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Time Business News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Best Halloween Costumes for Kids and Adults
Halloween is coming. People across the UK are getting excited. They want the perfect Halloween costumes for their parties and trick-or-treating. This guide will help you understand everything about Halloween fancy dress. We'll cover ideas for adults and kids. We'll also talk about accessories and tips for creating amazing outfits. Halloween has become huge in Britain. Every October, shops fill with spooky decorations. People plan their costumes months ahead. The tradition started in ancient Celtic times. Now it's a modern celebration that brings communities together. Children love dressing up. Adults enjoy it too. Halloween costumes let people become someone else for a night. You can be scary, funny, or creative. The choice is yours. Traditional scary characters never go out of style. Vampires remain popular year after year. Dracula costumes work well for adults. Kids often prefer friendly vampire looks. Witches are another classic choice. Black robes and pointy hats create instant recognition. Zombies have gained popularity recently. They're perfect for group costumes. Friends can create zombie apocalypse scenes together. Frankenstein's monster offers a retro horror option. The green face paint and bolts make it memorable. Comic book characters dominate Halloween parties. Batman costumes suit both children and adults. Spider-Man outfits are always crowd-pleasers. Wonder Woman has become incredibly popular. These characters work well for World Book Day too. Villains can be more interesting than heroes. The Joker offers creative possibilities. Harley Quinn costumes are trendy right now. These characters let people explore their darker side safely. Fairy costumes enchant young children. Dragons appeal to adventurous spirits. Medieval knights create historical connections. These outfits often work for Christmas costumes too. They're versatile throughout the year. Greek gods and goddesses offer elegant options. Roman centurions provide masculine alternatives. These costumes often use flowing fabrics and golden accessories. Recent films influence costume trends heavily. Marvel movies create new favourites annually. Disney characters remain timeless choices. Star Wars costumes span multiple generations. Netflix series inspire creative outfits. Stranger Things costumes became very popular. These trends change quickly though. What's hot one year might fade the next. Children's safety comes first with Halloween outfits. Bright colours help with visibility. Reflective strips add extra protection. Masks shouldn't block vision completely. Face paint often works better than masks. Comfort matters for young trick-or-treaters. They'll wear costumes for hours. Soft fabrics prevent irritation. Easy-to-remove pieces help with toilet breaks. Warm layers work well under costumes in October weather. Popular kids' choices include: Princesses and pirates Animals like cats and dogs Favourite cartoon characters Superheroes and space explorers Adults can be more creative with their choices. Group costumes work brilliantly at parties. Themes like decades, movies, or TV shows unite friends. Couples can coordinate their outfits perfectly. Scary costumes suit Halloween perfectly. Psychological horror often works better than gore. Subtle creepy elements can be more effective. Think about what genuinely frightens people. Funny costumes bring joy to parties. Puns work well for clever outfits. Pop culture references get good reactions. Self-deprecating humour often wins prizes. Halloween Accessories make Halloween costumes complete. They add authenticity and detail. Quality accessories elevate basic outfits significantly. Makeup transforms faces dramatically. Special effects makeup creates realistic wounds. Coloured contact lenses change eye colour. Temporary tattoos add character details. Props bring costumes to life. Fake weapons should look realistic but safe. Wands suit magical characters perfectly. Briefcases work for business-themed costumes. Some costumes work for multiple occasions. Santa suits appear at Halloween parties. Elf costumes bridge both holidays nicely. Gothic Christmas themes are increasingly popular. Dark Christmas characters create unique Halloween looks. Evil elves offer twisted holiday fun. Zombie Santa combines horror with festive cheer. These crossover ideas save money and storage space. Many Halloween costumes work for World Book Day. Literary characters suit both occasions. Classic monsters often appear in books. Superheroes have comic book origins. Planning ahead saves money and stress. Buy quality costumes that work twice. Store them properly between uses. This approach maximises value and reduces waste. Homemade costumes can be more creative than shop-bought ones. They're often cheaper too. Basic sewing skills help enormously. Even simple modifications improve store-bought items. Charity shops offer great costume materials. Old clothes can be distressed for zombie looks. Fabric shops stock unusual materials. Car boot sales sometimes have vintage pieces. Cardboard works well for robot costumes. Aluminium foil creates space-age effects. Newspaper can be aged for historical looks. Common household items become costume elements. Proper