In the summer of 2025, BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions released The Great Ice Cream Hunt, a 56-minute musical film created by Maddie Moate. Featuring an all-star cast led by Justin Fletcher, the story follows young Lolly and her friend Pinecone the Hedgehog as they embark on a whimsical journey to retrieve every last ice cream that has mysteriously vanished from their town Wikipedia.

Where and When to Watch

• Cinemas (UK & Ireland): Premiered July 11, 2025.
• Broadcast & Streaming: CBeebies and BBC iPlayer at the end of August 2025, free for all UK viewers.

What to Expect

• Original Songs & Choreography: Nathan Cockerill’s score brings energy to every scene, from the opening anthem “Meltdown Melody” to the finale “Scoop of Hope.”
• Colorful Characters: Lolly (played by Evie Pickerill) and Pinecone’s playful banter anchors the story, supported by familiar CBeebies hosts like Gemma Hunt and Andy Day.
• Interactive Moments: The film pauses for sing-along segments, inviting children to join in with simple hand-clap and dance cues.

Why Families Will Love It

1. Positive Messaging: Emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving in lighthearted ways.
2. Music-Driven Learning: Catchy melodies and repeated lyrics support memory and language skills.
3. Screen-Positive Viewing: Short enough to maintain attention, with built-in “activity breaks” that encourage movement.

Family Viewing Tips

• Sing-Along Practice: Before watching, learn the chorus to “Meltdown Melody” from CBeebies’ YouTube channel.
• DIY Ice Cream Lab: After viewing, host a simple kitchen activity—create no-churn ice cream with yogurt and fruit.
• Role-Play Adventure: Use cardboard boxes and craft supplies to build your own “ice cream van” and reenact the hunt.

Conclusion

The Great Ice Cream Hunt brings a fresh, musical flavor to family entertainment—combining Maddie Moate’s inventive storytelling with sing-along fun and positive lessons about friendship and determination. Whether in cinemas or on your TV, this tasty musical is sure to leave everyone craving more.

Q&A Section

Q1: When is the film available on CBeebies?
A1: It streams for free on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer starting late August 2025. Wikipedia

Q2: How long is the musical?
A2: The film runs approximately 56 minutes—perfect for preschool and early-primary attention spans.

Sources:

• Wikipedia entry on The Great Ice Cream Hunt Wikipedia