Christmas Cracker Blog

Winner of our Competition 2011

2011-12-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

Winner of our Joke Competition is...Alison Sherwood. Winning joke.
What do you call a rabbit with flees? Bugs Bunny

Winner of our Facebook Page Competiton is... Paul Mse Green From Wisbech

Well done to both of you. Thanks everyone for taking part.

Both won two boxes of Absolutely Game Crackers worth over £25.00

BBC Radio Cumbria Show about Cracker Jokes 20th Dec 2011

2011-12-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

Ian Timms from BBC Radio Cumbria talks to Keith Langford about Christmas Cracker Jokes

Kay goes crackers at Christmas!

2011-12-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

Absolutely Crackers are suppliers for Vernon Kay's Home for the Holidays game show on Channel 4 starting Sunday 18th December 2011.

Just about everyone it seems as Channel 4 unwraps a brand new live entertainment event, Home for the Holidays. One soon-to-be-married couple brings their two extended families together under one roof for the first time in the run up to Christmas... What could possibly go wrong?

Tune in live each evening as the families are faced with Christmas dilemmas, temptations and games as they try to win a fantastic Christmas present - up to half a million pounds. Can the engaged couple keep everyone together as they face a festive family experience like nothing that has ever been seen before?

If you think Christmas with your nearest and dearest is a challenge, wait till you see what's waiting for the family in Home for the Holidays.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/home-for-the-holidays/articles/supplier-list

ITV's Cool Stuff Collective Reviews the Best Crackers of 2011

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

ITV's Cool Stuff Collective Reviews this years best crackers which included Absolutely Crackers Balloon Modelling cracker set. Children from the Coolstuff Common Room give their opinons. Saturday 8.00am - 17th December 2011.

http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=296043

Get Your Free Crackers And Enter Our Great Competitions

2011-11-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

Get Your Free Crackers And Enter Our Great Competitions

New Limited Edition Wade Whimsies Crackers for Christmas 2011

2011-10-18T02:35:00.000-07:00

6 Wade Farmyard Crackers.
Each cracker includes a collectable Wade Farmyard Whimsie, a paper hat, snap and a motto/joke.
Limited Edition
Available at www.absolutelycrackers.com

Making Crackers in the 1950's Wembley, London

2011-04-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

Clip of a company in Wembley making Christmas Crackers from 1950.

XMAS CRACKERS

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New for Tom Smith Christmas 2011

2011-04-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Tom Smith are releasing new sets of game crackers for Christmas 2011.

Twister
The game that ties you up in knots. Also includes a fantastic after party Freestyle Twister Game.
6 Crackers per box.

Cracker Contents:
Key Ring
Novelty Puzzles
Coloured Hat
Motto/Joke

Cracker Box Includes:
6 sets of coloured sticking dots
Large Coloured dots on card
Spinner board

Scrabble
Every Word Counts - With Mini Board Game.
6 Crackers per box.

Cracker Contents:
Key Chain (puzzle)
244 (approx) 4 Letter word combinations to find
Coloured Hat
Motto/Anagams & Fun Facts

Cracker Box Includes:
Mini Board
Card Stands & Letter Sheet
Instruction Sheet/Rules
Score Pad and Pencil

Giant Hasbro Game Cracker - Family Game Night
Four in 1 Games Compendium
Guess Who
Connect 4
Pictureka!
Cup Onk

New Kuckoo Crackers For Christmas 2011

2011-04-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

Jigsaw Boggler Game Crackers - 6 Pack
Each cracker contains an identical jigsaw with nine different letters on it. The first game has players race to see who can put the jigsaw together first, the second game is a knock-out tournament where players take it in turns to come up with different words using the nine letters on the jigsaw, and in the third game, players try and work out the nine letter Conundrum. GO, GO JIGSAW BOGGLER!

Top Secret Game Crackers - 6 Pack
All players take on the role of an undercover secret service agent working for MI-6. A rogue chemist is planning to unleash a highly contagious virus and only you can stop him! You must undergo progressive briefings by your Senior Intelligence Officer ensuring that you remember every last piece of information, as if you are unable to recall the details on your mission, your cover will be blown and the consequences to the world and yourself will be catastrophic!

Talent Show Game Crackers - 8 Pack
Roll up, roll up for the Great Variety Talent Show and see if you’ve got what it takes to become a Star! Each Cracker contains a Talent Act, a novelty relating to that Act and a draft script to help you perform the Act. You could be a Singer and Dancer; a Mind Reading Magician; a Balloon Modelling Expert; a Poet Impersonator; a Christmas Choir Conductor; a Swanee-Whistle and Kazoo Cover Band, or a Memory Master Card Sharp. These Crackers really have got Star Quality, the question is, have you?

Keep upto date with the lastest news, become a fan of Absolutely Crackers on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Absolutely-Crackers/32166263230

Christmas Is No Joke With New Cracker Gags

2011-02-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

New Kuckoo Crackers Now In Stock

2010-12-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

Exclusively to Absolutely Crackers Xmas 2010.

Egg & Spoon Race Game Party Crackers - All players receive a plastic Egg and a Spoon in their cracker and then play in a number of Egg and Spoon races around the table. Good balance and a steady hand are all that you need to succeed. These really are cracking good fun, just don’t drop those eggs. 12 crackers per box

Magic Tricks Game Party Crackers - Enter the mysterious world of smoke, mirrors and magic! All players receive a Magic Trick in their cracker and must take it in turns to perform their trick in front of all other players. The person who can best perform their trick, as well as providing the greatest entertainment factor will win. 12 crackers per box

Towcester Racecourse Christmas Fayre Sunday 7th November 2010

2010-10-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

We will be exhibiting at the Christmas Fayre
on Sunday 7th November 2010
at Towcester Racecourse

from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Wide range of GIFT ideas

Santa’s Grotto

“Face of the Show” competition with Annalise Photography - £250 voucher prize

Wine tasting with Ralph’s Wines

Chocolate samples from Chocolate Perfection

Refreshments from Green Feast

More info go to:http://www.informexhibitions.co.uk/christmasfayre2010towcester.htm

Tickets: Adults £3.00

Children Free

Pre-registered HALF-PRICE TICKETS go to:

http://www.jotform.com/form/1752653493

How to get to Towcester Racecourse:
http://www.informexhibitions.co.uk/towcestervenue.htm

See you there!

October 2010 Bulletin

2010-10-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

October 2010 E-Shot.