storage extends costume life. Clean items before putting away. Moths love natural fibres. Plastic storage boxes protect from moisture. Hang delicate items carefully. Fold heavy pieces to prevent stretching. Document your costumes with photos. This helps with future planning and sharing. UK Halloween celebrations have unique elements. Trick-or-treating happens earlier than in America. British weather affects costume choices significantly. Warm layers become essential accessories. Bonfire Night follows Halloween closely. Some costumes work for both events. Guy Fawkes masks bridge the occasions. Historical British figures make great costume choices. Halloween costume shopping peaks in October. Prices increase as demand grows. Early shopping offers better selection. Post-Halloween sales provide bargains for next year. Online shopping offers wider choices. But try items on when possible. Size charts vary between manufacturers. Return policies matter with costume purchases. Halloween safety extends beyond traffic visibility. Costume materials should be flame-resistant. Avoid trailing fabrics near candles. Check all accessories for sharp edges. Allergies can affect costume choices. Test makeup on small skin areas first. Some people react to synthetic materials. Natural alternatives often work better. Halloween costumes bring joy to October celebrations. Whether you prefer scary, funny, or creative outfits, there's something for everyone. Remember to prioritise safety and comfort. Start planning early for the best choices. Most importantly, have fun with your Halloween fancy dress adventure. The perfect costume makes Halloween memorable. It connects you with friends and community. It lets your personality shine through. Whatever you choose, embrace the spirit of the season. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
JB team-up for the books
Teo (second from left) receiving a gift from Siew (left) and SUC board of governors chairman Mok Chek Hou during the launch of the reading project. With them is Prof Chuah (third from right). Retailer's outlets in the city raising funds for university college via sale of publications, artworks A LOCAL bookstore chain has started a year-long initiative in Johor Baru to support a tertiary institution's 50th anniversary. The collaboration between Popular Bookstore and Southern University College (SUC) kicked off in conjunction with World Book Day. Since April 1, all Popular outlets in the city have been selling SUC publications and up to 180 titles donated by affiliated authors. Customers have also been offered RM10 sets of five bookmarks featuring scenes from SUC's campus which was established in Skudai in 1990. Sale proceeds have been set aside to fund book purchases and literary activities of the university's Malaysian Chinese Literature Centre (MCLC). SUC president Prof Chuah Joon Huang said the institute was honoured to work with Popular. 'This partnership has allowed us to promote the world of reading, by showcasing SUC's publications, academic programmes and student artworks. 'I extend my gratitude for the sponsorship from the calligraphy and art communities, and the business sector.' Speaking at the opening ceremony for the 13-month cultural event celebrating SUC's 50th anniversary at a Johor Baru mall, Prof Chuah said, 'This is our first large-scale joint cultural event of its kind. 'It is a significant collaboration between our library, MCLC, Faculty of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Art and Design and industry partners.' He hopes this will inspire excellence in the city's art scene and become a model of cross-sector collaboration. 'Let us work hand in hand to enrich the arts scene of Johor Baru and Malaysia.' Comprising cultural performances and book sales until April 30, 2026, the event has been designed to attract public interest. Popular Malaysia general manager (business development) Siew Sheue Liang said, 'At Popular, we believe books are powerful tools for learning and cultural growth. 'In Johor Baru, we have promoted reading by giving back to the community through knowledge and culture.' Siew said Popular was proud to mark SUC's golden jubilee by launching a reading project titled 'Celebrating the Art of Calligraphy and Cultural Heritage – A New Chapter Begins'. He said Popular had raised RM16,100 for SUC and thanked contributors who helped to keep cultural heritage strong in Johor. The opening ceremony also marked the 70th anniversary of Chao Foon literary magazine, the oldest Chinese literary publication in Malaysia and Singapore, and is currently issued bi‑annually by MCLC. Meanwhile, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said she was happy to see publishers and universities teaming up to bring local stories, books and campuses closer to the public. The Kulai MP said the ministry had long promoted reading and aimed to build a stronger reading culture through programmes such as the Madani Malaysia book voucher. She said the programme offered RM50 and RM100 book vouchers to those from primary school to university levels. 'This year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the programme will include 400,000 teachers. 'We are also driving the 2025 Book Loving Nation Voucher Programme through the National Library. 'Under this programme, RM1mil has been allocated to support local publishers,' she said.
