Not many days to go now until Bishop Monkton appears on television, taking centre stage in a forthcoming television programme, "Football Fantastics". This 10 part CBeebies programme, made by Strike Productions on behalf of the BBC, which was filmed at the Village Hall and Playing Fields, will hit our small screens on Saturday July 5th. Two episodes, each with a running time of 14 minutes, will be shown on CBeebies, one at 8.30 a.m. immediately followed by a second episode at 8.45 a.m.

Kicking off the series, the first episode is entitled 'New Kit', with a synopsis of, “It’s Sophie’s first day. She worries that she’s no good at football but feels like part of the team when she helps the others work together to create a fantastic new football kit”.

With a malodorous title of 'Stinky Socks', the "smelly" plot of episode two reads, “Elvis refuses to play football after his lucky, stinky socks are washed. Evie B leads the hunt for the smelliest smell in the Den so they can make the socks stinky again.”

But Bishop Monkton doesn't have to wait until July 5th. Villagers who have been lucky enough to “bag” a preview ticket will be treated to a screening of these two episodes on Thursday July 3rd at 6 p.m at the Village Hall. There are just a few tickets left so if you would like to attend this much anticipated “premiere” then log onto Eventbrite and book your free tickets. Click to apply. Children are welcome but they must have a ticket.

Cold drinks, wine and biscuits will be served.

Ten attendees from the Strike Production team will be at this prestigious village event, including several of the actors. Producer Dominic Macdonald says “I'm really looking forward to returning to Bishop Monkton next week. I just wanted to let you know that I have two episodes and a couple of promos to show. I should think it'll take about an hour with questions and answers, etc. Hopefully that'll be alright”.

Phil Goodier, Chair of the Village Hall Committee, has asked that if anyone with a ticket finds they cannot now attend to please return their tickets as it is likely the event will be oversubscribed. To return tickets email Phil, click.