WIN...Yet again this year we are selling the complete range of Kuckoo Krackers. Kuckoo Krackers have a diverse range of novel and interactive games within each cracker set. Balloon and Pop Band being the favourite sellers still. We now have boxes of 50's for quiz nights. Enter our Kuckoo competition and win 3 boxes free by adding our Fan page to your Facebook Profile, click on the Competition link at the bottom of our home page or go to http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/comp.html

WIN... a Luxury box of crackers with table accessories worth £50.00. Just tell us a funny Wedding related joke. For more information and how to enter just go to the Competition link at the bottom of our home page or go to http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/comp.html

GET YOUR FREE BOX...We are giving away 20 boxes of crackers in October, while stocks last, excluding shipping costs. One box per order/household. Just go to the Cracker Offers section category in our online shop. http://www.absolutelycrackers.com

GET YOUR FREE HALLOWEEN GIFT...Get a free tub of 10 Halloween Party Bursters worth £2.50 for every box of Halloween crackers purchased. Go to our Themed Crackers Section in our online shop to buy your Halloween Crackers http://www.absolutelycrackers.com

NEW FOR OCT 2010
Premier League Football Party Christmas Crackers - including Everton, Man City, West Ham and Tottenham. Kuckoo Bingo Crackers in 12's and Quiz Conundrum in 50's

New line for 2010 - 'Eco Friendly' Christmas Crackers Range

2010-07-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Eco Friendly Christmas Crackers are Ecological crackers made up from recyclable materials and vegetable dyed ribbons and are becoming more popular each year as people are becoming more aware of consumption. Filled with an environmentally gift, an insightful fact and a friendly tip on how we can protect our planet.

This cracker can be used all the way through the Christmas holidays to New Year, a perfect addition to the dinner table or office Christmas party. This recycled cracker range is called ‘Eco Exclusive’ manufactured and designed by many top end companies who see the importance of helping the environment.

Whether it’s the box, the gifts, the crackers or all of it, each set in the range is helping to save the planet! In some of the crackers there are insightful facts about the planet and the effect we are having on it. On the reverse of that we have added a helpful hint on how you, your family and friends can help us to protect the Earth.

For more informatioin visit: www.absolutelycrackers.com

Hasbro Game Crackers New for 2010

2010-07-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

New for 2010 - Hasbro Game Crackers - Trivial Pursuit - Cluedo Crackers - Monopoly Crackers

Trivial Pursuit Crackers: Cracker box contents: New Trivial Pursuit mini game Score pencil Game play instructions Cracker contents: Key ring [6 designs] Coloured hat

Cluedo Crackers: Cracker box contents: Games board 6 x Movers 6 x Weapon tokens 6 x Character cards 6 x Weapon cards 9 x Room cards 6 x Pencils 2 x dice Detective notebook/pad Case file envelope
Cracker contents: Trivia/Questions 2 x Keyrings Magnifying glass Coloured hats Compact mirror Playing cards Novelty tin.

Monopoly Crackers: Cracker box contents: Mini Monopoly “Deal” property card game Game instruction
Cracker contents: Trivia/Questions Coloured hats 3 x Money clips 3 x Keyrings

Hasbro Game crackers will be in stock from October 2010 and can be purchased online from www.absolutelycrackers.com

Wholesalecrackers.com 2010 Brochure

2010-07-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

Wholesalecrackers.com 2010 Brochure now available...

New Party Items and new Eco Crackers lines in stock!

Click to download:

http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/downloads/Wholesalecrackers.com-2010.pdf

Wedding Crackers - 3 in 1 - Favour, Place Setting & Decoration all in one

2010-05-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

New range launched by Absolutely Crackers that make a great ice breaker at your wedding.

Wedding Crackers - 3 in 1 - Favour, Place Setting & Decoration all in one – A range of wedding colours are available in 8 and 12 inch sizes. All you need to do when you have got your guest list together is email it to Absolutely Crackers and then they can Hot Foil block the names onto the crackers. Hot Foil colours come in Gold Silver and Red. Crackers are available in ready to fill or in flat kit formats

For more information go to: www.absolutelycrackers.com at look at the custom crackers section.

Having a dinner party or Hen Night…why not use them as place setting and customise them as you like.

Wedding Exhibition - Visit our stand

2010-04-27T04:29:00.000-07:00

We will be exhibiting our range of wedding crackers at The Parkside Hotel, Wougthon On The Green, Milton Keynes. Free Admission. From 11am - 3pm.

Crackers at the Milton Keynes Baby & Toddler Show

2010-02-27T05:58:00.000-08:00

We will be exhibiting at the MK Dons Football Stadium, Grafton Street, Milton Keynes, MK1 1SA (next to Asda and Ikea)

Sunday March 7th, 11am - 4pm............FREE ADMISSION.

We will have a selection of our most popular crackers along with our customised crackers for your baby's first Christmas.

Absolutely Crackers 2009 Christmas Prize Draw Result...

2009-12-22T17:57:00.001-08:00

Nicola Roach from Coventry is the winner of our 2009 Christmas Prize Draw. She won a box of our luxury crackers worth £50.00. Well done Nicola

Record Cracker Pull at the Metro Centre, Newcastle

2009-12-05T17:44:00.000-08:00

RAF Association fundraisers joined thousands of Christmas shoppers at the Metro Centre in Newcastle on Saturday for a festive world record attempt.

The aim was to encourage members of the public to become record breakers by making a long line all around the shopping centre, linking arms and all pulling a cracker at the same time. Spirits were high as men, women and children of all ages joined in with the countdown and heard the ear splitting crack as all the crackers were pulled followed by a big cheer afterwards.

The crowds came close to scooping the Guinness World Record but unfortunately they did not manage to break the record set by a Honda Factory in Japan, which stands at 1,478. They did, however, manage to achieve a new British record of 1,168.

Pull a Cracker World Record attempt for RAFA at the Metro Centre!

2009-12-04T02:12:00.000-08:00

Thousands of Christmas shoppers will have the chance to be part of a festive Guinness World Record attempt at the Metro Centre on Saturday (5 Dec 2009).

The “Pull a Cracker for RAFA” event will take place at 11am and will involve a huge chain of people stretching across the shopping centre all crossing arms and pulling a cracker at the same time.

It is hoped that around two thousand people will join together in the massive world record attempt and every cracker pulled will help support serving RAF personnel.

One of the organisers, Pete Brocklehurst, said: “Currently the record stands at 1,478 - set by a Honda Factory in Japan - so we are hoping that more than 2,000 people will help us to smash the record when we bring it to the North East!”

All of the money raised will go to the RAF Association, a charity which provides friendship, help and support for past and present members of the RAF and their families.

Some of the funds will go specifically to the charity’s latest project – Storybook Wings.

Before leaving for their tour of duty, RAF personnel can record their child’s favourite story at their home base, using professional recording equipment and the skill of an experienced editor. Once they have recorded the story, music and sound effects are added, making it even more special. They can also record their own message at the end, telling their children how much they miss them and that they will be home soon.

2,400 RAF personnel will be separated from their families this Christmas due to overseas operations and every person who pulls a cracker could be helping to make Christmas more bearable for their young children.

It is hoped that people from all over the North-East will come along on Saturday and get well and truly into the festive spirit!

For more information visit www.rafa.org.uk

Absolutely Crackers add Santa Balls to their range of Christmas goodies

2009-11-03T09:44:00.001-08:00

We at Absolutely Crackers can now offer our customers a range of new witty, cute, sexy and wickedly cruel baubles.

Santa Balls has taken the traditional glass Christmas bauble and given it a 21st Century twist. Individually gift boxed, Santa Balls is the perfect Secret Santa gift or ideal family stocking filler.

