Christmas has come and gone and once again the New Year will roll around before any of us have time to properly play with our presents. As far as television is concerned, you may be wondering what’s coming up on the night itself and how you’re going to prepare for it. Fear not, for the research has been done for you! BBC New Year Show The BBC will, as ever be hosting live coverage of all of the New Year’s events, including the London Fireworks. A series of big names from the world of music are sure to be present, along with what is sure to be a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Jool’s Holland Hootenanny Show It wouldn’t be New Year television without Jools Holland’s annual offering. This one promises to maintain his typical high standards, with performances from a diverse range of musicians. This promises to have something for everyone and a healthy smattering of music you won’t have heard before. Channel 4 Channel 4’s offering is hosted by Alan Carr and includes guest appearances from James Corden, Keith Lemon, Ben Cohen and Abbey Clancy.  This will be a party, with stand-up, along with music from Professor Green. This show is distinct from the offerings put forward by the BBC, in that it has already been pre-recorded. ITV James Manford is offering his comedic take on the news events of the year in a show called ‘A Funny Old Year’. This will be an hour-long comedy special, packed with Manford’s unique brand of presenting throughout. Continue reading →

Wearing fancy dress costumes for New Year parties is becoming more and more popular every year and there is never any shortage of themes and designs to choose from! Where ever you're celebrating this year, make it memorable in a funny fancy dress costume from Hollywood. Drinks Costumes If you’re ready to drink the night away to see the new year in then why not show it in style? Get your drink on quite literally with one of our epic alcohol themed costumes. For the ladies we have the ever so sexy Jägermeister and Jack Daniels inspired dresses, which come complete with cute bottle cap hats. If you’re looking for couples costumes then you partner can dress to match! For the guys there are plenty of brilliant drinks costumes to choose from. We have beer, tequila and vodka bottles as well as the paddy pint, inspired by Guinness! Food Costumes We all know and love the classic banana costume. It is always a New Year staple, so if you’re holding a party and there’s no human banana, you’re missing out! If you’re looking for a tasty costume then the fun doesn’t stop there, why not be bright and be seen in a funny carrot costume or super hot in a spicy chilli costume! If you’re more of a junk food junkie then go for something yummy like the golden fries or the saucy hot dog! There’s plenty of food for thought here at Hollywood! Continue reading →

Each New Year brings a new beginning so you need to be out with the old and in with the new! That can only mean one thing here at Hollywood.... A HUGE SALE! We all feel that after Christmas pinch in our wallets and with New Year being such a massive event on everyone’s calendar it’s hard to keep enough money aside for an amazing costume. Fear not! From the 27th December all three of our Hollywood stores will be having spectacular sales on a huge range of items so don’t miss out! With longer opening times for the festive season you’ll have even more chance to come in and grab yourself a bargain. What To Expect With so much going in to this New Year sale, it’s hard to know where to begin! There will be a huge range of costumes available for men and women from fairytales to funny characters. We must be going crazy on Christmas spirit because even licensed character costumes will be in our mammoth sale event. We’ll have it all from classics like Robocop to stunning new designs, like the exclusive ladies Beetle Juice costume! Continue reading →

Fireworks can be enjoyed worldwide by kids of all ages! Here at Hollywood you can even enjoy them all year round, but what better time to have a firework party than for New Year? Besides, who needs an excuse to get together with family and friends to set off fireworks? When it comes to buying your fireworks, you might have more choice than you think. Like most people you’ve probably purchased fireworks while doing your food shopping in one of the large supermarkets and that’s fine, you’ll get a little selection box for about a tenner and leave feeling like you’ve got a bargain. But even people with a tight budget are allowed to be discerning when it comes to fireworks! Why Come To Us For Fireworks? When you come to Hollywood for fireworks, not only do you have a huge selection of top brand fireworks to choose from, you’ll also get advice from people that know what they do. We’ve all seen fireworks, but how many people know what each type does, or even the names of the different types that are available? Knowledge is the key when putting together a good display so spending a little time on our website could be the most fun educational experience you’ve ever had! Continue reading →

Where ever you are in the world, you will never be far from a New Years celebration when the 31st December rolls around. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but we can all enjoy a good party and New Year always is. If you're not sure how to spend yours this year then have a look at the video that we've put together...

We are all focused on being ready for Christmas at the moment and with just over a week to go its no surprise, but don’t forget about New Year! As soon as the turkey has been devoured the panic for the end of the year begins, so why not take the stress out of your holidays and get in early...

