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Watch Sky TV? You're about to unlock a brand-new film channel at no cost ...but don't be surprised if you don't actually sit down and watch anything on it. That's because Sky TV has teamed up with Dogs Trust to launch a channel designed to keep your four-legged friends calm during the upcoming fireworks season.
The temporary addition to millions of TV Guides nationwide, dubbed BonfireNight, will be available from November 1, 2024. It will work across all Sky TV hardware, including Sky Stream, Sky Glass, Sky Q, and Sky+ HD.
Lock-in our discounted monthly cost for the newest set-top box — Sky Stream. This diddy box arrives with 50 channels not available on Freeview, hundreds of boxsets from HBO, Peacock, and Sky Originals, and a complete Netflix subscription. Unlike Sky Q, High Definition is included as standard. Over the 24-month contract, you'll save at least £144 compared to buying direct from Sky TV
The UK's largest dog charity, formerly known as the National Canine Defence League, worked with the broadcaster to select a list of feature-length films to keep dogs — and their owners — calm and relaxed as the loud bangs and bright flashes of fireworks ring-out for celebrations like Guy Fawkes Night.
If you watch via NOW, formerly NOW TV, which offers contract-free access to Sky television, then you'll also be treated to the new BonfireNight channel to stream across your devices.
It'll include 21 hand-picked movies to relieve stress for pets and their owners, including feel-good classics like E.T., Shrek and the Bridget Jones movie trilogy joins comedies such as Anyone But You, David Brent: Life on the Road, and Step Brothers. All of these titles will be available to watch as they air on the channel, as well as on-demand.
Experts working alongside the Dogs Trust believe that relaxing, familiar content is a good way to keep dog owners calm, which in turn soothes their pets — no matter what's going on around them. The movies were chosen for their gentle music, positive emotions, and lack of sudden noises or dramatic sound effects.
Sky TV Director of Content Strategy and Performance, Jamie Morris said: “As a dog lover myself, I know all too well how stressful Bonfire Night can be. That's why we wanted to create something supportive to help dogs and their owners. Working with the experts at Dogs Trust and using their deep understanding of canine behaviour, we’ve delved into Sky Cinema’s extensive back catalogue of movie hits to ensure pets and owners alike get real comfort and support.”
The never-before-seen BonfireNight channel will be available on Sky TV Channel 310 from 6am on November 1, and then will be withdrawn from the service at 6am on November 6, 2024.
As well as navigating to the channel via the TV Guide, Sky viewers can also access BonfireNight by saying the word "bark" into their voice remote.
As well as navigating to the TV Guide, Sky TV viewers who own remote control with voice control capabilities can say the trigger word "Bark!" to launch the channel immediately
SKY TV PRESS OFFICEJenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, added: "Firework season can be particularly stressful for dogs as the loud bangs and flashes can cause fear and anxiety.
"Around half the UK’s dogs are affected by fireworks in some way, and fear can develop even in dogs who previously haven’t shown signs of distress. Dogs respond to fireworks in a range of different ways, so it’s crucial to have a clear plan ahead of time to help your own dog cope.
“A calm, relaxed environment can make a big difference in helping your dog feel safe and supported during firework season, so owners should plan for a cosy night in with them.
"Close the curtains, turn on the TV, and if your dog does seem worried, it’s worth distracting them with a game or treats to keep their attention away from the noises outside. For more advice on preparing your dog for fireworks, visit the Dogs Trust website.”
The cheapest Sky TV packages starts from £26 per month, which offers HD quality streaming of over 50+ channels not available with Freeview and a basic Netflix subscription.
For a limited time, GBN viewers can access one of the best Sky Stream deals around and drop that monthly cost to just £20 — saving £144 over the duration of your contract.
Lock-in our discounted monthly cost for the newest set-top box — Sky Stream. This diddy box arrives with 50 channels not available on Freeview, hundreds of boxsets from HBO, Peacock, and Sky Originals, and a complete Netflix subscription. Unlike Sky Q, High Definition is included as standard. Over the 24-month contract, you'll save at least £144 compared to buying direct from Sky TV
The best Sky Glass deals, which combines a bundle of popular paid-for channels with an all-in-one 4K Smart TV with hands-free voice controls, QLED panel, and a Dolby Atmos-equipped soundbar, starts from just £14 a month for the hardware.
The latest giveaway comes just a few days after Virgin Media announced plans to unleash 14 paid-for channels to its viewers to celebrate Diwali. It includes film channels with must-see Bollywood movies, hit reality TV shows, and much more.
As well as launching the BonfireNight pop-up movie channel, Sky and NOW want to go one step further to help pet owners. The broadcaster has teamed-up with veterinary surgeon and broadcaster, Dr Scott Miller, providing expert tips on how to best ease anxiety during fireworks.
Dr Scott Miller’s Top Tips:
Veterinary Surgeon and Broadcaster, Dr Scott Miller says: “With an acute sense of hearing, particularly at the higher frequencies, many of our furry friends do not appreciate fireworks. Occurring sporadically, suddenly and associated with flashes, bangs and vibrations, these celebratory light shows cause at least 50% of dogs and cats to suffer with anxiety.
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"It is incredibly important for pet owners to consider the responses of their pets to fireworks before the season commences, changing their plans accordingly to support pets in remaining calm and safe.
"Keeping them well exercised during the day, preparing your internal environment to reduce the impact of the bangs and flashes by pulling curtains, considering calming aids while offering a safe space or ‘den’ and remaining calm and relaxed yourself are all key ingredients to a Bonfire Night that the entire family can enjoy.”
The news comes as research shows that nearly half of all pet dogs are affected by fireworks, with 45% of owners saying their dog is not calm when they can hear them. To help, one in three owners say they intend to seek guidance to assist with fireworks-related behaviour.