With over 50 hilarious designs you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift for the ‘crimbo bimbo’ or ‘bah humbug’ in your life.

Go to http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/ to see our range.

Victorian Christmas - How to Make a Christmas Cracker - BBC

2009-11-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

How Crackers were made in the good old days!

2009-11-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

Meerkats go crackers for Christmas!

2009-10-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

The meerkats at ZSL London Zoo are set to have a cracking Christmas this year, with an early festive feast.
Keepers are giving them home-made Christmas crackers stuffed with meal worms and locusts to get them into the holiday spirit. It also provides a great form of enrichment for the mini mammals. Zookeeper Mark Habben reckons they’ll be delighted with their Christmas treats: “The meerkats love to explore new things, so we thought we’d surprise them with a gift that they can get they paws into!” Photographers are invited in to take pictures of the cute creatures as they have some festive fun. Photographers will also have the opportunity to get snaps of the ring-tailed coatis as they are presented with giant Christmas crackers filled with treats.
It’s not just the meerkats having all the fun this Christmas though, as visitors to ZSL London Zoo will be able to join in with the Christmas Carnival. With a selection of daily events including seasonal storytelling and a daily Animal Parade, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained. Visit ZSL's website to find out more.

Wedding Crackers at Milton Keynes Shopping Centre, UK

2009-09-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

We will exhibiting our range of Wedding Crackers at the Wedding Exhibition in Milton Keynes Shopping Centre from Friday 2nd October to Sunday 4th October 2009. If you are in the area then why not pop over to our stand and say hello.

FREE ADMISSION

This show is in its' 20th year, being held twice a year and has approx 125 exhibitors all under one roof, probably the biggest show in the region.

There will be catwalk shows at the weekend... Saturday and Sunday shows and are being held at 12 midday, 2pm and 4pm both days.One big aspect at this show is the number of venues exhibiting, which you do not usually get at smaller fairs...here there are 23 different venues available as your starting point to book your wedding. Combine that with vast amounts of other choices of bridalwear, photographers, florists, cakes, cars, horse and carriage, menswear, catering, bands, discos, lingerie, beauty, stationery, video, toastmasters, balloons, choc fountain, hats, magician, mother of the bride, tiaras and jewellery and you have the complete set of all you need.

OPENING HOURS: Friday 9.30am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 6pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm.

Crackers and Party Products at Wholesale Prices

2009-07-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

Wanting large amounts of crackers for your Christmas Party? WholesaleCrackers.com can now sell you crackers and other party supplies at Wholesale prices. Order online today and get Free Delivery to customers within Mainland UK. All other customers please enquire for delivery price. Go to: http://www.wholesalecrackers.co.uk/ minimum quantities do apply

Catering Crackers, Retail Crackers, Wholesale Crackers, Hotel Supplies, Restaurant Supplies and more...

Win £50 Worth of Custom Wedding or Christmas Crackers

2009-03-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Our custom Crackers are a great ice breaker at any Wedding or function and make a unique Place Setting, Favor Box & Decoration all in one.

To save you time we can print the names of your guests on each Cracker - Just email us your guest list and we do the rest.

Choose a Cracker to match your colour scheme – Our prices start from 75p.

You may ask, ‘What can I put in the Crackers?’ Well, we have lots of fillings and contents to choose from. You can put chocolates, after dinner mints, a lottery ticket of your favourite charity, fortune messages, seed sticks and much much more, see our website http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/ for more ideas.

Win £50 worth of crackers, just sent us your favourite corniest joke - To enter our Free Prize Draw please click on the link and fill in the form http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/comp.html

Entries should reach us no later than 30th August 2009. The corniest joke will win.

Winner to be drawn on 1st September 2009.

Good Luck!

Keith Langford (Managing Director, Absolutely Crackers)

* Competition is open to all countries. Postage will be paid for. Tax duties may have to be paid in some countries.
* You will also be contacted by email asking if you would like to join our mailing list which informs you of offers and competitions from only us at Absolutely Crackers. To unsubscribe you will just need to click on the link provided. Your email will NOT be passed on to any other party.
* Managing Director's decision is final.

New Crackers coming soon for 2009

2009-02-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

We at Absolutely Crackers have an exciting 2009 coming up with some new lines starting with:

Premier League Football Party Christmas Crackers - including Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea and Celtic.
Office Party Awards Crackers - Nominate all those colleagues who are worthy of an award for the year be it best tea maker to the sexiest member of staff, you decide on the categories and award them with a certificate and medal,
Casino Party Game Crackers - everything you need to play your favourite casino game.
High School Musical Crackers - Each crackers contains a HSM novelty, a must for any HSM fan.
Thornton Chocolate Dinner Crackers by Robin Reed - Indulge yourself with our dinner party crackers with a choccy treat inside.
Handbells Musical Crackers - Inside each handmade cracker you will find a different coloured metal handbell each with a different ring plus numbered badge which everyone should wear. Nominate someone to be the conductor who, following the simple numbered music sheet and using the enclosed baton, points at each person (depending on their badge number) to ring their bell - the result: beautiful music....or total chaos !
Fink Conversation Crackers A cracker to make you Think? Those tired old jokes are replaced with wonderful questions from Finks Family Edition, including... “Would you rather be a grown-up or a child?” and “What is your earliest memory?”. It’s a great way to get to know more about your family and friends at the festive table or for any occasion.
Each cracker contains a novelty and paper hat and are available in boxes of six.

Come back for more new additions or visit http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/

Wedding Crackers at Milton Keynes Shopping Centre, UK

2009-01-27T03:27:00.000-08:00

We will exhibiting our range of Wedding Crackers at the Wedding Exhibition in Milton Keynes Shopping Centre from Friday 30th January to Sunday 1st February 2009

Win a box of 6 Tom Smith Luxury Crackers - Result

2008-12-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

Yvonne Cavill from London, UK was the winner of our Christmas 2008 competition. She won a box of 6 Luxury Christmas Crackers by giving us the correct answer. The Christmas Cracker was invented in 1847. Well done Yvonne

One has Gorn Creckers - Queen to make cut backs

2008-12-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

The Queen has ordered a festive crackdown to acknowledge the credit crunch starting with her Christmas crackers. "The directive has come from the top that the family must be in tune with the rest of the country," a royal source was quoted as saying by the News of the World.

"She is aware that extravagance would not be welcomed at this time." The monarch has axed posh gifts from inside the crackers. In the past, the family’s hand-made crackers have contained items like Montblanc gold cuff-links and expensive lighters. But Royal warrant holder Tom Smith, which has made crackers for the monarch for 100 years, has been ordered to use cheaper gifts this year.

Win a box of 6 Tom Smith Luxury Crackers & Table Accessories - Now Closed

2008-08-27T04:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, yet again we are going crazy here at Absolutely Crackers and are giving you a chance to win a box of 6 Tom Smith Luxury Crackers & Table Accessories. All you need to do is answer one simple question and email it: competition@absolutelycrackers.com

Question: What year was the Christmas Cracker invented?