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harry Potter fans brand Emma Watson replacement 'perfect' after clip resurfaces
Arabella Stanton will take over from Emma Watson in the TV adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter books, with a resurfaced clip showing her in action Harry Potter enthusiasts are all echoing the same sentiment after a video of the young actress set to play the new Hermione Granger resurfaced. Arabella Stanton is stepping into Emma Watson's shoes in the television adaptation of JK Rowling's series, alongside Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Joining them will be John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu and Janet McTeer, who will portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall, respectively. Meanwhile, Luke Thallon will play Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher Quirinus Quirrell, Nick Frost will embody Hagrid, and Paul Whitehouse will portray Squib caretaker Argus Filch. While some viewers have already threatened to shun the new series due to Rowling's anti-trans views, others are eagerly awaiting further details. Most recently, the actors playing Harry, Hermione and Ron were unveiled, and Arabella's impressive acting career has been thrust into the spotlight. The star portrayed Matilda in the West End musical production, and fans have unearthed a clip from her performance of When I Grow Up, which was broadcast on The One Show in March 2024 to commemorate World Book Day. The clip shows her taking centre stage in a blue pin-striped dress, walking towards the stage down the audience aisle, before her fellow young cast members burst into song on stage. Fans are in a frenzy over Arabella's casting in a new role. A clip of her performance has gone viral, currently boasting over 33,000 views. Admirers are unanimous in their praise, calling her portrayal of Hermione "perfect". One remarked, "From this alone, I can tell she's going to be an amazing Hermione. " Another enthused: "So everyone ran here after learning she's playing Hermione, right? Sorry, not sorry, but I think they're perfect." "I can actually see her as Hermione!! Nice casting," chimed in another fan. A fourth contributed: "Well done, Ms. Granger. 10 points for Gryffindor." "SHE WAS PERFECTLY CAST AS HERMIONE," declared another supporter. One person added: "Cryingggg I'm so happy everyone is accepting her as Hermione. She's perfect." The up-and-coming actress also made waves starring in the 2024 production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express, where she played Control. Last year, Arabella paid homage to her performance as Matilda on an Instagram account run by her parents, recalling: "I started auditioning for Matilda the Musical the week after my 9th birthday and feel so lucky and honoured to have spent the age of 9 being able to play Matilda Wormwood at the Cambridge Theatre, London for the Royal Shakespeare Company (and at Buckingham Palace for an extra special performance at the BBC 500 Words Final)." Expressing her gratitude, she added: "Being able to play the part of Matilda as my West End debut has been incredible .. dreams really can come true!" The Harry Potter TV series will land on HBO in 2026.
