Is it acceptable to begin counting down the days to Christmas now that we’re in September?
Some may feel that it’s still a little too early, but for those who are ready and raring to go, you can now begin the all-important countdown to the festive season with an exciting new PLAYMOBIL Advent Calendar.
This brand new PLAYMOBIL range features four advent calendars.
Whether your child likes ice Father Christmas, farming, or pirates, there’s a calendar that is bound to “bring a smile to all faces this Christmas”.
Behind every door is a gift – from figures and animals, to vehicles and accessories – that will provide children with 24-days’ worth of entertainment during the lead up to the big day, and once all the surprises have been discovered, the box then folds open into a backdrop to complete the scene.
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The Christmas Toy Store advent calendar is designed especially based on the magic of Christmas and is set inside a toy shop filled with festive joy. As parents “search for the perfect gift”, children can visit Father Christmas in his grotto and even receive a little gift too, but only if they’ve been nice, of course.
The Farm advent calendar is the perfect setting for “all fans of life on the farm” and offers children the chance to look after the little animals over the Christmas period. With lots of food and vegetables to harvest, the PLAYMOBIL animals – which includes cows with a velvety feel to stroke, pigs, chickens, rabbits and cats – will not go hungry this winter.
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The Pirate Cove Treasure Hunt advent calendar is for those adventures on the high seas this Christmas and lets young buccaneers can count down to the big day. These “dastardly pirates” are not after a stocking this year though, but the gold hidden on the remote island, although it won’t be an easy feat as it’s guarded by a cannon and a host of creatures including scorpions, monkeys, snakes and a giant squid.
The Battle for the Magic Stone advent calendar is full of everything needed for the ultimate adventure in the kingdom of Novelmore, as the Burnham raiders are mounting an attack on the Novelmore knight’s stronghold. Well-fortified with a host of weapons and a secret hideaway, this calendar is one battle that “will become a legend”.
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Each of these new PLAYMOBIL Advent Calendars join the full calendar range and are available to get your hands on now from all stocking toy retailers and online.
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They are each retailing at a RRP £19.99 and are best suited for those aged 4-10.
You can browse the full PLAYMOBIL Advent Calendar range here.
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Manchester band Westside Cowboy release ‘thrilling’ debut album that critics are calling one of the year’s best
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s best rising bands have released their debut album today to glowing reviews from critics and fans alike.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
The Manc -
2nd September 2020 