Here's a clue... the answer can be found within our site.

Entries should reach us no later than 15th December 2008.
First name out of the hat will win. Good Luck!
Keith Langford (Managing Director, Absolutely Crackers)
* Competition is open to all countries. Postage will be paid for. Tax duties may have to be paid in some countries.
* You will also be contacted by email asking if you would like to join our mailing list which informs you of offers and competitions from only us at Absolutely Crackers.To unsubscribe you will just need to click on the link provided. Your email will NOT be passed on to any other party.
* Managing Director's decision is final.

Win a Box of Kuckoo Krackers Competition - Result

2007-12-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

Amanda Castle from Lancs, UK was the winner of our Kuckoo Krackers competition. She won a box of Pop Kuckoo Krackers by giving us the correct answer. Love Is All Around Us was a hit by Wet Wet Wet, it was also rercorded by the Troggs and not Simply Red. Well done Amanda

Win a Box of Kuckoo Pop Band Game Crackers

2007-10-31T01:51:00.000-07:00

We are going a bit Kuckoo at Absolutely Crackers and are giving you a chance to win a box of Kuckoo Pop Band Game Crackers. Can you spot the deliberate mistake below. If you can then email competition@absolutelycrackers.com with your answer. (This competition is now closed)

Pop Band Game Crackers: Ever wanted to be in a band? Re-create some of the hits from the past 25 years? Create some of your own? With Pop Band Kuckoo Krackers you can do all of these things, as all players become members of a band. Each player is provided with a whistle as an instrument and with the help of an easy to read Music Sheet, and under the instruction of an appointed band leader, hits such as “Angels” by Robbie Williams, “Love is all around us” by Simply Red and “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles, are brought harmoniously (or not!) to the table. No talent, or previous musical experience required.

Entries should reach us no later than 10th December 2007.
First name out of the hat will win. Good Luck!
Keith Langford (Managing Director, Absolutely Crackers)

* Competition is open to all countries. Postage will be paid for. Tax duties may have to be paid in some countries.
* You will also be contacted by email asking if you would like to join our mailing list which informs you of offers and competitions from only us at Absolutely Crackers.To unsubscribe you will just need to click on the link provided. Your email will NOT be passed on to any other party.
* Managing Director's decision is final.

Absolutely Crackers exclusively launch Kuckoo Krackers complete range

2007-10-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

Absolutely Crackers... the only site in the UK to exclusively launch Kuckoo Krackers complete range of 10 exciting cracker sets

Kuckoo Krackers represent an evolution of the Christmas cracker market through the inclusion of a diverse range of novel and interactive games within each different cracker set. No longer just a novelty, a corny joke and a party hat, with Kuckoo Krackers, you get an entertainment package that will amuse everybody from children to grandparents.

Kuckoo Krackers currently have a range of ten different sets that cater for any number of desired party moods. Whether it’s loud, quiet, creative, skilful, mindless, or challenging, each set has been produced to create as much fun, amusement and pleasure as possible, and across all age groups.

Kuckoo Krackers will have you playing in a musical pop band, competing in a spelling bee, creating balloon twisting mayhem, lying through your teeth, in a football tournament, under quick fire scrutiny, tying yourselves in knots (literally), and many more.

The ten sets available exclusively from Absolutely Crackers Christmas 2007:

Celebrity Game Crackers: All players become a famous celebrity, but initially don’t know who they are. Taking it in turns the race is on to see if Grandma can uncover that she’s Michael Jackson, Dad that he’s Scooby Doo, and Uncle Frank that he’s the Queen.

Bingo Game Crackers: “Two Fat Ladies – eighty-eight” the caller cried as the excitement of the bingo hall is brought to the dinner table. One player is selected as the Bingo Caller receiving bingo numbers and a jargon sheet of bingo rhyming slang, the other players receive bingo scorecards. The first one to obtain a line and call out “BINGO” wins the game.

Spelling Game Crackers: Players compete in a spelling showdown to see who is the best speller. Numerous words have been included ranging from the very easy to the devilishly difficult. If you know your “apple” from your “aardvark”, your “scissors” from your “stethoscope” and even your “Pseudonym” from you “Septuagenarian”, then get spelling with Spelling Kuckoo Krackers! Words for children and teens are also included.

Balloon Game Crackers: All players receive a number of modeling balloons and a step-by-step guide showing them how to make a number of balloon models. As well as a balloon pump to help blow up the balloons, to spice it up a little, we have added a number of competitions. There is “Scrufts” where players have to create a balloon dog and enter it into a prestigious dog show and also speed modelling!

Quick Fire Game Crackers: As the name suggests, you've got to be quick to win. All Krackers contain a number of Quick Fire Questions that detail a Person, a Place, a Song, or a Film, and instructions as to how the Question should be read out. Could you get players to guess that you are Luke Skywalker whilst only being allowed to "Hum" and to "Act"? Alternatively, could you verbally describe the song “Bohemian Rhapsody” without actually saying “Bohemian Rhapsody”? If you could Quick Fire Kuckoo Krackers are for you.

Pop Band Game Crackers: Ever wanted to be in a band? Re-create some of the hits from the past 25 years? Create some of your own? With Pop Band Kuckoo Krackers you can do all of these things, as all players become members of a band. Each player is provided with a whistle as an instrument and with the help of an easy to read Music Sheet, and under the instruction of an appointed band leader, hits such as “Angels” by Robbie Williams, “Love is all around us” by Wet Wet Wet and “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles, are brought harmoniously (or not!) to the table. No talent, or previous musical experience required.

Consequence Game Crackers: All players take it in turns to detail a small section of a story, not knowing what the preceding part of the story is, or how the story will eventually end. Once completed, each section of the story is then combined and read out aloud resulting in hilarious stories of bizarre events with outrageous consequences. Consequence Kuckoo Krackers will have the whole table rolling on the floor with laughter.

Football Game Crackers: Brings football to the confines of a busy dinner table. Starting with an easy group warm-up which is followed by “The Big Match”, players have to pass a ball amongst their fellow team mates and try and score as many goals as possible. The only thing is, all players have got to pass the ball is their sucking powers and a straw! If you like football and a good team event, Football Kuckoo Krackers are for you.

Calamity Game Crackers: Will have you tied up in knots, literally! Contained within the set are a number of Calamity Connection Picture Cards, each showing a connection between one person and another, e.g. a hand touching a nose, a head touching a knee, a hip touching a hip, etc. In teams of two, players must follow the directions indicated on the cards and try and hold as many of the cards between them to accumulate the most points. The problem is could you connect your hand to someone else’s back when you’ve already got your elbow in their ear?

Liar Game Crackers: Can you tell when someone’s telling a lie? Have you ever told one yourself? With Liar Kuckoo Krackers players have to make up answers to inconceivable questions with the aim of trying to con all other players into believing that their answers are correct. The person who’s the best at conning others into believing their answers are correct and the best at working out who’s lying and who’s telling the truth will win the game.

Beesker Recommends Absolutely Crackers as Britain's Best Website

2007-07-17T00:19:00.001-07:00

Beesker recommends Absolutely Crackers as Britain's best website for buying Christmas Crackers.