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Harry Potter fans say same thing about casting as clip of new Hermione actress resurfaces
Harry Potter fans have all been left saying the same thing after a clip of Arabella Stanton playing the new Hermione Granger resurfaced. Harry Potter enthusiasts are all echoing the same sentiment after a video of the young actress set to portray the new Hermione Granger resurfaced. Arabella Stanton is stepping into Emma Watson's shoes in the television adaptation of JK Rowling's series, alongside Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The trio will join an impressive cast that includes John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, and Janet McTeer, who will portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, and Minerva McGonagall, respectively. In addition, Luke Thallon will play Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher Quirinus Quirrell, Nick Frost will embody Hagrid, and Paul Whitehouse will play Squib caretaker Argus Filch. While some viewers have already threatened to boycott the new series due to Rowling's controversial views on transgender issues, others are eagerly awaiting further details. Most recently, the actors playing Harry, Hermione and Ron were unveiled, and Arabella's remarkable acting career has come into focus. The star previously portrayed Matilda in the West End musical production, and fans have unearthed a clip from her performance of When I Grow Up, which was broadcast on The One Show in March 2024 to commemorate World Book Day. The clip shows her taking centre stage in a blue pin-striped dress, walking towards the stage through the audience aisle, before her fellow young cast members burst into song on stage. After the performance went viral with over 33,000 views on YouTube, fans unanimously praised Arabella's casting as "perfect". "From this alone, I can tell she's going to be an amazing Hermione," one admirer remarked. "So everyone ran here after learning she's playing Hermione, right? Sorry, not sorry, but I think they're perfect," another fan expressed. "I can actually see her as Hermione!! Nice casting," commented a third viewer. A fourth enthusiast shared: "Well done, Ms. Granger. 10 points for Gryffindor." "SHE WAS PERFECTLY CAST AS HERMIONE," another person exclaimed. "Cryingggg, I'm so happy everyone is accepting her as Hermione. She's perfect," another person added. Arabella also took to the stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber's roller-skating musical Starlight Express in 2024, portraying the character Control. Last year, she reflected on her role as Matilda on an Instagram account managed by her parents, posting: "I started auditioning for Matilda the Musical the week after my 9th birthday and feel so lucky and honoured to have spent the age of 9 being able to play Matilda Wormwood at the Cambridge Theatre, London for the Royal Shakespeare Company (and at Buckingham Palace for an extra special performance at the BBC 500 Words Final). "Being able to play the part of Matilda as my West End debut has been incredible .. dreams really can come true!" The Harry Potter TV series will land on HBO in 2026.
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
New Harry Potter star's little-known TV past and where you've seen them before
HBO has announced the next trio to take on the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley for the upcoming TV series as one already has an acting past Harry Potter fans have been introduced to the next trio taking over the iconic roles for the TV remake - and one actor has been on screens before. After months of waiting, HBO have confirmed who will be taking on Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The three young actors are Dominic McLaughlin, who will be playing Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will be starring as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley respectively. Harry Potter's executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod said in a statement that they are "delighted" to reveal new stars after an "extraordinary search", which began back in September last year. Based on JK Rowling's hit novels, the TV series will be a faithful adaptation of the books, according to HBO. While the trio have been dubbed as newcomers, many fans have been stunned to find out they have seen Hermione's actress before. Following in the footsteps of Emma Watson, who landed the mega role when she was 11-years-old, Arabella has already had a taste of the small screen. She has featured on both television and in theatre after studying at some of the country's most well respected acting schools. Arabella, who also goes by Bella, began her career at Aldance, a studio in Bracknell that offers dancing classes for children from 18 months to adulthood. She then moved onto the prestigious British Theatre Academy and the Guildford School of Acting. In 2013, Bella landed her first role when she was cast as the star character Matilda in the West End production, Matilda The Musical. The actress was the production's youngest cast member as she took on the six-month acting period in September 2023. She even featured on BBC's The One Show for World Book Day as Matilda. Bella impressed on the stage and helped to land her the part of Control in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 2024 London revival of Starlight Express. Acting isn't Bella's only enjoyment as she plays hockey for her local club and spends time skiing and horse riding. The young star also competes in swimming galas and triathlons and can even play the clarinet. Fans have also noticed Bella has a striking resemblance to Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega. The American actress was a child star in Jane The Virgin and shot to stardom thanks to her Netflix role as Wednesday Addams. Many fans pointed out their similar looks as one said: "Arabella Stanton looks like young Jenna Ortega or is it only me??? Hermoine in HBO's #HarryPotter series." Another added: "Arabella Stanton looks like a young Jenna Ortega." Someone else commented: "Arabella who? That's clearly a young Jenna Ortega." When announcing the trio, Harry Potter's executive producers said: "The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. "We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.'
