Hundreds of fans gathered across the UK last night for the highly anticipated midnight launch of Sunrise on the Reaping, the latest instalment in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. The book, published by Scholastic, marks the fifth entry in the global bestseller franchise and explores the 50th Hunger Games, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy’s backstory. A Night of Themed Celebrations The largest launch event took place at Waterstones Piccadilly, where fans were treated to a themed lock-in from 10pm until midnight. The six-floor bookshop was transformed to reflect the dystopian world of Panem, with each section representing a different…
Author: Perthshire Scotland
Fashion retailer Parfois has partnered with global technology firm DXC Technology to enhance customer experiences through data-driven insights and artificial intelligence. The collaboration is part of Parfois’ wider Data Intelligence strategy, aiming to personalise shopping experiences by tailoring product recommendations to individual preferences. Parfois, a leading Portuguese fashion brand, operates over 1,000 stores across 67 countries and has a growing online presence. In a bid to stay competitive in the fast-moving fashion industry, the company is investing in advanced analytics to refine its understanding of customer behaviour. DXC Technology, a Fortune 500 company specialising in IT services, will support Parfois…
Cleaning the oven has been named the UK’s most dreaded household chore, with more than a third of people (35%) saying they would rather avoid it, according to a new survey. The study, conducted by white goods and tech retailer Currys, surveyed 2,000 people across the UK to uncover attitudes towards housework, including which tasks Britons loathe the most and the sacrifices they would be willing to make to outsource them. Household chores are an unavoidable part of daily life, with Britons spending an average of 3.5 hours per week on them. Despite this, nearly six in ten (58%) admit…
A quarter of UK adults report feeling lonely, with younger generations particularly affected, according to a new Government survey. Experts suggest that monastery and convent retreats could provide an unexpected solution to the growing crisis. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) study, conducted between 8 January and 2 February, found that 25% of British adults feel lonely either always, often, or some of the time. Women were more likely than men to report loneliness, with 27% experiencing it regularly compared to 23% of men. The issue appears even more pronounced among younger people. Some 40% of those aged 16 to…
A new study has revealed the most popular dining room styles in the UK, with modern designs topping the list of Pinterest searches. Furniture Village analysed search data from the platform over the past year, identifying which styles attracted the most interest. Modern dining rooms emerged as the clear favourite, generating an average of 3,832 searches per month. Despite being a stark contrast in design, Victorian-style dining rooms followed closely with 3,826 monthly searches. Other sought-after aesthetics included country (3,675), Scandinavian (3,634), and farmhouse (3,578) dining rooms. The data highlights how UK homeowners are increasingly turning to Pinterest for inspiration…
KIDZ BOP, the popular children’s music brand, has broken a Guinness World Record by becoming the youngest music group to headline an arena concert. The milestone was officially confirmed during their performance at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, where the group achieved the record with an average age of 14 years and 168 days. A Guinness World Records adjudicator verified the achievement in front of a packed audience of young fans. This accomplishment means that KIDZ BOP has surpassed the previous record held by Justin Bieber, who performed at Wembley at the age of 16. The KIDZ BOP Kids captivated the…
Discovery Education has announced a series of major updates to its award-winning DoodleMaths app, designed to further support personalised learning and boost numeracy skills for children across the UK. DoodleMaths, a research-backed digital learning tool, provides self-paced, curriculum-aligned maths practice for pupils from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to Key Stage 3 (KS3). Already widely used by teachers and pupils, the app’s latest enhancements aim to make learning even more interactive, engaging, and accessible. New Features to Support Learning The enhancements, developed in collaboration with teachers and education experts, introduce new interactive lessons, digital tools, and accessibility improvements. Steve…
A new survey has revealed that the majority of UK adults are neglecting their foot health, a habit that could have serious consequences for their overall well-being. The research, conducted as part of DB Wider Fit Shoes’ Joyful Strides for Wider Feet campaign, found that 74% of people have not had their feet measured since childhood. Despite recognising the importance of proper footwear, 65% of respondents admitted to wearing the wrong shoe size. Experts warn that ill-fitting shoes can contribute to a range of health problems, from foot pain and bunions to chronic back and knee issues. Survey Findings: A…
The British Science Association (BSA) has launched its Smashing Stereotypes campaign for the sixth consecutive year, aiming to highlight the diversity of careers and people working in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Running throughout British Science Week (7–16 March 2025), the initiative showcases individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who have forged successful careers in STEM. By sharing their stories, the campaign hopes to inspire young people to see science as a path open to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or disability. Breaking barriers in STEM This year’s campaign features Dr Sophie Meekings, a deaf scientist studying the human voice at…
Chipotle Mexican Grill has introduced a new menu item, Chipotle Honey Chicken, to its UK restaurants for a limited time. The dish, which blends smoky chipotle heat with the sweetness of wildflower honey, will be available for in-restaurant and digital orders from 7 March. The fast-casual chain has announced that UK customers can access the new dish early via the Chipotle app before its official rollout. The company describes Chipotle Honey Chicken as a bold culinary innovation that balances spice with a touch of sweetness. The dish features grilled chicken seasoned with Mexican spices and marinated in smoked chipotle peppers…