About Absolutely Crackers

The Absolutely Crackers company operates from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, under the leadership of managing director Keith Langford. He explains that while Christmas is the busiest season, crackers are now popular ingredients in many social occasions. Wedding crackers, containing cherubs, charms, and other wedding-related items, are becoming very popular. The bulk of Absolutely Crackers sales used to be in the USA, but these have now been overtaken by UK sales.

The Absolutely Crackers website is organised into the following main sections: Order Crackers, Special Feature, History of Crackers, Message Board, Guest Book, Articles about Crackers, Related Links, Send a Cracker, and Price List. The Orders section covers: Cracking Offers, Christmas Crackers, Wedding Crackers, Cracker Kits (to make your own crackers), Collectable Crackers, Party Game Crackers, Catering Crackers, Empty Crackers (for adding your own gifts), Contents & Components (snaps, hats, jokes, fortune messages, confetti bags, balloons, bubbles and more), Themed Crackers, and Party Crackers.

The History section covers: What are Crackers?, Early History of Tom Smith, Invention of the Cracker, How the Cracker Evolved, Variety of Designs, The Royal Warrants, To the Millennium, and the World's Biggest Cracker (207 feet long, created by children and parents at Ley Hill School Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England).

It was in 1840 that Tom Smith, a forward-looking London baker and confectioner, discovered the 'bon bon' in Paris. This was a sugared almond wrapped in a twist of paper. Smith launched the 'bon bon' in London, but sales flagged after Christmas. He innovated by including a love motto within the wrapping, and sales picked up. Smith wished to innovate further, and the crackle when the threw a log on the fire inspired him to devise a small explosion triggered by the unwrapping of the bon bon wrapper. He never looked back.

Absolutely Crackers celebrate their 10th year with Wade Dinosaur Crackers

2007-03-10T15:09:00.000-08:00

Absolutely Crackers celebrate their 10th Anniversary by launching their second set of Wade Crackers using Wade's dinosaur Whimsies.

This comes six years after the commissioned set of Absolutely Wade Crackers Limited Edition Bird Set.

There are six crackers per box and each cracker will include a collectable Wade Whimsie Dinosaur, a hat, snap and joke. An exclusive Absolutely Crackers calendar will be inside every box.

Only 50 boxes will be manufactured.

Valentine Cracker Competition 2007

2007-02-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Zoe Spinner from Essex, UK was the winner of our Valentine competition.

She was the first entry out of the hat and wins a luxury Valentine cracker.

Congratulations

Tom Smith's Christmas Crackers - An Illustrated History

2006-12-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

The World's first in depth book on the history of the Christmas Cracker - From 1840's to the Present. Author Peter Kimpton, in his new book entitled “Tom Smith's Christmas Crackers” brings you an in-depth history of Tom Smith the man, his accepted invention of the Christmas cracker, his associated products, competitors, many re-discovered facts and images and much, much more in his wide ranging coverage of the subject.

After a number of years within the Christmas Cracker industry as Marketing Services Manager with the Tom Smith Group in Norwich, England, during which time he was responsible for much development work on both modern and traditional interpretations of the Christmas cracker, Peter was well placed to write a book on this subject.

This experience coupled with a chance discovery of a quantity of wonderful Tom Smith archive material in the 1990’s dating back to the 1880’s, not only gave him the idea to write this book but has enabled him to offer the reader a fascinating insight into the world of crackers both past and present.

“To my knowledge, this is the first ever really comprehensive book on the subject which introduces you to the fascinating history of the Christmas cracker and associated products”.
“My researches have unearthed much as yet undiscovered material from far and wide and in particular from my own Kathleen Kimpton collection here in Norwich which is not generally available to the public.” Say's Peter.

The author’s own experience and archive material is interestingly supplemented by first hand accounts from several stalwarts of the cracker industry of long ago.
And so if you are in any way shape or form interested in the invention and origins of the great English tradition - the Christmas cracker, then this book is most definitely for you.

For any information regarding Christmas Crackers in general, the book (which will be personally signed and dated by the author), his Educational folder and limited edition prints.

Author Peter Kimpton with partner Rose Tibbles displaying a pair of Victorian style cracker boxes which he designed whilst working with the Tom Smith cracker company when it was based in Norwich, England

If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of the Christmas Cracker then this book is one not to miss.

THE DEFINITIVE STORY OF A VERY ENGLISH TRADITION

ALL YOU COULD WISH TO KNOW.

From the UK’s leading expert on the history of the Christmas cracker, author Peter Kimpton brings you his fascinating, in depth history of Tom Smith the man, his accepted invention and the Christmas cracker industry since the 1840’s - in theUK, Europe and North America - featuring hundreds of as yet unpublished facts and many illustrations.

After several years research, I am at last able to offer a comprehensive history of the man and his accepted invention, covering the development and spread of the Christmas cracker both here in the UK and around the world as far as it is known.Apart from the basic history of Tom Smith, from when he first set up in business on his own in the 1840’s, my book, amongst other things, covers his wonderful box graphics, his company’s competitors, mergers, takeovers, wartime factory destruction and personal reminiscences of skilled and knowledgable people who have worked within the cracker industry over many years.

Did you know that the great English artist A.J. Munnings actually designed cracker boxes in his youth? Have you ever heard of “The Castle of the Cracker King.” What contents go into the Royal crackers? Read about the crackers produced for Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding. What do know about Snaps and Scraps or "Animates" crackers-created in conjunction with the famous Wade Pottery, producers of the renowned "Whimsies". How about love Mottoes and Corny Jokes? Could some of the Tom Smith’s box designs be classed as racist? If you are in any way interested in the great English tradition of the Christmas cracker, then this book will tell you all you need to know.

Contact Peter Kimpton

A Real Cracker of a Find

2006-12-15T03:41:00.000-08:00

THE contents of 60-year-old Christmas crackers have finally been revealed. An X-ray has been taken of the 1940s crackers which were found in a dusty corner of a recently closed newsagents in York. Since then they have been held in the conservation laboratories of the York Archaeological Trust where they were X-rayed. Items include a Scotty dog brooch, a flower pin brooch, a toy bell and a tin whistle. They also contain brass lapel badges in the shape of aeroplanes, paper hats and jokes.

X ray views of the surprise gifts hidden inside a set of 60 year old Christmas crackers

The crackers and X-ray have now been donated to the Castle Museum in York. Sarah Maultby, assistant curactor of social history said: "These crackers are an excellent find and we are very pleased that the YAT have donated them to us. "The different boxes are all in great condition and by x-raying them we have a record of what is inside without having to destroy them. They are a brilliant addition to our festive collection."

Assistant Curactor Sarah Maultby with one of the boxes found

The crackers donated to the museum are two different makes, Golden Gate Crackers in a flat oblong box, and Universe Xmas Crackers in a deeper square box.
There is no indication on either packaging of when or where they were made, though the latter had a pencilled price of 8/6d on the lid.

