PR Stunt Watch: Flight Centre’s “Gorilla Adoption”, M&S’s Picky Bits Day and Aunt Bessie’s Harry Styles newsjack

In a week of record-breaking heatwaves, political musical chairs and a distinctly average England game, brands had to shout pretty loud to be heard. These are the stunts that managed to cut through…

Flight Centre’s “Gorilla Adoption”

ICYMI, Adele Teale was recently ordered by Wakefield Council to remove "Caesar" (a giant resin gorilla) from outside her home or face a £20,000 fine. Despite her best efforts to fight the bureaucracy, she had to say goodbye.

Enter Flight Centre. They immediately jumped on the story, sending a dedicated “Gorilla Adoption Team” to carefully transport Caesar to his new home at their South Molton Street store.

A swift response that turned a hyper-local human interest story into a national brand moment. Newsjacking at its finest.

M&S’s Picky Bits Day

After the viral success of the "Picky Bits Song" from Keeley Hawes and Diana Vickers last year, it was only a matter of time before M&S Food, the undisputed home of the picky bit, got involved.

They’ve officially declared Friday 27th June as National Picky Bits Day, complete with a music video. Diana Vickers, who is enjoying a well-deserved comeback, was even referred to as “Summer’s Mariah Carey.” Is there a better accolade?

House of the Dragon’s Dragon

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it AI slop? No, it’s a life-sized mechanical replica of Syrax, the dragon from House of the Dragon, soaring across the London skyline.

With an 8-metre wingspan and 23 dexterous moving parts, the remote controlled masterpiece could have easily been mistaken for AI. But Bus Aunty confirmed it was real. A simple idea, executed on a Hollywood scale.

Aunt Bessie’s Harry Styles newsjack

Watermelon sugar…Yorkshire?

After Harry Styles randomly declared his undying love for Yorkshire puddings mid-concert, Aunt Bessie’s wasted absolutely no time, offering the pop star a lifetime supply.

Sharing a roast dinner pic smothered in gravy alongside Harry’s quote, the brand wrote, "We hear you love a Yorkshire pudding as much as we do, so how about a lifetime supply?”

Fast, fun and practically free to execute. Golden.