Here in Bournemouth, we like to start our Christmas days a little differently. Rather than turning up the heating or lighting the fire and sitting down to open presents in our PJ’s, we prefer a mad dash into the sea! What Is The White Christmas Dip? This year will mark the 7th annual White Christmas dip, a charity swim that raises funds for Macmillan Caring Locally. Each Christmas morning people don their fancy dress costumes and gather in their hundreds to support this fantastic cause. Each year has brought more and more people to the shores at Boscombe pier to take part and this year will be no different. The idea for this event was inspired by the Spartans of Bournemouth who take to the sea each Sunday morning between October and April. Their Christmas swim had become something of a tradition so on the cold Christmas morning of 2008 John White, along with his son and nephews dug out some fancy dress and headed down to Boscombe pier. To their disappointment they found it empty and after a 30 minute wait decided that they would bite the bullet and run in by themselves, joined by passing cyclist Andy Corbett. Seeing how much everyone enjoyed their mad endeavour, John’s nephew Tommy Baker decided that is would be the perfect way to get everyone together on Christmas day. The following year they took to the sea once again for their Christmas dip, but this time with even more of their friends and family members. It was at that point that an opportunity to raise money was recognised. They could all get together as a family and at the same time help a charity with donations and with that, the White Christmas Dip was born! Continue reading →

Gather all far and wide for the time is upon us… it’s party time! All of you who are residence of Southampton it’s time to be excited and buzzing with joy as it is time for the Christmas street party at the Guildhall square in Southampton! This is a fantastic time of year where neighbours, families and friends can all celebrate...

We all like a good laugh at Christmas time; it is what brings the whole family together. From the teasing about eating the sprouts to the cheesy jokes in the Christmas crackers, we laugh in good spirit and that’s what makes it the most wonderful time of year. No matter what friend or family member you’re buying for, there is always room for a bit of tactical humour. Fill their stockings with funny festive tricks and treats to put a smile on everyone’s face. Do you know someone who likes to get on the wrong side of the law or often gets mistaken for some that does? We have the perfect present for them! How about a Joke ASBO that you can issue to them personally? This hilarious novelty item looks official with its seals and stamps; that is until you begin reading. There are different “offenses” to choose from too ranging from having awful taste in music to always being late! If your recipient loves the great outdoors then we have just the thing for them! One of our fantastic waterproof party ponchos will put a smile on anyone’s face. With a huge range of designs to choose from you’re sure to find something to suit that festival goer in your life. We have zebras, leopards, giraffes and tigers. There are cows, ducks, frogs and parrots too. We even have one shaped like a flower!  Do they love or hate a particular animal? Did they have a bad experience at a farm? They need one of these! Continue reading →

With all that Christmas shopping you’ve been doing, it’s hard to find time for anything else! Have no fear this festive season; you don’t need to be rushed off your feet. Hollywood are here to take the stress out of shopping, with longer opening times over the holidays so you can squeeze as much festive fun into your day as...

'Once upon a time in a far away land, there was a tiny kingdom; peaceful, prosperous, and rich in romance and tradition. Here in a stately chateau, there lived a widowed gentleman, and his little daughter, Cinderella....' This December is a special time for all of the family especially since 'Cinderella' will be the annual pantomime this Christmas at the...

On the 12th of December the organisation ‘Save the Children’ is holding a “Christmas Jumper Day” to raise funds for their cause. The event is now in its third year and has so far managed to raise more than £1.6 million, so let’s see how much we can boost it by this year! Who Are 'Save The Children'? Since the early 1900's all the way up to this day Save the Children has been working to help children and families from Britain and all across the world through war and times of famine. With no political agenda and a philosophy to help anyone one in need regardless of their colour, country or belief they have saved millions of lives. In 1919 Eglantyne Jebb and her sister Dorothy Buxton decided that campaigning for children's' rights just wasn't enough and at a public meeting at The Royal Albert Hall the Save The Children fund was created. While Dorothy concentrated on political campaigning, Eglantyne made it her mission to make children's rights and welfare a major issue across the globe. When her 'Declaration of the Rights of the Child' was adopted by the forerunner of the UN, The League of Nation's and managed to inspire the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, everything looked to be very promising. Continue reading →

Christmas music is a lot like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it and here at Hollywood, we certainly do love it! Our stores will be blaring festive music all season long, so get on board and make your own Christmas playlists. There are literally thousands of festive tunes to get you through the winter. If Classical is your cup of tea then there are traditional carols galore to relax to by the fire. For something nice and soothing try the gentle voice of Bing Crosby with “White Christmas”.  If you like your music a little funkier then you’re in need of some 80’s pop holiday hits from the likes of Slade. You can’t even be too metal to like Christmas music as there are hundreds of metal covers and even some original tracks too like Twisted Sister “Heavy Metal Christmas” which is a play on the 12 days of Christmas. Here are our top 10 Christmas songs: Bobby Helms “Jingle Bell Rock” So this song might make you think of Mean Girls or even that “adult” version but put that out of your mind, because this is the original and best! Every line of this song just shouts Christmas and we all know it’s one you can dance to. The repetition and simplicity of this song make it so catchy that you can’t help sing it all season long. Bing Crosby “Winter Wonderland” That beautifully smooth voice and catchy tune make this is a song you can listen to all winter long without the guilt of dragging out the Christmas songs. This is a tune that makes you feel warm inside, like any good Christmas song should. A must have to any festive playlist. Mariah Carey “All I Want For Christmas Is You” What do you get for the lady who has everything? You, apparently! A beautiful message that all you need is love at Christmas time and sung by the lovely Madame Carey too, what’s not to like? We all know that this song gets sung in jest to friends and co-workers at the office party more than eligible lovers, it is just a great feel good Christmas anthem that you have to love! Slade “Merry Xmas Everybody” Now, this is a good Christmas tune in its own right, but we all listen to it in anticipation of hearing singer, Noddy Holder, shriek “It’s Christmaaaaaaaaaas” We always get it wrong, we know we do, but we like to play the game (SPOILER: It’s at the very end of the song) It’s a typically British song, perfect for a good old fashion British Christmas. Continue reading →