North News and Pictures, 15th December 2006,

Guess the Sportsman Competition - Result

2006-12-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

Marianne Phillips from St Annes, UK was the winner of our first competition.

She won a box of luxury Christmas Crackers and guessed the mystery tennis star who was Ille Nastase.

Mariane replied to us:

'I would just like to say thank you very much for my box of luxury crackers. They looked great on my table at Christmas.

Thank you and Happy New Year.

Regards

Marianne Phillips'

Guess the Sportsman Competition

2006-12-01T01:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas Competition December 2006 (Competition is now Closed)

Last year I appeared on BBC1's Question of Sport Christmas Special making crackers with a famous tennis star.

I am offering a box of 6 luxury crackers to the person who can name that 70's tennis player.

Right! OK! Here are a few clues:

He appeared in two Wimbledon Men's Finals, once 1972 and another in 1976.

He is a nice person but can be quite 'Nasty' sometimes.

Look at the pic below from the show and see if you can recognise him:

Email you answer to: competition@absolutelycrackers.com

Entries should reach us no later than 12th December 2006. First name out of the hat will win. Good Luck!

Keith Langford (Managing Director, Absolutely Crackers)

* Competition is open to all countries. Postage will be paid for. Tax duties may have to be paid in some countries.

* You will also be contacted by email asking if you would like to join our mailing list which informs you of offers and competitions from only us at Absolutely Crackers.

To unsubscribe you will just need to click on the link provided. Your email will NOT be passed on to any other party.

* Managing Director's decision is final.

He's Absolutely Crackers!

2005-12-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

KEITH LANGFORD, managing director of cracker-making business Absolutely Crackers, in Milton Keynes, spends his entire year, not just Christmas, with crackers on his mind.

"The bulk of our cracker sales used to be in the USA," says Keith, "but, over the last three years or so, our sales in the UK have overtaken America. My website is a one-stop cracker shop where people can buy for all occasions. Crackers are certainly not just seasonal nowadays, though of course the most traditional time for crackers is still the festive season.

Collectible

"Crackers are now popular at many different functions and their popularity is growing all the time.
"Wedding crackers are a very popular buy. They contain cherubs, charms, and other wedding-related items. And they look great on tables at receptions. Collectible crackers are a big hit too. Wade Whimsies and various other figurines are inside them and provide mementoes of a lovely dinner or celebration for those attending.

"The cracker's been around for more than 150 years. It was invented in 1847, almost by accident, by Victorian baker Tom Smith. It was a very simple idea that went on to become an integral part of British celebrations and tradition.
"Tom Smith was forward thinking, often travelling abroad to search for new ideas and, on a trip to Paris in 1840, he discovered the 'bon-bon', a sugar almond wrapped in a twist of tissue paper. It was a simple idea that over the next few years would evolve into the cracker.
"He brought bon-bons to London where they proved very popular over Christmas. When sales dwindled in January, Tom decided to place a small love motto in the tissue paper and encouraged his suppliers to buy.
"Tom was on to a winner. He wanted a 'crackle' to add a spark of excitement to his novelty bon-bon and experimented to find a compound to give a suitable bang caused by friction when the wrapping was broken.
"He increased the size but kept the bon-bon's shape, the motto, and added a surprise gift. The cracker was born, and Tom Smith's business went from strength to strength."

Harry Potter

Has Keith a favourite amongst the many styles of crackers?
"There's no easy answer to that," he says. "I have a soft spot for them all, from traditional ones and themed ones, such as Harry Potter and The Simpsons, to cracker kits that are assembled by the customers who then add their own chosen gifts.
"A current big hit with my customers are Musical Concerto crackers.
"Each one holds a different musical note whistle and, by using the music sheet included, folk can play both everyday and Christmas songs. Great fun!"
And will Keith spend Christmas knee-deep in crackers?
"You bet! I sleep, eat and breathe crackers 365 days a year. In fact, I'm Absolutely Crackers!"

Pull the other one, Keith!

Visit www.absolutelycrackers.com for more information.

The Sunday Post
18th December 2005

Win a Cracking Christmas with Bhs

2005-11-10T04:48:00.000-08:00

Bhs has made sure that Christmas will go with a bang this year, by hiding £100,000 in their Christmas Crackers.One lucky person might find the winning ticket (sparkling and golden in the best Wonka tradition) any time between now and Christmas. The ticket can be redeemed for £10,000 cash to spend wherever and on whatever the lucky winner decides.

In addition to the £10,000 ticket, 10 Bhs crackers will contain silver tickets worth £1,000 and a massive 8,000 crackers will contain £10 vouchers to spend at Bhs. The Christmas cracker was invented over 150 years ago by a confectioners apprentice called Tom Smith. Aiming to make his bon-bons more exciting, and inspired by the crackling of a log fire, he combined a colourful paper wrapper, some sugary treats and a little saltpetre to create the forerunner of the crackers we know today. Over the years crackers have contained bigger and better gifts, but rarely as big as Bhs's £100,000 bonanza. Crackers are one of Bhs's bestsellers at Christmas, and have already started to fly off the shelves. As well as crackers, Bhs has unusual stocking-fillers, sparkling decorations and creative gift ideas for the whole family, making it one of the nations favourite Christmas shopping destinations.

Bhs boss Philip Green and Kelly Brook launch the hunt for £100,000 hidden in Bhs crackers at the Oxford Street store, London. One winning ticket - sparkling and golden in the best Wonka tradition - can be redeemed for £10,000 cash to spend wherever and on whatever the lucky winner decides

10th November 2005

Jumbo Crackers Feature on ITV's Countdown to Christmas

2004-12-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

Our Jumbo Cracker kits were featured today on Antony Worrall Thompson's ITV's Countdown to Christmas 2004 at 5pm.

Design guru Gordon Whistance, who also presents on the show, creates a bang using our 2ft cracker kit. – He looks at the huge range available, how to make your own personalised Christmas cracker and concentrates on decorations all around the home.
http://www.itv.com

How to pull this Christmas!

2003-12-01T01:36:00.000-08:00

With office Christmas parties now in full swing, and Christmas Day just around the corner, Woolworths has enlisted the help of a top engineer to develop a formula that will make those with a competitive nature jump for joy – you never need to lose a cracker-pull ever again.

Whether it’s board games, silly stories or cracker pulling, some people just have to win. If you always falter at quiz questions and are sick of being the butt of family jokes, just use the cracker-pull formula that boffins who work for Woolworths have developed, and you’ll never lose at cracker-pulling again!

The formula, developed for Woolworths by Dr Matthew Bennett, B.Eng., C.Eng., MIChemE , is based on a number of factors, all which contribute to the ‘perfect pull’. He spent hours in a laboratory testing over 200 crackers to come up with this formula – just don’t tell the rest of the family!

e = 11 C + 5Q
L

e = optimal angle for pulling the cracker

C = circumference of cracker barrel

L = length of cracker barrel section

Q = cracker "quality factor"

Dr Bennett obtained his first degree and PhD from Bath University, and is now a Senior Process Technology Engineer working for a high profile company.

