Beloved British drinks company VK has just launched a brand-new festive flavour for Christmas 2024 and let’s just say it’s proved to be a divisive one.
Known as one of the most popular alcopop producers in the UK, their Blue, Tropical Fruits, Black Cherry and numerous other flavours remain a popular beverage of choice across the country, be it at the pub, a house party or a cheekyChristmas tipple.
That being said, this holiday season VK are mixing things up even more than usual with an eye-catching returning flavour combo that has already got people talking – not least because they’ve hired the biggest digital billboard in Manchester to let people know about it.
As you can see, in typically bold fashion, VK’s marketing team not only took over one of the biggest digital billboards in Europe to promote this year’s festive flavour for 2024 but they’ve also made a cheeky nod to a beloved Christmas icon, posing the question ‘Who the VK is Terry?’
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Oh, and as for the big fella in orange, no, he’s not called Terry – why’d you ask?
Follow VK’s TikTok and other social accounts to keep up to date with all of his shenanigans:
In all seriousness, taking inspiration from the much-loved chocolate orange flavoured and shaped confectionery that many people gift, receive and devour in spades every Christmas, VK has bottled the classic combo for their seasonal special and created a divisive Christmas alcopop.
The lightly carbonated bev remains the number one RTD (ready-to-drink) brand among students and is popular among various other demographics too, especially since there’s a flavour to suit pretty much everyone’s tastes.
However, the question is besides being a conversation starter, does liquid chocolate orange go down nicely and is it worthy of finding its way into stocking fillers this year?
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The limited edition seasonal specialCredit: The Manc Group
Holly Bolus, Senior Brand Manager for VK, commented: “This activation is part of our new, bold marketing strategy, leveraging VK’s reputation for creating memorable experiences for our audience.
“Our brand ethos is all about fun and personality, so what better way to lean into this than with a tongue-in-cheek OOH campaign?”
VK Chocolate Orange is now available in their VK mixed pack for a limited time only. Get yours from Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Home Bargains and B&M – plus you could even get your hands on a free Christmas jumper too.
Targeting students and young adults who are looking for festive pre-drinks and party essentials, historically, VK’s seasonal flavours have a high rate of sale, making this year’s return even more significant for the brand.
Rochdale to be filled with fiery sculptures for return of dazzling Ignite Fire Festival
Daisy Jackson
A magical trail of fire sculptures and light installations will return to Rochdale this month, spilling across the square and gardens around the almighty Rochdale Town Hall.
Ignite Fire Festival will be back in town this winter between 21 and 23 November, for three free nights of spectacular shows, light trails and family-friendly entertainment.
That’s alongside an ice rink and Christmas market, too.
It’s all in the lead-up to the festive lights switch-on and will include a 20-strong drumming collective, blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.
This year’s Ignite Fire Festival will be the biggest yet, Rochdale Borough Council has promised, with artworks created once again by multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.
The event will kick off on the Friday of the festival with a torchlight procession to officially launch the new Broadfield Slopes, which has been carefully restored to deliver new pathways and parkland in the town centre.
Thousands of people are expected to attend again, for an evening that includes flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent and ‘Drum Machine’ – the 20 strong drumming collective will be bringing their techno infused beats.
Rochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Walk the Plank / Alan Hamer
There‘ll also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
Rochdale’s Ice Rink by Santa’s Village will also be open and running until 4 January, although advance booking is advised.
Councillor Sue Smith says: “Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester.
“This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the ultimate winter experience.”
Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK, will open from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November, with dazzling shows between 5pm and 8pm.
One of the installations from last yearDisplays will be open to walk through each eveningRochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Andy KruczekExpect flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent.Credit: Rochdale Borough CouncilBack again for 2025 is ‘Drum Machine’. Credit: Supplied
Then there’ll be the Christmas lights switch-on taking place from 5.30pm on the Sunday, with Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale.
Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Culture Co-op, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The festival is also supported by The Casey Group – the contractor responsible for the restoration of the Broadfield Slopes, who will have plant equipment at the event to inspire future careers in the construction industry and highlight opportunities available.
BRSK – the full fibre broadband provider is also supporting, and will have a presence at the festival.
Find out more about Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale HERE.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
Daisy Jackson
One of the coolest Christmas party venues in the UK will reopen its doors in Greater Manchester this winter, whisking you away for an apres-ski-inspired party.
All the vibes of a classic apres-ski experience will be brought to a pop-up Yurt Village, each one decorated with log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, fur throws, and even cable cars.
Spending your Christmas ‘do at the YurtBar pop-up in Sale means you could have an evening packed with steins of beer, live music, and ski shots, surrounded by your loved ones (… or colleagues).
And to celebrate its triumphant return to Manchester, we’ve got a lovely 20% discount for The Manc readers – find out how to claim yours below.
Each yurt in the YurtBar’s pop-up village is a different size, so there’s the right event space for everything from a 350-strong private Christmas party to a table for six for a birthday night out.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
They’re all named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts, like Chamonix, Val D’Isere, and Avoriaz.
On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple.
That includes a festive arancini ‘snowball’, slow-cooked beef daube with mash, cabbage and a sticky bourguignon sauce, and an Alpine sharing board for dessert with a chocolate log, Aperol spritz cheesecake, and lemon posset pots.
And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.
You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth.
Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.
The Manc readers can get an exclusive 20% off their booking by using the code yurtbar20 – book your party HERE.
Danny Jones -
5th November 2024 
