's Day.
And now, two other massively-popular films are set to join the Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Heath Ledger-led gem for one night only.
That’s right – Titanic and Notting Hill are back on the big screen tonight (14 February).
Image: Universal Pictures
To kick things off, you and your loved ones can head to your nearest Vue cinema, grab some popcorn, and sit down to watch the timeless love story of Jack and Rose is back set against the ill-fated maiden voyage of the so-called ‘unsinkable’ Titanic – which we all know, at the time, was the largest moving object ever built.
James Cameron’s multi Academy Award-winner will be on the big screen in 3D 4K HDR and at a high-frame rate, which means you can see the magic of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s performances up close like never before.
For lovers of musicals, the 2012 film adaptation of on one of the most celebrated productions of all time, Les Misérables, is also being screened today.
But, if you’re looking for something a little more uplifting to watch, and fancy seeing a film where the title doesn’t literally translate to ‘The Miserables’ with your Valentine tonight instead, then surely is doesn’t get much better than Notting Hill?
Image: Touchstone Pictures
Often dubbed ‘the ultimate romcom’ by film fans, the 1999 Richard Curtis-directed flick stars Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in two of their most famous and best-loved leading roles, and is known and loved by people the world over.
And it’s also another classic that’s turning 25 this year too, so that’s even more of a reason to celebrate.
Speaking on the films’ Valentine’s Day returns, Mike Anton, who is General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said: “We’re thrilled to be showing these classic romance films this Valentine’s Day, but no matter who you choose to spend the day with, these titles are sure to bring back fond emotions for lovers of film.
“There’s nothing quite like the magic of the big screens to celebrate Valentine’s.”
Tickets are available from as little as just £4.99 at select venues, and you can find out times at your selected cinema on the Vue website here.
The Wombats aren’t just still going strong - they’re getting better. And honestly? Long may they reign.
The Wombats absolutely tore the roof off the First Direct Arena in Leeds last night, Wednesday 26 March and what a night it was.
From the second they hit the stage it wasn’t just a gig, it was a full-blown indie-pop spectacle, packed with infectious energy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of dancing.
They kicked things off with “Moving to New York,” and honestly? The crowd was in from the first note.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Matthew Murphy’s unmistakable vocals rang through the arena and suddenly, thousands of people were screaming every lyric like it was 2007 all over again. It was one of those moments where you could just feel how much this band still means to people.
Despite the massive venue, The Wombats somehow made it feel intimate. The lights? Pure chaos in the best way - vibrant, colourful, and totally in sync with the band’s wild, bouncy sound.
Murphy’s cheeky banter between songs made it feel less like a polished arena show and more like a jam session with a few thousand of your closest mates.
Setlist-wise, they nailed it. “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Greek Tragedy” had the whole place losing it, while the stripped-down version of “Techno Fan” gave everyone a minute to breathe (and maybe get a little emotional).
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those quieter moments just made the high-energy choruses hit even harder. It was a rollercoaster - in the best way possible.
Then came the encore. If you thought the crowd was loud before, “Kill the Director” took things to another level. Pure, chaotic indie bliss. The kind of moment you don’t want to end.
Here’s the thing about The Wombats: some might say their older songs hit harder than their newer stuff, but is that just nostalgia talking? Or maybe it’s a generational thing?
Either way, they proved they’re still one of the most exciting live bands out there. They’ve still got the hooks, the humour, and the ability to turn a massive arena into a sweaty, euphoric singalong.
Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
Danny Jones
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Clementine Hall -
14th February 2024 