Says Dr. Bennett, "I always remember as a child wishing I could beat my younger brother/sister at something.

Then while in Woolworths this idea just sprung into my mind as I spend my working life formulating mathematical solutions. By working with Woolworths on this, I feel as though I have finally got my revenge – what a great Christmas present to all kid brothers and sisters, a harmless way to get back at their siblings."

Nicole Lander, Head of Corporate Affairs, Woolworths said: "Most of us want to win when we pull a cracker. This is a guaranteed way to get one up over your brother, mum, colleague or friend to make sure you’re the one cracking the jokes over Christmas lunch or at the office party." Woolworths, which sells around 15 million crackers every Christmas, thinks this is a great idea and is considering adding the formula to some of its packaging for next year.
So how do we know that it really works? Well, here’s the science bit to prove it.

The Optimal Angle of Pull – (e)

The humble Christmas cracker consists of a reinforced barrel section (the bit in the middle) connected to the tail section at either end. (see below). When pulled, the cracker will always rip somewhere within the weak areas connecting the barrel to the tails, as indicated by the lines of likely failure on the diagram. If the tails are held in the same way and pulled straight backwards with an equal amount of force the cracker is equally likely to fail at either end – i.e. your chance of victory is just 50%. To improve your chances of winning the pull, you need to apply some scientific principles!

By pulling the cracker backwards and down at the same time it is possible to concentrate the force across the top face of the opponents line of likely failure making a failure at this point (indicated as "point of extra strain") more likely
A detailed mathematical analysis of the stresses involved has shown that the optimum downwards angle for pulling the cracker (e) is somewhere between 200 and 550, dependent on the geometry of the cracker and the material of manufacture

The equations describing the optimum angle of pull are complicated. Don’t event try to work it out unless you possess a degree in mathematics. Use ours instead!

How can I make sure that my calculations are correct?

To measure C, you need to take a piece of string and wrap it all the way around the circumference of the barrel. Make a mark, straighten it, and measure with a ruler. C & L can either be centimetres or inches, provided the same units are used for both.

Q is a factor relating to the quality of the cracker. It is found that the more expensive crackers tend to be constructed of superior quality, stronger material. As the quality of material improves the optimum angle of pull increases slightly. To determine factor Q, assess the quality of the cracker by visual examination. Q will have a value of 1, 2 or 3 as follows:

Q=1 Value or home made cracker where paper/foil is thin

Q=2 Standard cracker

Q=3 Luxury cracker constructed of sturdy materials

"It is usually possible to estimate the Q factor by just considering the price," continues Dr Bennett. "If you bought your crackers from Woolworths, then up Q by one point. Crackers from Woolies are better quality than their price would suggest."

Although the above equation only approximates the rigorous mathematical solution of optimal angle, the error is usually less than 50. This is a small error, especially when considering that, in practice, it is difficult to pull the cracker on exactly the calculated angle.

How am I sure that it really works?

For example, a standard cracker from Woolies has the following dimensions:

C = 18cm

L = 9cm

Generally, the quality factor Q would be assessed to be a 2. However being a Woolworths cracker, we will take Dr Bennett’s advice and increase the quality factor by one notch to 3. The desired angle of pull is calculated as follows:

e = (11 x 18/9) + (5 x 3) = 370

Getting It Just Right

In order to evenly spread the stress on your own side of the cracker whilst pulling the cracker back and downwards, it is crucial that the following actions be followed. It can take a little practice to master the technique.

The cracker should be gripped approximately one inch from the end of the tail closest to the barrel.

The thumb and forefinger should form a complete circle around the circumference of the tail. Do not stick the thumb out towards the barrel.

The tail should be kept in line with the barrel throughout the pull.

Twisting the tail during the pull should be avoided.

Pull the tail straight back and down without allowing any sideways movement.

Pull with an even steady force. Do not jerk the cracker.

Experimentation on a range of different crackers has demonstrated that, if all of the above principles are adopted, the chance of victory is increased from 50 to 73%.

Pulling the cracker back and upwards at the same calculated angle is equally effective. Although, this way, the prize inside the cracker will fall on the floor.

Tech Life

2002-12-02T00:14:00.000-08:00

ABSOLUTELY CRACKERS (www.absolutelycrackers.co.uk) IT may seem like the last refuge of the criminally bewildered, but it is, in fact, the place to buy those things with silly hats, bad jokes and dodgy "gifts" inside.The ones you pull at Christmas. No, not the postboy or the blonde secretary ...

Published in The Daily Record, 2nd December 2002

Pull the other one!

2001-07-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

CITY businessman almost told his most famous customer so far to "pull the other one" when they asked for 50 gold crackers for the forthcoming Harry Potter film.

But when movie giants Warner Brothers called on Keith Langford's Absolutely Crackers to provide the props for the Christmas party scene he snapped at the chance as the reality started to sink in. And Keith, who started his Internet firm four years ago after recognising a gap in the market for year-round cracker suppliers, said he never felt tempted to up the selling price for the order despite the studio's wealth. "It was quite a surprise but not such a big deal - so I never thought to charge more than the usual price," said Keith, of Milton Keynes. "If the order was larger then I might have done."

Warner Brothers, who are producing the film adaptation of JK Rowling's bestseller Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at Pinewood Studios, searched the world for a cracker supplier who could come up with the goods. They finally stumbled across Absolutely Crackers earlier this year after tapping in crackers on an Internet website search engine. "Crackers are virtually unheard of in America," added Keith. "But we can offer them at anytime for corporate events, weddings or other requirements - we even do empty ones for customers to put their own surprises inside."

Keith says he is now hoping to land a contract, keeping his business in the movie frame, supplying crackers to the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain in London and throughout Europe. Harry Potter is screened in the UK from November 16.

Published in The Milton Keynes Citizen (UK) 19th July 2001

Cracker Prop Collectors card from the film

Cracker Kits - Feedback

1999-01-31T04:45:00.000-08:00

After searching my hometown for snaps to no avail I found out about your Cracker Kits through Martha Stewart's Living. (December 1998 Christmas Issue). I ordered by phone and got my kit in 7 days. I assembled them for Christmas dinner and also for New Year's Eve. They added to the festivities more than any fine wine. Thank you for your quick service and adding to the holiday celebration. Marilyn

Marilyn Schneider Evansville, Indiana, USA. 31st January 1999

My joke job is a cracker

1998-12-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

A CHRISTMAS cracker-maker has had to hire a joke checker - because Americans don't get our gags. The new recruit has to weed out "peculiarly English" jokes after complaints from U.S. distributors. Gags they didn't get include:

Q: What mint can't you eat?
A: The Royal Mint.

Q: Where do policemen live?
A: Letsbe Avenue.

Q: Which panto is set in a chemist's shop?
A: Puss in Boots.

Boss Keith Langford, 30, of Absolutely Crackers in Milton Keynes, Bucks, said: "We don't want to upset the Americans. We do a lot of business with them."

