A trio of well-known literary characters are getting their own TV series on CBeebies this autumn.
Biff, Chip and Kipper are hitting the silver screen.
Based on the beloved characters from The Magic Key book series that so many of us grew up reading in primary school, CBeebies’ new show ‘Biff & Chip’ will tell the fun adventures of twins Biff (Tilly Kaye) and Chip (George Robinson), alongside their inquisitive little brother Kipper (Freddie James), and pet dog Floppy.
CBeebies revealed a first-look image of its live action series on social media this week, and it successfully grabbed the attention of thousands of Brits who’ve seemingly been transported back to the classroom.
The Magic Key books have been a mainstay of the National Curriculum, helping children learn how to read for more than 30 years.
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The books are said to be used in around 80% of Britain’s primary schools.
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According to the BBC, ‘Biff & Chip’ will take inspiration from the famous books, but is set to include storylines written exclusively for the show and will see characters making up games, solving problems, creating make-believe worlds in their homes, playing in the park and having fun with their best friends Wilf (Inathi Rozani) and Wilma Page (Dorothy Peters-Lowe).
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The series will also star actors Jack Wilkinson and Kellie Shirley as Biff, Chip and Kipper’s parents – Mr & Mrs Robinson.
Melanie Walters – who is best known for playing Gwen in BBC sitcom, Gavin and Stacey – has also joined the cast as Gran, described as “fun-loving, energetic and at times mischievous”.
The Magic Key books are said to be used in around 80% of Britain’s primary schools / Credit: Oxford Reading Tree
And if all that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, a lot of the show has apparently also been shot right on our doorsteps in Greater Manchester and the North West.
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Filming took place at various locations across Warrington and Urmston in Trafford.
Although no exact air date has been confirmed, Biff & Chip is set to hit screens on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer this autumn.
Featured Image – BBC / Gideon Marshall
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Emily Sergeant -
16th June 2021 
