Millions of UK homes that subscribe to Virgin Media are getting a blockbuster free upgrade this month. The UK telecoms and TV giant has announced a new incentive which is adding premium channels without charging a penny extra. The bonus includes full access to a swathe of kids’ channels including Sky Kids, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Baby TV. This usually costs £5 per month, but for the whole of October that fee has been scrapped.

With half-term on the horizon, this deal comes at a perfect time, and there’s another bonus as well.

Virgin says customers aren’t restricted to just watching at home. Kids can also watch on the go through the Virgin TV Go app, allowing them to stream content over WiFi, 4G or 5G across the UK. That should help keep younger family members entertained on those long holiday journeys.

Content available via these channels includes Pip and Posy’s Spooktacular Party (Sky Kids), Adventure Time Side Quests (Cartoon Network), SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon), PAW Patrol (Nick Jr.), The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball: Halloween Special (Cartoon Network) and HexVets & Magic Pets (Nick Jr.).

Speaking about the free upgrade, Richard Vivian, Director of Commercial Development at Virgin Media O2, said: “We know the school holidays can be a busy time for families, so we’re giving customers access to some of our most popular kids’ channels at no extra cost throughout October.

“With favourites from Sky Kids, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Baby TV, alongside hundreds of episodes available on demand, there is plenty for children of all ages to enjoy. It’s a little extra value for our customers and a great way to help keep the kids entertained during half term.”

Home shouldn’t need to touch their TV boxes or start retuning things with the update being added automatically.

It ends on October 31, with homes then needing to pay the £5 fee to continue watching.