Iceland has sent one of its most beloved products a whopping 110,000 feet into space as a way to celebrate the supermarket’s 50th birthday.
The humble chicken nugget has been on quite the journey.
As bizarre as it sounds, the chicken nugget took around one hour and 45 minutes to reach 110,000 feet above the earth – which is “around 880,000 Iceland Chicken Nuggets high” – and was launched into the stratosphere from a location close to Iceland’s head office in Deeside, North Wales, as a way of uniquely marking series of huge milestones for the supermarket.
According to Iceland, the lucky nugget “left behind grey skies, COVID 19, Brexit and Piers Morgan to shoot through the troposphere to the stratosphere”.
There it was able to “enjoy momentary peace, clearer skies, spacecraft and possible sightings of the world’s highest flying birds such as the Rüppell’s Vulture and the Common Crane”, and apparently it was quite an appropriate journey for the frozen food retailer’s popular product as the nugget “would have felt right at home in the stratosphere in freezing temperatures of around – 60°C”.
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Having reached its peak height, the chicken nugget – which is believed to be the first ever chicken nugget to make it to space – then rocketed back down to earth at 200 miles per hour, until its parachute launched 19km above ground level for a safe landing.
We promise we’re not kidding you here, this really did happen.
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We don’t know who needs to hear this, but we sent the first ever chicken nugget into space today 🧑🚀
Well, it was crowned king of the family favourite as sales of its own-brand breaded chicken products soared at the supermarket, and this also follows “a hugely successful year”, where it was named the fastest growing high street supermarket in the UK.
Chicken nuggets have remained a staple in the frozen aisle throughout Iceland’s 50-year history, selling more than 10 million Chicken Nuggets, Chunks and Strips last week alone.
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Andrew Staniland – Trading Director at Iceland – said: “2020 is a huge year for us as we celebrate our 50th birthday, and we wanted to find ways to mark the occasion, just like anyone celebrating a birthday in lockdown. What better way to show that our products are out of this world than by sending one of our customer favourites into space.
“We’ve all changed the way we shop in recent months and frozen food has never been so popular.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to celebrate our 50th year with customers and thanking them for their support.”
Iceland managed to pull this off by partnering with Sent into Space – a team of experts in the field of stratospheric exploration – to create the perfect vessel for the nugget to travel in.
Yet another unbelievable story 2020 has brought us.
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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 -
13th October 2020 
