If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of ‘Blue Monday’, it was first coined by physiologist Cliff Arnall back in 2004, and it suggests that the third Monday of every January is “the most depressing day of the year” – with a theory that essentially claims that this is the time of year when we’re all cold, broke, and riddled with guilt that our New Year’s resolutions to get fit, drink less alcohol, and be a better human being, have fallen by the wayside.
It’s certainly been met with its skeptics over the years for a number of reasons, but regardless of whether you believe it to be true or not, one thing we can all agree on is that laughter is the best medicine, right?
Well, that commonly-used phrase is exactly why Vue Cinemas has decided to screen a handful of some of the UK’s best-loved comedy films and musicals in a bid to cheer people up.
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Cinemas are screening loads of comedies to cheer Mancs up on Blue Monday / Credit: Touchstone Pictures | 20th Century Studios
The cinema chain says it’s aiming to “spread some joy and laughter” by bringing back some of the nation’s favourite comedies and feel-good musicals and sticking them up on the big screen to help alleviate those so-called January blues.
This means that, each week for the nextor four weeks, you can catch iconic flicks such as Mrs Doubtfire, The Devil Wears Prada, Mamma Mia!, and more.
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Kicking off from this Friday 12 January, not only can you see the legends Robin Williams and Meryl Streep in action, but you can also see Bill Murray shine in Groundhog Day, the late Heath Ledger steal the show in 10 Things I Hate About You, and Whoopi Goldberg show what she’s made of in Sister Act.
Mrs Doubtfire – From 12 January
The Devil Wears Prada – From 19 January
Mamma Mia! – From 26 January
Sister Act – From 26 January
Groundhog Day – From 2 February
10 Things I Hate About You – From 2 February
Tickets will only set you back as little as £4.99 each too / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
And the best bit about it all? Tickets are only £5 each, so you won’t be breaking the bank either.
“With 15 January marking Blue Monday this year, we wanted to brighten up the lives of film fans across the country by inviting them to revisit some of our favourite feel good big screen moments,” explained Toby Bradon, who is the General Manager of Vue UK & Ireland.
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“Vue is the perfect place to escape from the pressures of everyday life, providing an entertaining way to enjoy the start the year by experiencing a great story back on the big screen, where it belongs.”
Find out more and grab your tickets from just £4.99 at select venues here.
Featured Image – 20th Century Studios
What's On
Kendal Calling drops massive line-up for 2025 festival, including Courteeners and The Prodigy
Daisy Jackson
Kendal Calling has just revealed the line-up for its 2025 festival, as it gears up for its 20th year partying in the heart of the Lake District.
Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy and Kaiser Chiefs will all top the bill next summer, along with dozens more incredible acts.
The hallowed fields of Lowther Deer Park will be filled with brilliant live music, art installations and loads more between 31 July and 3 August.
Also on the bill will be Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Last Dinner Party, Travis and The Wombats, plus Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, The K’s, Lottery Winners and Maximo Park,
Kendal Calling has confirmed that its 2025 edition will bring together more than 80 incredible acts to celebrate the festival’s 20th birthday.
A major headliner – especially for those of us in Manchester, will be Manc band Courteeners, who had an unforgettable debut at Kendal Calling back in 2019.
Kendal Calling 2025 line-up has been revealed. Credit: George HarrisonKendal Calling 2025 line-up has been revealed. Credit: Nat Argant
They’ll be back with their new album beside them, Pink Cactus Cafe, but are still to sure deliver a brilliantly nostalgic indie set of hits like Not Nineteen Forever and Are You In Love With A Notion.
Courteeners’ Frontman Liam Fray said: “Our set in 2019 was electric and was, so I’m told, one of the biggest singalongs Kendal Calling has ever witnessed.
“So it goes without saying that we can’t wait to get back on the main stage, playing to 40,000 of you lovely lot. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got 20 years of Kendal to celebrate, too. It’s going to be massive.”
Also headlining Kendal Calling 2025 will be Fatboy Slim, a dancefloor pioneer behind songs like Praise You, Right Here, Right Now, and The Rockafeller Skank.
The festival will be gearing up for a rave too with The Prodigy also topping the bill – the Firestarter techno group are one of the most influential electro groups ever to emerge from the UK.
Kendal Calling 2025 line-up has been revealed. Credit: Jess Huxham
The Prodigy are continuing the legacy of Keith Flint, now driven by Howlett and longtime member Maxim, reigniting their longstanding and loyal fanbase and introducing their sound to fresh ears and audiences.
Leeds favourites Kaiser Chiefs will be delivering an anthemic indie rock set filled with crowd-pleasing hits like I Predict A Riot, Everyday I Love You Less and Less, and Ruby.
The Last Dinner Party will make their Kendal Calling debut in 2025, after being named BRITs Rising Star 2024 and scoring a #1 debut album with Prelude to Ecstasy.
Legendary Scottish rockers Travis are heading to Lowther Deer Park, ready to perform anthems like Why Does It Always Rain on Me?, plus very special guest and long-time part of the Kendal family, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls who’ll bring folk-punk charm to the stage.
Frank Turner said: “I first played Kendal Calling all the way back in 2009, and they’ve had me back five times since, and now again for 2025, so I think they must like me.