What is St Andrew's Day? On November the 30th the world celebrates St Andrew's Day, Scotland's national holiday day. There will be amazing parties everywhere, especially in Scotland. St Andrew's day is a feast day of St Andrew. In 2006, the Scottish Parliament designated St Andrew's Day as an official bank holiday. It is also a national holiday in Romania. Saint...

  There is nothing more magical than Christmas time. Just the thought of it can warm you right to the core. Here in Bournemouth there is plenty to keep you in the festive spirit the whole way through the season, so dig out your Christmas hats and come on down to town. Shopping In the heart of Bournemouth you will find the German inspired Christmas market. Here you will be greeted with huts selling all manners of delights; from warm chestnuts to cosy clothing. This year features some stunning jewellery, gorgeous leatherwork and beautifully handcrafted sculptures and ornaments, perfect for those extra special Christmas gifts. If you get peckish with all that shopping then you’re in for a treat! Delicious aromas fill the air with traditional German bratwurst, a scrumptious hog roast and a huge array of confectionary available fresh from the stalls. Drinking If you’re in need of a break, or if the ladies need a place to park their husbands while they shop, then we have our very own Christmas staple, The Moose Bar! A traditional Alpine style bar with a beer garden serving up German lagers and warm mulled wines all under the watchful eye of an enormous joke telling moose! Enjoy a tipple out of the well know festive boot mugs or delve into all the Christmas spirits! This year, be in with the chance of winning a cash prize by taking a photo of yourself at the Moose Bar in your Christmas outfit and uploading it to S&D Leisure’s Facebook page! Don't forget to pop into Hollywood to find yourself the perfect costumes and accessories to help you win! Continue reading →

It Is Time...Done your capes, put your underwear on the outside of your trousers and show off your super hero style for this year’s Children In Need extravaganza! BBC’s Children In Need is an annual charity event designed to help children nationwide. Money donated by volunteers and fundraisers goes towards funding activities, events and schemes for disabled children and disadvantaged young people. Most people know BBC Children In Need by the telethon shown on BBC One each November. This year it will be broadcasted live from Albert Square, famously the set of hit British soap Eastenders. Sir Terry Wogan will be hosting as he has been since the first televised appeal in 1980 and will of course be joined by everyone’s favourite bear, Pudsey! Pudsey has been the poster child for Children In Need since 1985 when first created by BBC graphic designer Joanna Ball. Before being re-designed a year later Pudsey was depicted with a sad expression and was also orange, rather than the sunshine yellow we know and love today. Continue reading →

NEW IN AND EXCLUSIVE! Leg Avenue has arrived with new and wonderful costumes andaccessories, perfect for any occasion! Here at Hollywood we have new lines of Leg Avenue exclusively available in our Bournemouth branches so if you want a costume that will be high quality and gorgeously unique, look no further. For any ladies that want to dress to impress...

Festival season will be in full swing soon, so it’s time to start thinking about how you can dress up! The Isle of Wight Festival took place from June 13-15th and the famous Glastonbury Music Festival will be taking place on the 25-29th of June. If you are attending these fun festivals, the experience is so much more entertaining when you can dress up in a fun and interesting outfit. But sometimes dressing up can be more difficult than it sounds. With so many options out there, how do you choose the best fancy dress costume? If you are looking for some inspiration for your festival fancy dress costume this year, here are some fun and playful ideas to keep in mind. Continue reading →

We have an exciting new sale rail at our Castle Lane Store! This fantastic 'Vintage Hire Costumes Sale Rail' is located on our bottom floor at our Castle Lane Branch, on Castle Lane West. This genius new rail is not only a BARGAIN but a brilliant way to get your hands on an authentic/ vintage fancy dress costume! These fabulous and...

Fancy dress doesn't have to have a point, that's why its fancy dress! Hold your breath, make a wish, count to  three.. Come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination, with Hollywood's candy creator costumes for both men and women. Not yet got the hairstyle to match your new costume? Not to worry, we've got just...