Published in The Sun (UK)
10 December 1998

Solved our place setting, favour and decoration problems in one - Feedback

1998-07-30T04:41:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like to hear how we solved our place setting, favour and decoration problems in one. The answer is Wedding Crackers! We ordered them through email and telephone from a company called Absolutely Crackers. We always have loads of crackers at Christmas (on Xmas eve, Xmas day and Boxing day), so I know my family just love them. Our colour scheme is green, white and silver so our crackers are silver with white roses, green leaves and ribbons at either end. They come in silver, white, red or gold, with white, pink or gold roses, green or white leaves and white or pink ribbons. Absolutely Crackers supplied them to us with 5 white sugared almonds in each, tied only at one end. I raided the web for quotes on love and marriage, romantic, funny and cynical and have given each guest a unique quote. We've stuck on little white labels, with people's names written in silver, and these will be the place markers for people so they know where to sit. I'm sure some people will think this is a really strange idea, but I love them, and I think they look very effective. I can't wait to see people's faces when they read the quotes we have chosen. Sarah

Sarah Parkinson, Cambridge, England. 30th July 1998

Tom Smith to Close - What the Papers Say

1998-07-30T00:34:00.000-07:00

A Century of Christmas cracker production in Norwich is coming to a close, with the loss of over 170 jobs. Tom Smith Crackers, founded by cracker inventor Tom Smith, is closing after the loss of a major customer and several other smaller customers.
Daily Mirror, 30th July 1998

Royal Cracker Company to Close - The Christmas cracker firm that has supplied the Royal Family with paper hats, novelties and excruciating jokes for almost a century is to close.
Only a small group of Tom Smith staff who roll up the Queen's crackers by hand know their contents and are sworn to secrecy. All that has been given away is that the crackers bound for Sandringham conceal "small but valuable" gifts. None of the mottos or corny riddles that leave royal diners groaning have ever been revealed. Disappointment was expected at Buckingham Palace last night but officials were still awaiting confirmation of the closure. A spokesman for the Tom Smith Crackers said: "I have no doubt that the Royal Family will be very disappointed. They always write thanking us for the Christmas crackers that we provide for them every year and it has always been an important part of our company tradition.
Sunday Telegraph, 26th July 1998

Your Crackers Have Gone Bang, Ma'am - Around 175 workers will lose their jobs at Tom Smith Crackers, of Norwich, Norfolk, when it closes later this year. The company has made the Royal crackers since 1906 - and one of the workers' last tasks will be to hand-make a special, farewell batch. A company spokesman said: "Generations of Royals have worn our Christmas paper hats and laughed at our jokes. We deliver them to all the Royal palaces. "The staff are always sworn to secrecy about the contents and I have no doubt the family will be very disappointed we are closing. They always write thanking us."
Sunday Mirror, 26th July 1998

The Party's Over - Britain's best-known maker of Christmas crackers is to close after 150 years. More than 170 people will lose their jobs at Norwich-based Tom Smith Crackers
Daily Record, 24th July 1998

The firm that invented the Christmas cracker 150 years ago, Tom Smith Crackers of Norwich, announced it is closing with the loss of 175 jobs. The pound has all but seen off its export business.
Daily Mail, 24th July 1998

Going Crackers in Hawaii - Feedback

1998-06-16T04:34:00.000-07:00

What can I say except, thank you! They were such a great hit with everyone. I used the crackers to give away the centrepiece. In one cracker I placed a pink fishing lure in and whoever had that lure in their cracker won the centrepiece for their table. The winners then had to put the crowns on but everyone who had one put it on and several of them were wearing it throughout the rest of the evening. People are still talking about our wedding and how much fun they had and we owe part of it to you and your crackers. Thank you again for everything! Colleen.

Colleen M Yoneda, Hawaii, 16th June 1998

Our Daughter's Fourth July Wedding - Feedback

1998-06-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

It is Done! The wedding was beautiful! The weather here heavenly and the accessories (flowers, dresses, food, etc.) were lovely! Giving the crackers as favors was a Huge "hit"!! The paper contents went flying across tables as pop's were heard throughout the room. It added just enough of the Fourth of July to my daughters wedding day. Thank you so much for all the help and correspondence over the past year (or more). I know I will be checking back again for the holidays. Susan

Susan Powell, New York, USA. 6th July 1998

Christmas Websites

1997-12-16T00:10:00.000-08:00

Absolutely Crackers Ltd http://www.absolutelycrackers.com/ Inspired by a sugared almond wrapped in tissue paper, confectioner Tom Smith invented the first Christmas cracker in 1847. The company he started is now the world's leading manufacturer, and this fascinating history of the device includes the use of cracker "snaps" to simulate machine- gun fire for troop training in the Second World War, and the special set still made each year for the Royal Family - style and contents a closely guarded secret. In the US, though, a cracker is something you eat with chilli, or a term of racial abuse, so this site aims to recruit more Americans to the habit of mottoes, bad jokes and silly hats.

Independent 16th Decemeber 1997

Online crackers for Christmas

1997-12-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

Keith Langford doesn't mind if people call him Absolutely Crackers, for that is the name of the company he has set up to sell them all over the world via the net (Nicholas Booth writes).

But be warned: a cracker isn't just for Christmas, it could be there for every aspect of your life. And Langford's Web site at http://www.absolutelycrackers.com will tell you everything you ever need to know about luxury crackers, party and theme ones, catering crackers, and deluxe wedding crackers. By offering such a service, Langford says he hopes "to revolutionise crackers for the new millennium".

Crackers have come a long way since they were invented in 1847 by Tom Smith. Coincidentally, Absolutely Crackers distributes the Famous Tom Smith brand to both the US and Britain. Yet the Christmas favourites are not so well known in the US. Even the most cursory Web search reveals that most sites connected with "crackers" refer to biscuits.

According to Langford, crackers are only available from major stores such as Macy's in the larger cities. "There is a vast untapped market in the States," he says. "There are many gift shops which would probably want to sell them, as well as less well-known chains. The net is the best way to reach these shops."

He hopes to get crackers out of the niche market in the US, where sales are restricted to "boutique" sites such as Oldenglishcrackers which sells exclusive, hand-made crackers made from satin and silk. Langford himself has registered the site with the .com address with the American market in mind.

Published in The Times (UK)
10th December 1997

The Royal Mail Goes Crackers for Christmas

1997-09-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

Royal Mail issued the set of five new stamps that millions of people in London will use in the run upto Christmas to send their seasons greetings to friends and loved ones.

The Christmas Crackers series celebrates the 150th anniversary of the invention of crackers by confectioner Tom Smith at his Finsbury Square premises in 1847. Victorian images of the new stamps took designer John Gorham, of Bramley in Surrey, three years to develop and led him to the archives of the Tom Smith company now based in Norwich. "I had to trawl through material from the original company until I came across brochures advertising what were then known as snap-crackers," said John. "Obviously, it was alot of sweat and worry to get the designs right but, now they're out, it's terrific."

Consumer Mail marketing manager Rowena Robson said "The Cracker has become a symbol of Christmas tradition just like the turkey dinner. The 150th birthday is a perfect opportunity for the Royal Mail to celebrate this unique British contribution to Yuletide festivities."