“Which is a relief, because I bloody love them; the quintessential independent UK festival, great vibes, great people, great music, year after year. I’m beyond flattered to be there for the 20th instalment; long may they reign.”
Kendal Calling is back in the Lake District for 2025. Credit: George Harrison
Queen of the dance floor Sophie Ellis-Bextor is heading to Kendal Calling, plus Skindred with their reggae-metal sound, indie favourites Maximo Park, Wigan legends The Lottery Winners, indie icons Scouting For Girls, and soul queen Corinne Bailey Rae.
On the comedy front, Jason Manford will be delivering a side-splitting set.
The so-far-announced Kendal Calling 2025 line-up also features The K’s, Reverend & The Makers, The Pigeon Detectives, Daniel Bedingfield, Pixie Lott, Tim Burgess with the Royal Northern College of Music Orchestra, Inspiral Carpets Alfie Templeman, The Big Moon, The Royston Club, Nieve Ella, Lindisfarne, The Skints, and Sports Team.
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And Kendal Calling’s late-night offerings will keep attendees grooving until the early hours. Mr Scruff promises to take fans on a journey of his genre-blending mixes, dynamic mashups from DJ Yoda and the freshest live dance from local act Lowes.
Thom Rylance of The Lottery Winners said: “Kendal Calling was our first proper festival, many years ago. And I think we’ve played it every year since. Except maybe one year, and I’m sure everybody said that was the worst year in history.
“I’ve had some of my most emotionally overwhelming moments of pride on stages in that field. Core memories I’ll never forget. The first festival that ever took a chance on our band, for that we’re forever grateful. Weird to say a festival feels like a homecoming show, I know, but it really does.”
The Streets at last year’s Kendal Calling. Credit: Nat Argent
Scouting For Girls said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to be asked back to Kendal Calling for their 20th anniversary. The crowds are always insane! Plus we are a band who love any excuse for a party so we’ll be bringing out all our big hits when we get onstage. A beautiful festival in a stunning location with a wonderful crowd – Cannot wait!!!!”
Andy Smith, Kendal Calling co-founder said: “I can’t quite believe that we’re about to celebrate twenty years of Kendal Calling.
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“From humble beginnings welcoming 900 party goers to Kendal’s Abbot Hall, to an astonishing 40,000 of you who turn out every year to revel in the sheer joy and excitement of the perfect party, a glorious gathering in the fields of Lowther Deer Park – wow.
“Reflecting on the journey so far, the moments made and the community created, it really is quite emotional and remarkably special. It’s also the perfect excuse for our biggest party to date! Let’s come together to celebrate 20 marvellous years, joined by headliners Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, Kaiser Chiefs and so many more.
“These are some of my favourite acts ever and I was thinking just last night, it might be Halloween but it feels like Christmas! I’m so excited to see you all next summer in the place we love to call home – the fields.”
Tickets for Kendal Calling are already on sale now, with more than 70% of tickets already sold. You can sign up to the pre-sale HERE.
The full line up (with more to come) for Kendal Calling 2025 can be found HERE.
Inside Archie’s Atomic as burger brand opens roller rink, arcade, diner and milkshake bar
Daisy Jackson
Beloved Manchester-founded burger brand Archie’s has revealed its latest venture – an all-pink roller rink, diner and arcade, Archie’s Atomic.
The huge new venue will officially open its doors to the public next week, but we have, of course, had a little sneak peek for you.
This exciting addition to Greater Manchester includes the north’s largest leisure roller rink, geared towards skaters of all abilities.
You’ll be able to rent a pair of Archie’s Atomic roller skates before going for a spin beneath a huge spinning disco ball on the bespoke bright pink rink.
There’s plenty of space around the sidelines for your mates to cheer you on (or laugh at you, depending on your skating ability).
This massive new 750-capacity entertainment destination also has a state-of-the-art arcade, including games like basketball hoops, prize grabbers, driving simulators, and dance machines, in partnership with SEGA.
An immersive gaming platform will let you challenge your pals in interactive competitions, with a soundtrack of 80s, 90s and 00s hits.
The huge pink roller rink at Archie’s Atomic. Credit: The Manc GroupArcade area at Archie’s Atomic. Credit: The Manc Group
And it wouldn’t be Archie’s without burgers and shakes, would it?
The 5000sq ft Archie’s Atomic has a full diner with smash burgers and delicious sides.
For the first time ever, the new venue also has a dedicated milkshake bar serving shakes, waffles, coffee and ice cream by the scoop.
Passes for the roller rink, which get you an hour on the floor, start from £15, or a full any-time Skate Club membership is £60 per month.
Archie’s Atomic has a full diner serving its signature burgers and shakes. Credit: The Manc GroupArchie’s shakes are on the menu. Credit: The Manc Group
There are party packages available for groups of more than eight people, starting from £25pp for children and £30pp for over-14s.
Archie’s Atomic is at the Trafford Palazzo, next to to Nerf Action Experience and Sea Life Manchester.
Doors will officially open at 10am on Thursday 7 November, with opening hours from 10am to 10pm seven days a week.
Emily Sergeant -
11th January 2024 
