Sky is launching a temporary Cinema channel from 1st November that aims to provide pets and their owners with a way to calm down from the sounds of fireworks outside.
- Sky Bonfire Night channel will be available on channel 310 from 1-6 November.
- Collection of Bonfire Night films available on NOW via Sky Cinema Pass.
- Sky has worked with the Dogs Trust to identify suitable movies to show to viewers and their pets.
With firework season fast approaching, Sky and NOW have teamed up with Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, to launch a dedicated pop-up TV channel designed to help our four-legged friends stay calm during the potentially stressful period.
The aptly named ‘BonfireNight’ channel will feature a range of soothing, funny and distracting movies specifically curated for dogs to enjoy with their owners, helping to ease anxiety triggered by loud noises. Found on Sky channel 310, it will air from 6am on 1st November 1 until 6am on 6th November, featuring hit movies perfect for owners and dogs alike. The collection of movies will also be available to watch on demand and with a NOW Cinema pass.
How the movies were chosen
Sky and NOW’s extensive back catalogue of more than 1,000 films were whittled down with the help of Dogs Trust. The charity’s experts said feel-good, relaxing, and familiar content was a must-have, as it helps keep dogs’ owners calm, which in turn can help pooches relax too. Films that promote laughter and general positivity were essential, while anything with negatively-associated emotions and intense content were ruled out.
The final list of 21 includes blockbuster titles such as Barbie and Anyone But You – as well as comedy classics David Brent: Life on the Road and Step Brothers. Classic, familiar, flicks include the iconic E.T., the Bridget Jones trilogy and Shrek 1.
Voice control
Sky TV has added a brand-new voice command which will direct users straight to a dedicated page where they’ll be able to find all the movies from the Bonfire Night collection.
Simply say “bark” into your Sky Glass or Sky Stream remote. This command will work from 1st November at 6am until 6th November 6am.
Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust says:
“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.”
Image: Sky PR