Long before every brand tried to make us cry with a soft piano cover of a 70s song, Christmas adverts were simpler. Brighter. Louder. Often a bit weird. And for kids growing up in the ’80s, ’90s or early 2000s, these ads weren’t just commercials — they were the official announcement that Christmas had started. Here are the five festive adverts that shaped childhood Decembers and still live rent-free in your memory. 5. The Coca-Cola “Holidays Are Coming” Truck (1995–present) E

Nothing captures the true spirit of Christmas quite like… total chaos in the toy aisle. Before online pre-orders, stock alerts, or next-day delivery, parents had one option: physically fight their way through December crowds to get The Toy of the Year. Here are the five infamous Christmas toys that caused genuine carnage — bruised ribs, empty shelves, and “we might have more in the stockroom” lies included. 5. Cabbage Patch Kids (1983 release) The dolls were cute. The afterma

Plans to demolish a former social services building in Newport and replace it with ten “extremely affordable” homes have been approved by the Isle of Wight Council.

A prison officer has been seriously assaulted at HMP Isle of Wight after an inmate allegedly threw hot water over him.

Red Funnel and new owners Njord Partners say they will work closely with customers, Island residents, staff and local stakeholders to deliver long-term improvements.

Wightlink has announced a series of cancellations to its Monday morning car ferry services due to a mechanical issue on board the St Clare.

Early results show the service is already making a real difference for young Islanders and their families.

Headliners include CBeebies star Joseph Elliott, Young Bond author Steve Cole, and British Book Awards 2025 Illustrator of the Year Rob Biddulph.